Continuing Care Conference provides valuable education to providers

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organization’s 19th annual Continuing Care Conference was held April 25-26 in Sioux Falls, bringing together 81 post-acute care givers and administrators to learn from educational and inspirational speakers.

Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University in Wisconsin, kicked off the event as keynote speaker. Thibodeau presented on creating an environment where employees will be inspired to serve and excel and shared several thought-provoking snippets about inspiring and leading others.

Barbara Gay, Vice President of Public Policy Communications for LeadingAge, presented an update on the status of key federal priorities affecting post-acute care, noting that efforts will continue to resolve civil monetary penalties and observation days issues. She also held a town hall discussion with attendees to gather input on the day-to-day challenges and opportunities facing those involved in post-acute care. While some issues are not unique to South Dakota, the issue of South Dakota Medicaid reimbursements, complicated application processes and surveys provided “real world” examples which need addressing.

Additional sessions included, but were not limited to, pressure injuries, managing aggression, surveyor preparation and discussion and caring for a new generation in long term care.