July 29, 2008

Generations, Area 13 AAA, honored by N4A

Congratulations to Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging in Vincennes, which won a 2008 Aging Innovations Award at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging annual conference this month.

Generations was recognized for its EngAGE Initiative, a partnership between the AAA and community leaders to identify long- and short-term goals and work on action plans to make towns more livable for older adults. For more information about this initiative, contact Generations Director of Healthy Aging Programs Sheri Phillips at 1-800-742-9002 or at sphillips@vinu.edu.

For a list of other Aging Innovations Award winners, visit the N4A website.

The Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) is the state's largest trade organization and advocate representing proprietary, not-for-profit, hospital-based nursing home and assisted living communities, and adult foster care and adult day services. IHCA's nearly 300 member facilities care for 55% of Indiana's Medicaid population and more than 25,000 of Indiana's geriatric and developmentally disabled citizens.

IHCA is led by Steve Smith who became the president of IHCA in the fall of 2007. Smith formerly served as the Director of the Division of Aging at the Family and Social Services Administration.

Earlier this year, IHCA launched a number of efforts to assess the perception and effectiveness of the Association as well as the current issues facing members in the State. In addition to launching a Member Survey, the Association hosted follow up meetings with providers to obtain input on major issues reported in the survey, such as staff recruitment and retention, surveying issues and timely reimbursement. 

The input gathered in these discussions generated a number of action steps that IHCA has put in place and legislative recommendations that are focused around the issues identified. Some of these action steps include the creation of the member services role that allows all members to have 24/7 access IHCA for member inquires and consultation, a comprehensive rebranding effort that has resulted in a new logo, the creation of a "Key Member Program," a grassroots lobbying initiative and the significant expansion of the product and services line offered to members.

The Association is also looking towards the future of long term care, especially as it pertains to changing environment of the skilled nursing facilities and new housing options being offered to residents.

"Most long term care decisions are made by the adult children of the patient.  These decision makers are seeing options that are attractive to them - personally - and choosing those options. They can see themselves utilizing these services and are projecting their desire to be in a more residential environment onto their parents," said Smith.  "IHCA members are observing this trend and are looking at ways to provide services that are attractive to these folks."

In addition to expanding the number of online courses to members in 2009, IHCA is also planning to host a 2009 Long Term Convention and Expo along with several industry partners.  This new venture would focus on improving outcomes in long term care.

For more information, visit www.ihca.org or call 1-800-466-IHCA. 

Indiana Pressure Ulcer Quality Improvement Initiative
Under the direction of the Indiana State Department of Health, CAC is spearheading the Indiana Pressure Ulcer Quality Improvement Initiative, a coalition of health care organizations across the spectrum of care and advocacy groups working to develop a program of education, training and technical assistance to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in nursing homes and other health care facilities throughout the state.

Participation in this initiative is voluntary and open to any facility, regardless of its pressure ulcer rate. Approximately 100 nursing homes throughout the state will be selected to participate. For more information, visit http://cac.uindy.edu/initiatives.php.

News you can use

Capacity Building Assistance from OFBCI
The Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) announces the launch its Capacity Building Assistance program for community and faithbased nonprofits. Anticipated response time is 48 hours. Areas CBA can help with include:  

Program Management Information Technology Grants and Fundraising Leadership Development Organizational Assessment

Boards/Governance Partnerships/Collaboration       Financial Management Ethics Volunteer Management

Click here to submit your request to OFBCI. 

Cell phones designed with seniors in mind Jitterbug offers cell phones designed with seniors in mind. Features include: Large, backlit buttons that are easier to see  Three oversized buttons instead of the standard key pad, that connect users to 1) the 24/7 Jitterbug operator, 2) 911 and 3) a user-specified number, such as a family member or care provider  Operated-assisted direct dial service Hearing aid compatibility and padded earpieces that reduce background noise No-contract plans that start at just $10/month. In March 2008, Jitterbug received the "Best Small Business" Award by the American Society on Aging (ASA). The ASA, in conjunction with its Business Forum on Aging, recognizes for-profit companies for exemplary programs and services that meet the needs of older people and their families.

Know a caregiver who needs a break?

Joy's House will host its Annual Caregiver Retreat on September 27, 2008 at Christ the King Church in Indianapolis. All attendees will enjoy lunch, massages, music, special exhibits, information and guest speakers. Complimentary Adult Day Services available at Joy's House - space limited. There is no charge for the event. Contact Amy at (317) 254-0828 or amy@joyshouse.org for more information or to register! Website offers Indy-area aging resources AgingAvenues.com is a new website designed to help the families of Indianapolis-area seniors learn about issues related to aging, find community resources and locate assistance.

 

Grants to go for 

Gannett Foundation Community Grants
Description: The Gannett Foundation supports local organizations in communities where the Gannett Company owns a local daily newspaper or broadcast station. The Foundation values projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation, and cultural enrichment.

Funding Amount: Not specified. In 2007, Gannett Foundation grants totaled $8,400,000.

Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations in communities where Gannett owns a local daily newspaper or broadcast station may apply. In Indiana, that includes: Fishers, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie and Richmond.

Application Deadlines: August 15 and February 15 each year. Some localities may have earlier deadlines. E-mail your local newspaper or TV station contact person to verify local deadline dates.

For More Information: www.gannettfoundation.org

Giving Sum Grants Description: The mission of Giving Sum is to inspire and engage the next generation, mobilizing their passions, talents and resources to support innovative community initiatives.  Funding Amount: Applicants may request up to $50,000. Minimum awarded will be $10,000. Who May Apply: Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a project or program that serves the Indianapolis metro area, including the counties of Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Shelby. Giving Sum will accept only one application per eligible nonprofit organization per year. Projects may fall into one of the following categories: Arts, Culture & Humanities; Civic & Community Development; Education; Environment; or  Health & Human Services Application Deadline: Interested organizations must submit applications electronically by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, August 22, 2008 via www.givingsum.org. Printed applications will not be accepted. For More Information: Visit http://givingsum.org/grants.htm Note: To learn more about joining Giving Sum's efforts, check out http://givingsum.org/get_involved.htm