News

In the last several weeks, the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living settings have increased. Because there was an extended time when outbreaks were low, we have received many questions about handling them, specifically visitation and testing.

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress continuing for staff rates, while resident rates remain outstanding.

Funding for the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant Training programs will end on Friday, Sept. 10. Access to the training will remain available to members through EduCare until the 1135 waiver expires, which has no known expiration date at this time. Non-EduCare users may access programs for a fee by contacting Jennifer Anderson or calling 952-288-3800.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an email to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) users requesting information on vaccine access. This information is reported through the required weekly reporting for nursing homes on the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in Minnesota and, as a result, long-term care settings should review guidance, policies, and practices to ensure infection prevention and control protocols are up to date. Organizations are also experiencing an increase in outbreak cases. Many reached out to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding visitation practices.

Funding for the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant Training programs, expedited trainings for caregivers available under the 1135 Waiver, will soon be ending. Access to the trainings will remain available to members through EduCare until the waiver expires. Non-EduCare users may access programs for a fee by contacting Jennifer Anderson or calling 952-288-3800.

Argentum has joined the ranks of national organizations supporting employer mandates of COVID-19 vaccinations for the senior living workforce. The Argentum Board of Directors voted unanimously to support this action, and the organization has publicly issued a statement.

On Aug. 4, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted a document communicating recommended protective actions in residential and non-residential settings licensed by DHS in light of the Delta variant. The new guidance provides recommendations on testing, masking, and other protective actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

We live in a culture that rewards many things, some positive and some that tax our resilience. As health care workers during an ongoing pandemic, we might be especially prone to burning the candle at both ends to hold it all together at work and home.

Funding for the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant Training programs, expedited training for caregivers available under the 1135 Waiver, will soon end. Access will remain available to members through EduCare until the waiver expires. Non-EduCare users may access programs for a fee by contacting Jennifer Anderson or calling 952-288-3800.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) release new testing recommendations for long-term care providers on Monday, Aug. 3.

The Delta variant is more easily transmissible and spreads faster than the original COVID-19 virus or other variants, primarily among unvaccinated and vulnerable individuals. Data shows most COVID-19 cases in long-term care organizations are brought in by staff members. With the Delta variant, the dominant strain in Minnesota, there is risk for increased infection in our settings.

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress toward the goal rates continuing for staff, while resident rates remain outstanding.

With Minnesota's COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency ending July 1, a question on members' minds is what waivers are still in place and for how long.

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

As a senior care employee at any level, we have busy lives and many pressures from different directions that we absorb every day. In leadership, there are pressures to complete your administrative tasks and also support your staff to be compassionate and productive. The number of things on your mind can seem to soar to new levels with each email or conversation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated guidance for Adult Day Services providers focused on masking and vaccination status.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will require care centers to report the use of COVID-19 relief funds by Aug. 2. To help you comply with these new requirements, we are offering a Payment Coaching Room for care centers members.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for another 90 days through Oct. 18. With this extension, the 1135 federal blanket waivers issued by CMS will continue unless it decides to terminate one or more of the waivers before that date.

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress toward the goal rates continuing for staff, while resident rates remain outstanding.

With the end of Minnesota’s Peacetime Emergency, our team has been closely tracking how the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will manage the transition from various COVID-19 related waivers. Last Friday, we received the welcome news that a Minnesota statute addressing nursing assistant training and competency will continue to be waived, so long as CMS continues to waive the related federal requirement.

Three additional certification cohorts are now available after the first sessions were filled within a week. The new registration deadline is Aug. 16 by noon.