If you were unable to attend this year’s AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, check out our observations and favorite moments from this year’s event. The show’s theme centered around healthcare ‘superheroes’ and many of the keynotes touched on the more personal side of healthcare.
“Caring defines what we do every day.” Outgoing AHCA Board Chair Michael Wylie [Video]
“The general opening session was the best because it discussed the direction AHCA is moving to focus on highlighting the positive actions of nursing home staff. Their message was that improving QM’s, although important, is not what improves public opinions of nursing homes. The way residents are cared about and the countless stories of caregivers showing love to residents needs to be kept in the spotlight.” Tammy McKenna
The Buzz at the Booth
The ‘Why I Care’ Campaign
AHCA organized a selfie station encouraging attendees to take photos of themselves with their ‘Why I Care’ statements to further their ongoing #WhyICare campaign. This continued this year’s more personal theme of spotlighting the people and the ‘why’ behind healthcare.
@btlinder12 and I stopped by the @ahcancal booth to say why we care! #whyicare – it is not only my job – it is personal. #ahcancal19 pic.twitter.com/umN85I74Lm
— Betsy Johnson (@BetsyJohnsonEsq) October 15, 2019
"I am rewarded everyday . . . I love my job because I get so much from others!"
— AHCA/NCAL (@ahcancal) October 28, 2019
We loved hearing why everybody cares about their career in long term/post-acute care. Why do you care?#WhyICare pic.twitter.com/p1LuDQX0qF
Watchfully Waiting for PDPM Results
The vibe is that the transition itself is going smoothly but that there’s a period of time before providers and partners will have any insights on the impact of implementation.
“Still lots of uncertainty and angst about long term success especially as we move further along to a unified payment system. “ Maria Arellano
Abuse Icon Concerns
There was high concern about CMS’ new abuse icon for Nursing Home Compare. Jim Berklan, executive editor of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, shared his concerns for the icon and the concerns he heard expressed by fellow show attendees.
Spotlight on Quality
This year was the highest number of Quality Award recipients – impressive! We were excited to have past and current quality award winners Walt Hekimian (Edgemoor, 2017 Gold Quality Award Winner) and Allan Engelauf (Vista Pacifica, 2019 Gold Quality Award Winner) stop by the booth to chat. Walt shared some great news with us: Edgemoor was recently named the best nursing home in California by Newsweek.
“I loved getting the chance to connect with recent award winner Allan Engelauf, who told me that what inspired him to go for the gold was Walt Hekimian’s gold acceptance speech in 2017!” Cathy Fratello, Business Development Executive (pictured right with Walt and Allan)
Client Login
