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What was your first reaction when you heard about the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative for 2018-2021? Did you wonder if the Washington, DC atmosphere (however you might choose to define that) had gotten into the heads of association leadership? No, it’s not about DC. It is all about the changes that have been impacting long-term care at the state and federal level. We have heard from many members that “there is just too much going on – where do I start? How do I do it all? And, oh, by the way, the residents need my focus!”

We agree that times are challenging and we believe that focusing on the Quality Initiative goals will help you to have a plan for meeting many of the challenges.  The assisted living communities there are ambitious goals with measurable targets to demonstrate the long term and post-acute care profession’s commitment to continuing its quality journey.

The Quality Initiative for Assisted Living Communities

The goals of improving staff stability, improving customer satisfaction, reducing hospital readmissions, and reducing antipsychotics all play an important role by:

• Preparing providers for possible reimbursement changes based on quality outcomes;
• Focusing on current national priorities and key indicators of quality care;
• Encouraging efficiency with health care dollars;
• Promoting consistent data measurement with continuing tracking;
• Highlighting the importance of goal setting with sustainable improvement; and
• Fostering person-centered care

The bottom line is this: the Quality Initiative is definitely not “just another thing to do” and it isn’t “yet one more program.” It is a focal point that can keep you on track and help you to be successful in this changing world.

We encourage you to take advantage of the LTC Trend Tracker, a free, web-based data collection tool for AHCA/NCAL members to track your progress with these goals.