Tuesday, August 25

Pre-Conference Intensives Registration

Assisted Living
Customer Service: It’s Much More Than a Smile
Zohreh Piurek
Senior Vice President and Specialty Consultant
Piurek & Associates
The key to excellent customer service is for every employee in assisted living to identify and meet the needs of the customer. This session will discuss what true customer service means and how to achieve it, and those subtle and sometimes not so subtle things that make all the difference.*

Pre-Conference Intensives Registration

Equipped to Survive… An In-Depth Look at Disaster Preparedness
Will Humble, BS, MPH
Interim Director, Arizona Department of Health Services
Bob Abrams, Esq.
Co-Founder, Of Counsel Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einiger, LLP
This workshop will review what happened up to, during and after Hurricane Katrina; provide an update on H1N1 influenza in Arizona; examine wildfire and monsoon planning; and offer helpful resources. What we learn from the past can better equip us to survive in the future.*

Conference Registration

Lunch on your own

AALNA Business Luncheon

Members of the Arizona Assisted Living Nurses Association {AALNA} are invited to join AALNA leadership for lunch and membership meeting.
$25.00 separate fee.

Vendor Registration and Trade Show Setup

Welcome: Michael Morris

President, Board of Directors
Arizona Health Care Association

Keynote Address

The Future of Long Term Care – Are You Ready?

James M. Berklan, BA, MS, Editor McKnight’s Long Term Care News
{1.0 CEU}
If there is one thing that is constant in long term care, it is change. This session will give a national overview of the current status, along with a look at what the future might bring.

Understanding the Role of Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors

Mark A. Johnson, Esq.
Partner Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, Inc. {1.0 CEU}

The Recovery Audit Contractor {RAC} Program will roll out nationally by 2010. Mark will discuss the history of RACs, areas of focus, types of claims and strategies. s

Break

General Session

Finding the Funny in Change

Jan McInnis, The Work Lady

Jan will show you the do’s and don’ts when dealing with change, along with proven techniques that can apply immediately. {.75 CEU}

Concurrent General Session - Assisted Living

A Review of Assisted Living Rules for Medication

Eleanor Strang, RN, BS, MS, PhD State Licensing Surveyor and Acting Team Leader, Office of Assisted Living, Arizona Department of Health Services

In this session, Eleanor will identify the importance of giving medications or treatments as ordered. {1.0 CEU}

Concurrent General Session - Skilled Nursing

An Update From DHS Long Term Care Licensing

Sylvia Balistreri, RN, BSN
Program Manager of Long Term Care Licensing
Arizona Department of Health Services

This session will review the latest regulatory changes, survey and deficiency trends and emerging issues affecting long term care.

5:30 - 6:45

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of University of Phoenix Stadium –
Optional - $10 fee

Go behind-the-scenes in this breathtaking facility that has set the standard for multi-purpose sports and entertainment complexes.

WEDNESDAY ONLY!

The Arizona Health Care Foundation presents it’s
10th Annual Silent Auction

Since 2000, the Foundation has assisted nearly200 staff members in furthering their education through the Scholarship program, and made dreams a reality for more than 40 residents through the Live A Dream program. Proceeds from the Silent Auction and the 50/50 raffle sales provide the means to make these things happen.

YOU can help staff and residents live their dreams by SHOPPING at the Silent Auction..

The Silent Auction will open at 9:30 am and close at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, August 26

Participant Registration

Continental Breakfast

General Session

Everything I Learned in Life I Learned in Long Term Care

Lori Porter, President & Co-founder National Association of Health Care Assistants {NAHCA}

Lori’s shares not only her triumphs and life-lessons learned but also her set-backs in a way that allows all to enjoy and understand the great dedication and love that is shared between the elderly and those who care for them. {1.0 CEU}

General Session

Exploring The Future of Assisted Living

Nicollette Merino, BS, MPH
Regional Director Of Operations Avamere Senior Care

Acting as a representative of the National Center for Assisted Living {NCAL} Nicolette will update attendees on current trends in assisted living such as national demographic changes, social trends, and legislative issues. {.5 CEU}

TRADE SHOW
EXTRAVAGANZA

Take advantage of all of the knowledge, new products and services our more than
75 exhibitors have to offer.

There is something for everyone this year!

Assisted Living: Easing the Way

Nicollette Merino, BS, MPH
Regional Director Of Operations Avamere Senior Care

This presentation will discuss ways to ease the transition into an assisted living care environment and provide helpful tips to increase resident satisfaction and decrease situational depression.every level.

Navigating the Controlled Substances Laws

John Saliba, RPh
President, Saliba’s Pharmacies

John will provide an overview of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s heightened enforcement laws for controlled substances in long term care and how skilled nursing and assisted living can adhere to the laws while maintaining quality care for residents.

Tacking Through Turbulent Financial Markets

Alan Spidel, BS, MHS
Vice President, Lancaster Pollard

David Slack, BA
Principal, Aging Research Institute

In sailing, tacking is the use of zig-zag movement to go forward. It requires careful maneuvering and adapting to constant change. This presentation uses demand projections and data to explain why providers must continue moving forward, and how they can access capital in these tumultuous markets.

The Journey to Become a Non-Smoking Campus

Kathleen A. Langford, AAS
Administrator, Mountain View Manor

Ellen Cote, BS
Administrator
Park Avenue Health & Rehab

David Starrett, BS
Executive Director, Plaza Healthcare

This panel will discuss how to implement a non-smoking policy on the premises of a skilled nursing facility through positive communication with the residents, families, visitors and staff.

  Safe Transitions Between Care Settings

Joe Bestic, NHA, BA
Director, Nursing Home and Home Health
Health Services Advisory Group

Suzanne Powell, RN, BSN, MBA
CCM, CPHQ, Director of Acute Care/Quality Improvement Programs
Health Services Advisory Group

Suzanne and Joe will present an overview of current challenges skilled nursing facilities face regarding safe transitions between care settings. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge of public and private sector transitions-of-care principles.

  A Clinical Guide to Pressure Ulcer Assessment

Dr. Chuck Gokoo
CMO, MD, CWS, FACCWS
Chief Medical Officer American Medical Technologies

The focus of this session is to assist facilities in maintaining compliance regarding the current clinical standards of practice of ulcer assessment.

The Nurse Practice Act: A Foundation for Patient Safety and the Role of the LPN

Joey Ridenour, RN, MN, FAAN Executive Director
Arizona State Board of Nursing

At the heart of regulations for all health professions is an assurance that the public will be protected in a safe and effective manner. This session will also explore the six defining terms for licensed practical nursing.

Buffet Lunch
Continuation of the Trade Show & Silent Auction

Assisted Living: Understanding the Ins and Outs of Long Term Care Insurance

Patricia L. Spencer, CLTC, LTCP
President, Autumn Solutions
Long Term Care Insurance

Patti will test your knowledge about the benefits of long term care insurance. This session will offer information that will help you to advocate on behalf of residents in assisted living communities.

Understanding The Role of the Social Worker and Federal Guideline F309 “Quality of Care”

Paige Hector, BS, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker
TLC HealthCare™ Companies

This session will identify how an accurate and complete assessment contributes to the care planning process and the well-being of each resident.

  Is the Kitchen Truly the Heart of Your Home?

Mary Hanna, BS
Director of Nutrition Services
Maravilla Care Center

Mary will illustrate how to create a seamless relationship between dietary and nursing and how the person centered care philosophy is critical for optimum nutrition. Taste samples will be provided.

  Life Safety Code Update

John Fiorentino, AGS, AAS, BS
Life Safety Code Surveyor/Deputy Fire Marshall I
Arizona Department of Health Services

Rudy Karel, AA
Life Safety Code Surveyor Team Leader
Arizona Department of Health Services

John and Rudy will identify the top ten life safety deficiency trends and present solutions to eliminate them.

What Do We Do Now?… A Team Approach To Behavioral Care

Prima Martin, BS
Vice President of Operations/Programs
Senior Living Options

Sean Mockbee, BS
Executive Director
Maryland Gardens

Dr. Gary Martin, PhD
CEO and Clinical Director
Integrated Geriatric Behavioral Health Associates

This session will increase your awareness of how to deal with behavioral issues, how to utilize behavioral resources in Arizona; and how to provide leadership and direction when caring for
this population in a long term care setting.

Turnover Reduction Made Easy– “Keeping the Best”

Lori Porter
President & Co-founder
National Association of Health Care Assistants {NAHCA}

In this workshop, CNAs and assisted living caregivers will learn how to help drive the
facility retention effort.

The Diabetic Journey... From Diagnosis to Management

Gail Prothe, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practioner
Evercare of Arizona

This session will identify the screening tools used for diagnosis, monitoring and management of diabetes and how the positive effect of empowerment upon the diabetic patient, family and facility staff in disease management.

Break

General Session

Adding Life to Your Days

Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP
Director of Everything! FUNsulting, etc.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “It’s not the days in your life that are important but the life in your days.” In this FUN, funny and educational experience, participants will learn how to add life to their days. {1.75 CEUs}

Exhibitor Reception and Arizona Health Care Foundation Silent Auction

Stayin’ Alive Disco Dance Party

Put on your best white suit and get some Saturday Night Fever as you Dance to the Music of Disco’s Donna Summer and the Bee Gees.

Don’t Rock the Boat – join your friends and colleagues at Arizona Health Care Association’s version of Studio 54 and boogie the night away. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best disco technique.

Thursday, August 27

Continental Breakfast

AHCA Membership Meeting & Election of Board of Directors

(.5 CEU)

General Session

Extreme Humor Makeover: Boost Productivity, Lower Stress and Understand People Better Than Ever

Christine Cashen
MAEd, CSP

More fun and less stress in the workplace improves productivity, morale and the bottom line! Christine will show participants how to have fun with an EXTREME HUMOR MAKEOVER.
{1.0 CEU}

Break

Concurrent Workshops
{1.5 CEU}

Assisted Living: Helping Your Residents Say No to Financial Exploitation

Greta Mang, BS
Elder Rights Specialist/Legal Services
Arizona Department of Economic Security

This session will provide an overview of financial exploitation in assisted living, identify
what and where to report and provide with community resources available.

Choices- A Look at Best Practice Guidelines in Food and Nutrition Services

Anna de Jesus, MBA, RD
President, Nutrition Alliance, LLC

Deborah Jordan, RN
Regional Director of Health Services,
Five Star Quality Care

Todd Corless
Executive Director
Mesa Christian Care Center

Verna King
Diet Technician
La Colina Care Center

This session will present best practice guidelines on nutrition, hydration, dining and resident centered care.

MRSA, H1N1 Influenza, Norovirus and More… An Infection Prevention Update

Clare Kioski, MPH, CIC
Infection Preventionist
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Learn the newest information regarding C. difficile, MRSA, Norovirus and the H1N1 Influenza A virus (formerly described as “swine flu”) and what your facility’s response should be to a suspected outbreak.

Managing Delirium in Long Term Care

Sandra Jacobson, MD
Senior Scientist
Sun Health Research Institute

How do you detect delirium in your patient population? Dr. Jacobson will describe the symptoms of delirium as they present in long term care, explain how the syndrome is managed, and describe the steps involved in prevention.

Business Office Practices to Optimize Cash Flow

Robert S. Ryan, JD
Senior Consultant
Pathway Health Services
Principal, Creative Healthcare Solutions, Inc.

This session will provide a framework, policies and recommendations which can
be used to increase monthly cash flow.

Plan to attend this time-honored tradition where we pay tribute
to those who have embraced the past and envisioned the future.