Room N127A-C

Standardizing Infection Prevention & Control

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Infection prevention and control (IPC) best practices were already in place against threats such as influenza before the pandemic crisis. During and after the immediate crisis, multiple approaches and practices arose in response to changing knowledge and guidance. Where are we now—and what is needed for today and into the future?

Speakers:

  • Rhonda DeMeno, Director of Clinical Risk, Willis Towers Watson
  • Megan Crosser, Director of Infection Prevention, nodMD

Moderator: John M. Schulte, Vice President, Quality Improvement, Argentum

Understanding and Complying with the New Regulatory Environment

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As the immediate pandemic threat fades, the prospect and realities of new regulations become top of mind for many operators. This session looks at regulatory trends, priorities and interests for state regulators, and opportunities for industry/regulator collaboration on model guidance. This session also gets into readiness planning, risk assessment/risk management, and other topics to help industry leaders prepare for regulatory changes.

Speakers:

  • Rhonda DeMeno, Director of Clinical Risk, Willis Towers Watson
  • Alfred Johnson, President, National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA)

Moderator: John M. Schulte, Vice President, Quality Improvement, Argentum

Training Memory Care Staff in the Validation Method

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The feeling of being understood, respected, and supported is something all humans need; those with dementia or cognitive disorders need it no less. The validation method acknowledges this reality. Through practicing skills such as listening, extending empathy, and entering the world of the resident, stress and the behaviors it can lead to can be reduced among residents—and caregivers and the community can also benefit. Traci Wagner, director of engagement and program services at Sunrise Senior Living and certified validation teacher, provides insight into putting the validation method into practice. 

Speaker: Traci Wagner, Director of Engagement and Program Services, Sunrise Senior Living

Third Party Auditing in Senior Living: A Success Story

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As senior living communities look ahead and work to return to profitable growth and rebuild their reputations to become a brand of choice for residents and workers alike, many are taking a closer look at their total operations—evaluating operations across all facilities and disciplines to identify risk, cost savings and operational efficiencies. The pandemic highlighted risk associated with infection prevention and the importance of proper procedures, but Senior Living communities have always been focused on these things. Hear how these speakers have partnered to develop and implement a comprehensive audit program that drove brand standards across all levels of care from dining services and housekeeping procedures to transportation and human resources. Hear what drove Brookdale to implement an audit program and benefits from lessons learned as both companies share their experiences and best practices to deliver quality care and optimize operations across communities. 

Speakers:

  • Amanda Coulombe, Director, Corporate Accounts, EcoSure, a division of Ecolab
  • Mandy Sedlak, Senior Manager, Brand Excellence, Public Health and Food Safety, Ecolab