WALA News for March 1, 2007

  1. OQA Proposed To Become DQA
  2. WALA Half-Day Marketing Intensive April 26
  3. Two Chances For Training The Non-Nurse
  4. Benchmarking Focus Group At WALA Conference
  5. WALA Summer Schedule Ready To Go

1. OQA Proposed To Become DQA

It seems like only yesterday (five months, to be exact) that we had to get used to saying "OQA, not BQA." Under a new proposal unveiled last week, the mantra would become "DQA, not OQA." The Department of Health and Family Services has asked the Department of Administration for permission to reorganize the long-term care side of DHFS.

OQA would be promoted to a Division; current OQA director Otis Woods would be the administrator of the new Division of Quality Assurance. The Division of Disability and Elder Services would be split in two, between a new Division of Long-Term Care and a Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

These two rapid reclassifications within six months reflect the increased growth and importance of assisted living in Wisconsin. It is expected that this proposal will go through in the next month or two.

2. WALA Half-Day Marketing Intensive April 26

WALA is pleased to present "Marketing From the Inside Out," our half-day intensive marketing program. Whether you run the marketing team or you ARE the marketing team, we can help you increase census in your facilities. Join energetic presenter Mindy Manone as she explains how all staff are part of the marketing team, giving you the tools to harness those resources under your nose. She will also explore creating and cultivating the relationships that will save legwork and fill beds.

"Marketing From the Inside Out" is on Thursday, April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at San Camillo in Milwaukee. Registration is $59 for WALA members and $109 for non-members. Registration is available online or by calling 608/288-0246.

3. Two Chances For Training The Non-Nurse

With the rising acuity of our residents comes a greater demand for caregivers skilled in responding to resident emergencies. WALA is bringing you two opportunities to attend a new Train-the-Trainer program on "Training the Non-Nurse in Assisted Living to Identify and Respond."

This session will be a hands-on, interactive program designed to provide tools for assisted living owners, operators, managers and team leaders to train their caregivers on their role in prompt and adequate treatment. Clinical issues are taken directly from the OQA list of top forfeitures and will include proper interventions for non-licensed staff.

"Training the Non-Nurse" will be presented as the Pre-Event at the WALA Spring Conference on Tuesday, March 27. Pre-Event registration is $90 for WALA members and $140 for non-members.
Or you can wait for us to bring it to you! Our Health Care Regional Workshop in May will present "Training the Non-Nurse" around the state in all 5 OQA regions. These regional sessions will begin with a regulatory update from WALA. The schedule is as follows:

Registration for the regional sessions is $125 for WALA members and $175 for non-members. Registration is available online or by calling 608/288-0246.

4. Benchmarking Focus Group At WALA Conference

Are you interested in comparative benchmarking data to better assess your operations? We want to know whether you think developing a benchmarking database for assisted living in Wisconsin would be helpful and useful. WALA is hosting a focus group on March 28 to determine your interest in a benchmarking initiative that would be developed jointly by WALA and Wipfli LLP.

If you would like to attend, contact Jim Murphy at jmurphy@ewala.org or 608/442-0377. Together with experienced operators, we can identify key issues and evaluate the needs of today's assisted living professionals.

5. WALA Summer Schedule Ready To Go

Mark your calendars - WALA has two great programs for you this summer!

10 ABSOLUTES: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR DEMENTIA CARE

June 19, 2007 - Oak Park Place, Madison
Jo Huey, national presenter and author of Alzheimer's Disease: Help and Hope, will present a powerful, interactive and motivational workshop on how to improve daily interactions with those with Alzheimer's. An exceptionally enlivening speaker, Jo has developed The 10 Absolutes, communication tools proven to achieve dramatic results. Put her ideas to work in your facility today and make a difference!

LIFESTYLE REGIONAL WORKSHOP: ACTIVITY PROGRAMMING

August 20-24, 2007 - All 5 OQA Regions
A hands-on, interactive, FUN session that turns activity-timid front-line caregivers into fabulous activity gurus! Participants will leave the session with useful hands-on samples, ideas and confidence to develop and enhance a well-rounded activity program. If your great caregivers recoil at the thought of leading a group activity, we will jump start them with creative, effective, SIMPLE activity ideas for daily use.

Watch your mailbox or e-mail inbox for more details!

 

 


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