We are again joined by Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Health Care Association, for our Idaho Healthcare Update. This is a fun episode about recent elections, CNA training programs, and pumpkin pie. It was fun to check in with Robert and learn of the current happenings in Idaho. To get in contact with Robert, visit the IHCA website: https://www.idhca.org/.

We are grateful to have Mark Maxfield, CEO of The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care and current Vice Chair for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) Board of Directors, return to the show! Mark delivers many gold nuggets in this episode, including "When you're grateful, great things happen."  He elaborates on how he gained this mindset at an early age and shaped him into the great leader he is today.  Mark discusses the journey of creating the core values of The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care: -COTTAGES-CultureOptimism Team WorkTrustworthy Accountability Gratitude Empowerment Success We learn much from Mark's story of creating, establishing, and growing the employee culture at The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care. For more information about The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care, visit their website: https://www.assistedlivingidaho.com/To connect with Mark on LinkedIn, visit his page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-maxfield-0201b19/

We have the pleasure of sitting down with James Grey,  Partnership Development Director for United Wound Healing and Associate Business Governor for Washington Health Care Association. James has been in the long-term industry for many years.  His passion for our industry has helped him successfully operate Assisted Living communities and grow ancillary service partnerships. We discuss the value partnerships bring in long-term care and specifically highlight the value that United Wound Healing delivers to its partners.  For more information on United Wound Healing, visit their website: unitedwoundhealing.comTo contact James directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgreysea/

We are very excited to have Mark Maxfield, CEO of The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care and current Vice Chair for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) Board of Directors, join us for this episode. Mark discusses his background and beginnings in long-term care.  Mark has a fantastic story of jumping right into our industry and constructing an Assisted Living in Emmet, ID, early in his career.  Mark's story is a true example of what great possibilities exist if we accept the risk and chase after our passion.  Mark has an immense passion for senior care, especially the caregivers caring for our seniors each day. For more information about The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care, visit their website: https://www.assistedlivingidaho.com/To connect with Mark on LinkedIn, visit his page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-maxfield-0201b19/

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Christensen, Director of People Development at Pennant Services. Devin is a proven leader in the long-term care industry who is now responsible for developing new leaders in the Senior Living and Home Health and Hospice industry. We have a lot of fun with Devin on this episode. There are a few stories, laughs, and tips and tricks for leaders looking to enter the long-term care industry.For more information on becoming a leader in either the Senior Living or Home Health and Hospice industries, then feel free to contact Devin via LinkedIn.Link to Devin's LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dachristensen/

We face several market variables, including increasing inflation, climbing interest rates, and sky-high gas prices.  These can all quickly add up to increased anxiety for each of us.  How, then, do we navigate this climate as long-term care leaders? In this episode, Nik breaks down the current market conditions.  We discuss the journey that led to our situation, what we are facing, and what to expect moving forward.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  However, the path forward will require us to stay educated and vigilant of new opportunities as they present themselves. 

Join us for a fun episode of "off-the-cuff" brainstorming.  We are in an incredibly competitive staffing environment.  We share ideas to help increase employee retention. On average, a healthcare facility spends $180,000/year on employee turnover.  We discuss creative ways to decrease this spending by investing in our employees.  One of the significant variables between facilities that struggle with employee turnover and those that are fully staffed is the willingness of leaders to meet the needs of their employees, which go above and beyond the paycheck.  We share many examples to help spark ideas for you and your operation. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Linkedin.  We would love to hear from you! 

We have the pleasure of sitting down with Jolynn Hunt, Ph.D. cand, MSHCM, CLC, and CEO at IO Consulting, to discuss workplace burnout. One of the contributors to high employee turnover within the healthcare industry is burnout.  This episode highlights specific actions leaders can take to proactively avoid employee burnout.  The better we know our employees and meet their specific needs, the likelihood of avoiding burnout increases.  This was a wonderful conversation with a great leader.  Thank you Jolynn! To learn more about Jolynn, follow the links below: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/★-jolynn-h-123b3115Website: consultingio.com

Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Health Care Association,  joins us once again for our monthly Idaho healthcare update.  Robert and Nik discuss their recent trip to Washington D.C., to meet with representatives regarding the new bill, Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022 (S. 4605).  This bill aims to delay a proposed 7.69% Medicare payment reduction to Home Health agencies until 2026.  This would be great news for our Home Health partners.  To help demonstrate support for bill S.4605, please reach out to your State representatives at the Federal level.  Below is a link to help search for your representatives: https://www.house.gov/representativesTo get in contact with Robert at IHCA, feel free to visit: https://www.idhca.org/

Gone are the days of "fee-for-service" healthcare.  Value-based healthcare is on the horizon and is heading in our direction very quickly.But don't fear!  We have great friends like Jenni Gudapati, who are experts in value-based healthcare.   We are fortunate to have Jenni return to the podcast to help us understand the nuances of value-based healthcare.  Not only does she provide a brief background to value-based healthcare, but she also provides a few steps to get ahead and win at value-based healthcare.  The more we can prepare for the upcoming change, the better we will be at delivering healthcare at lower costs, achieving higher patient satisfaction, and realizing quality patient outcomes.  Use the strategies that Jenni highlighted to solidify your partnerships with ACOs now.  As we stay informed and share strategies, we will be better prepared for value-based healthcare.