AALC Newsletter - August 2021

August 11, 2021

A Message from the Executive Director

Greetings!

The first case of COVID-19 was identified in the United States in January 2020. Fast forward to August 2021, we are now bracing for another resurgence with the proliferation of COVID-19 variants. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) last week issued revised interim guidance for long-term care facilities, including Supportive Living, that incorporates new masking requirements.

All residents must wear a cloth face mask or face covering, when outside of their rooms and when staff or other visitors enter their rooms. Residents who cannot tolerate masks (e.g. persons with dementia or other medical conditions) must physically distance themselves from others to reduce their risk of transmission. To learn more, click here.

The measures that are needed to keep our communities safe, such as universal mask-wearing, do not need to prevent our residents from continuing to “travel” the world as they participate in our Life is journey travel themed programming for the year!

So get your “Life is Journey” masks for residents from our online store during our summer sale and begin or continue your virtual travels!

Where is your community going this August to celebrate Life is a Journey?

If you aren't sure, how about France?

Enjoy French food!
Watch fun films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame or Ratatouille!
Wear berets!

For more ideas on places to go, check our website.

And don't forget to share your journeys with us by posting photos on social media and tagging AALC!

AALC wants all residents, staff, and families to stay safe and healthy! After all, we believe that Supportive Living is Healthy Living!

To help ensure transparency, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced last week that COVID-19 vaccination data for both residents and staff in long-term care (LTC) facilities is now available on the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/long-term-care-facility-data. Given that LTC facilities have experienced a significant portion of COVID-19 deaths, particularly early in pandemic, this resource will be critical for tracking COVID-19 vaccinations for both staff and residents in facilities across state.

Visit AALC's Website for Additional COVID-19 Resources

Legislative Update

AALC is working with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) regarding timing the implementation of the $26 per-day per-diem rate add-on. The Department has submitted a state plan amendment to the federal government to request the increased funding, which is expected to be approved soon.

AALC is also advocating to protect and enhance the SLP rate of reimbursement as nursing home rate reform and bed tax negotiations are underway.

As a reminder, in 2012, supportive living rates were “de-linked” the last time the nursing home bed tax was increased, which cost the industry millions. In 2019, SLF rates were “re-linked” to nursing home rates and the AALC is seeking to ensure that this time, supportive living rates are protected and potentially increased, under any nursing home reimbursement changes.

View Current SL Rates Effective July 1, 2021

AALC Member Spotlight

Life is a Journey When You're Visiting National Parks!

The residents of The Manor at Craig Farms have traveled to 19 out of the 62 US National Parks!

The trips included family vacations, retirement travel, and virtual visits.

What a fun way to remember trips with family and friends, and discover new parks virtually!

We agree with them when they say: "We are blessed to live and enjoy such a beautiful country!!"

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES!

Photo & Testimonial Contest Ends on August 31!

Find out more here.