San Diego — Today the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) welcomed more than 2,500 long term and post-acute care providers and 1,400 vendor partners to the Association’s 69th Annual Convention and Expo in San Diego, California.
AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson kicked off the annual meeting by sharing tips on what operators can do to thrive in the face of an ever-changing long term care landscape.
“Long term care providers should focus on three areas to remain successful in this challenging environment,” said Parkinson. “It is vital to prepare for the Patient-Driven Payment Model, continue to improve quality in our buildings, and remain politically active. By doing these things, we will continue to deliver solutions for quality care despite being one of the country’s most regulated professions.”
“We are on the cusp of a large senior population that will need our care,” said Michael Wylie, AHCA Board Chair. “As leaders in the profession, it is our responsibility to stick together and offer solutions that will help protect the future for millions.”
The keynote address was delivered by Captain Scott Kelly, history-making U.S. Astronaut and former Navy Captain. Kelly’s awe-inspiring stories from space and personal reflections on leadership, teamwork and testing limits, inspire others to believe that they can reach any goal, no matter how ambitious or audacious.
On Tuesday, the Association will honor long term and post-acute care providers who have been changing lives and making a difference in the profession through the National Quality Award Program. This year, more than 700 member centers and communities were recognized with a Quality Award, including 531 Bronze, 170 Silver and an elite group of four at the Gold level, including the first two assisted living communities. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will speak to Quality Award recipients as part of the ceremony.
On Wednesday, convention attendees will hear from Closing General Session keynote speaker, Dan Thurmon. Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances, on stage and in the workplace. As president of Motivation Works, Inc., he has worked with hundreds of clients and delivered thousands of presentations worldwide. Thurmon helps organizations and individuals implement action plans and move confidently through transitions.
The 69th Annual AHCA/NCAL Convention will run through Wednesday, October 10.
ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 13,700 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.