AALC Newsletter - September 2021

September 8, 2021

A Message from the Executive Director

Greetings!

This month we are pleased to announce the 2021 winners of the AALC Annual Photo and Testimonial contest.

In keeping with our theme this year, we asked residents and staff to share pictures and stories about the many places that they had “traveled” throughout the year because life is a journey! We know this continues to be a challenging time for all of us, but we are encouraged and inspired by the resilience of our communities—residents, and staff—as reflected in your pictures and stories! There were so many great submissions making it difficult to choose only three, but the following stood out and deserve special recognition.

Photo Contest Winners:

1st Place: Heritage Woods of Minooka - Hilde

2nd Place: Heritage Woods of Ottawa - Betty

3rd Place: Springfield Supportive Living - Leroy

Testimonial Contest Winners:

1st Place: Heritage Woods of Freeport - Terri Dodds

2nd Place: Deer Path of Huntley - Rebekah Flores

3rd Place: Heritage Woods of Ottawa - Joyce

You can see their photos and read their testimonials below in the A Closer Look section.

We will recognize and display other submissions on our website and social media outlets. Again, we want to thank you for bringing AALC along with you on your Life’s journey.

If you have questions or suggestions for AALC, please send them to info@aalcillinois.org.

Please continue to stay safe!

Governor Pritzker last week issued Executive Order 2021-22, regarding health care worker vaccination and routine testing. Supportive Living Program employees who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated must be tested at least weekly. Increased testing may be required by the local health department or due to a higher county positivity rate. To learn more, click here.

Read the recently released FAQ from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity on Face Covering and Vaccination Requirement. Click Here.

Weekly COVID-19 Webinars!

Don’t miss the weekly webinar for long term care providers hosted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Below are registration links for IDPH’s Friday COVID 19 Q&A webinars for LTC providers and congregate living settings. Please have someone from your staff register. These webinars are very informative.

· September 10th - 1:00 to 2:00pm

· September 17th - 1:00 to 2:00pm

· September 24th - 1:00 to 2:00pm

Visit AALC's Website for Additional COVID-19 Resources

Legislative Update

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is beginning to host weekly meetings with the skilled nursing industry regarding increasing the nursing home assessment and potential Medicaid rate reform. AALC is actively engaged with HFS’ leadership as well as key legislative leaders to ensure that Supportive Living rates are protected, and potentially enhanced, once the skilled nursing assessment is adjusted and the gross amount of funds distributed to nursing homes increases. As a reminder, since 2019, supportive living rates have been “linked” to 54.3% of the skilled nursing rate, so any changes in the skilled nursing rate impacts Supportive Living rates. Protecting the Supportive Living Program remains AALC's top priority and the AALC lobbying team is actively monitoring the landscape and engaging stakeholders that are involved in and overseeing the Medicaid rate reform process.

View Current SL Rates Effective July 1, 2021

2021 Photo & Testimonial Contest Winners!

1st Place:

"Hilde loves her special invitation to her birthday lunch"

Heritage Woods of Minooka

2nd Place:

"Betty (resident) receives a heartfelt message from her family!"

Heritage Woods of Ottawa

3rd Place:

"Even during COVID we still have smiles!"

Springfield Supportive Living

1st Place:

"I wasn't in a good place in my life mentally or physically having some tragic life situations decided it was time for change. My first impression - welcomed and loved. Improved 110% physically, mentally, now more social. Many friends are like family to me. My family is beyond happy, at was knowing I am loved and safe."

Terri Dodds, Resident of Heritage Woods of Freeport

2nd Place:

“Being fairly new to Deer Path, it was getting involved that changed my outlook of my new living arrangement. Participating in activities has allowed me to build new friendships, practice my leadership skills, and help others to do the same.” Rebekah Flores, Resident of Deer Path of Huntley

3rd Place:

“The folks here are so kind and friendly. When I moved in, I was nervous about meeting new people. My neighbors were excited to introduce themselves and it made me feel very welcome! I should have moved here sooner!”

Joyce, Resident of Heritage Woods of Ottawa