Jun
1
Jul 31

2017 Photo & Testimonial Contest

Show Us What Supportive Living Means to You by
Participating in AALC’s 2017 Photo & Testimonial Contest

Each year, we look forward to the launch of our Photo & Testimonial Contest. We receive hundreds of photos capturing the true essence of what Supportive Living (SL) is all about.  We hear stories of what SL means to residents and family members.  We see the success of Supportive Living in the photos of friends laughing, sharing special moments, playing games and living a healthy active life. Each entry we receive should demonstrate the important role Supportive Living plays in the lives of Illinois’ seniors and individuals with disabilities, and reinforce what we’ve always known: Supportive Living = Healthy Living.
 
This year, help AALC capture the essence of SL by participating in our “Happiness is Ageless” photo and testimonial contest.  We’re looking for entries that showcase how seniors and individuals with disabilities are living the Supportive Living lifestyle - a lifestyle filled with happy moments.  Whether participating in physical fitness activities or cooking with friends, volunteering, creating art, singing, etc, we want to see what your residents are doing that brings them joy.

So get your camera out and your pencil ready! It’s time to start capturing the joys of life and sharing your moments with the rest of the SL family during the 2017 “Happiness is Ageless” photo and testimonial contest!

Photo Contest Overview
Your photo entries should capture the spirit of Supportive Living and demonstrate why “Happiness is Ageless!” Photo ideas might include:

  • Residents taking a field trip to a local park to hike.
  • Residents participating in activities that bring them joy.
  • Residents taking part in arts and crafts, music, dancing and more!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

Submit photos online no later than July 31, 2017

Testimonial Contest Overview
Each testimonial entry should describe how Supportive Living has helped residents lead a full, happy life. For instance, a testimonial could mention:

  • How community activities have encouraged the resident to try new things and experience new adventures.
  • How a resident found a network of friends who have greatly improved their sense of well being.
  • How a resident has become more outgoing and self assured through Supportive Living.
  • How friendly competitions such as Wii bowling or trivia give the resident something to look forward to.
  • How family is at ease knowing the resident is surrounded by friends and a necessary support system.

 Each entry will be limited to 50 words or less. All entries should be accompanied by a photo of individual in testimonial.
 
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

Submit testimonials online no later than July 31, 2017

Jun
6
Jun 8

Joint Training Sessions


Supportive Living Joint Training for Providers and Reviewers

BROCHURE

June 6, 2017
Illinois Education Association Professional Development Center
3440 Liberty Drive
Springfield, IL

June 8, 2017
Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center
6440 Double Eagle Dr.
Woodridge, IL

AGENDA
9:00 - 9:15 Opening remarks Wayne Smallwood
9:15 - 10:15 - Uniform Assessment Tool
Faculty: Giuseppe LaCandia, Department of Healthcare & Family Services
10:15 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 11:30 - Update on Medicaid Eligibility Status
Faculty: (Springfield): Anne Bradley Local Office Administrator for DHS ; (Woodridge) Rochelle Haywood Region 1 Administrator, DHS , Yolanda Lampkin-Diming Local Office Administrator, DHS
11:30 - 12:30 - The Importance of Spirituality for Your Resident
Faculty: Clark Beckley MSW, LCSW Your Story Counseling, P.C.
12:30 - 1:15 - Lunch will be provided
1:15 - 2:45 Compassion Fatigue? A Prescription for Improving Your Organization's Emotional Health
Faculty: Clark Beckley, MSW, LCSW Your Story Counseling, P.C.
2:45 - 3:00 - Break
3:00 - 4:30 Best Practices in Dementia Care: Ask the Panel
Faculty: Maggie Rodriguez, Nursing Supervisor, Asbury Gardens Memory Care, Andrea Graunke, Activity Director, Asbury Gardens, Scott Cozza, Administrator, Heritage Woods of South Elgin, White Oaks Memory Care, Johna McFadden, Legacy Coordinator at Evergreen Place Decatur

Fees:
LeadingAge Illinois/AALC Member Rate: $149 per person
Non Member Rate: $299 per person

To register on-line: Click on the Location below. (will need a credit card to register)

Click here to register by fax or mail. Administrative fee will apply. Event Registration

Select a link below to register:

IEA Professional Development Center - Springfield, IL - Presented By: LeadingAge Illinois
    

Bobak's Signature Event & Conference Center - Woodridge, IL - Presented By: LeadingAge Illinois

Apr
27
5:00 pm17:00

AALC Annual Reception

This year's Annual Reception will be held at Riva Restaurant on Navy Pier. Please RSVP by April 7, 2017.

Date: Thursday, April 27th, 2017
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Riva Restaurant
Navy Pier
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

 

Apr
26
10:00 am10:00

AALC State Capitol Visit

Location: South Hall 

 

Capitol Visit
Join us at the State Capitol! At AALC, we’ve found that one of the most effective ways of showcasing the many benefits of Supportive Living is by having residents and staff members share their Supportive Living experiences in person with elected officials during our annual SL Week Capitol Visit!

Each year, we make a powerful impact by filling the halls of the Capitol with Supportive Living residents. This April 26th, residents and staff members will travel to the Capitol to meet with the governor and elected officials to discuss issues relating to the Supportive Living program. We know it works! We’ve witnessed firsthand the impact these visits can have on both our residents and elected officials. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Apr
24
Apr 28

2017 SL Week

Our 2017 Theme is: 

Check back for more information!

Apr
1
8:00 am08:00

Last day for SL Week Product Orders

"Happiness is Ageless" products are now on sale! AALC’s 2017 Supportive Living activities will focus on living a healthy life – mind, body and soul and many of our products emphasize health living.  
 
CLICK HERE TO ORDER PRODUCTS

In order to make sure you receive your products by SL Week, we are asking that orders are placed on or before April 1, 2017.

Grab your favorite items now, while they are still available!

Apr
1
8:00 am08:00

Deadline for Statewide Project Submissions

Each community will be asked to compile and submit photos of your residents as they participate in hobbies and events that make them happy. Be sure to describe the activities, take lots of pictures of residents as they participate, and ask them for quotes about the enjoyment they get while doing something they love. AALC will display all the entries at the State Capitol to showcase how Supportive Living communities continue to provide a positive, fulfilling and happy environment for today’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Together, we can raise awareness of the Supportive Living program and the reasons residents firmly believe, “Happiness is Ageless!”

Creating Your Happiness is Ageless Overview 
AALC will select the most creative “Happiness is Ageless” overview display in the halls of the State Capitol in April to showcase how our Supportive Living communities are creating healthy and happy living environments for residents. 

We’ve provided you with instructions for compiling/designing your overview below.

Display Board Directions
Type up a one-page activity overview with the following information:

  • Name of the community
  • Describe what activities your residents participate in to bring joy to their lives
  • Get quotes from your residents
  • Take photos as your residents participate in activities
  • Design a colorful display on foam core highlighting what your residents do to prove “Happiness is Ageless!”
  • Include photos of your residents participating in the activities
  • Include fun quotes/testimonials and any graphics
  • Include the one-page activity overview on the display board

Submission Process

Mail Display Boards to AALC by April 1, 2017.

  1. “Happiness is Ageless” overview should be typed on standard white paper and glued to foam core. (No poster boards please!)
  2. Decorate your foam core display with photos, testimonials, and fun stories.
  3. Displays will not be returned. They can be picked up at State Finals in Springfield.
  4. Place display board in sturdy container and mail to:

AALC
601 W. Monroe
Springfield, IL 62704

Mar
9
Mar 30

Person Centered Planning Workshops

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), LeadingAge Illinois (LAI) and The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC) are co-sponsoring special regional workshops on "Person-Centered Planning" (PCP) in March 2017.

PCP is one of the key elements of 2014 Federal regulations related to community settings and State Transition Plans for assuring that Medicaid waiver programs (including the SLP) are in compliance. The 2-hour workshops will cover Federal and State requirements for incorporating PCP into each resident's service plan and provide case studies to illustrate how PCP is to be used. The workshops are intended for clinical staff, but are also relevant for managers/administrators and corporate staff responsible for assuring PCP. HFS nurses will also attend.

Continuing Education Credit

LeadingAge Illinois, as an approved sponsor of continuing education through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, will provide the following professionals licensed in Illinois:

Nursing home administrators, Nurses, Clinical social workers/social workers, Registered and certified public accountants, Physical therapists/physical therapy assistants, Occupational therapists/occupational therapy assistants, Professional counselor/clinical counselor

With up to 2.0 continuing education credit hour with full participation.  

Faculty: Dawn Wells, Area Manager, HFS and Ruta Prasauskas, VP of Health services at LAI

Workshops will take place as follows, time for all locations is 10am - 12:15pm:
Mt. Vernon - March 9, 2017
Holiday Inn Event Center
222 Potomac Blvd
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Peoria - March 16, 2017
Embassy Suites East Peoria~ Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center
100 Conference Center Drive
East Peoria, IL 61611

Woodridge - March 30, 2017
Signature Events at Seven Bridges
6440 Double Eagle Dr.
Woodridge, IL 60517


Registration fees:
Member Rate: $99
Non-member Rate: $198
Click on the conference name above to register.

Included: light continental breakfast, handouts and two hours of CE will be available for these workshops.

Jan
1
Apr 1

2017 Supportive Living Product Sales Open!

We’ve compiled this product guide featuring our 2017 theme of “Happiness is Ageless” to give you a preview of the products we’re offering for SL 2017. In addition to some of our best sellers from past years, we’ve added a lot of fun new items geared to keep you smiling!

Jun
2
11:30 am11:30

2016 Celebrate SL Wii Bowling Championship

We are expecting well over 90 teams to register in the 7th Annual Tournament and compete to unseat last year’s champs, the Bowling Brooks of Heritage Woods Bolingbrook. In 2015, the Final Four teams included the Bowling Brooks who squared off against the Heritage Woodsmen of Heritage Woods of Charleston, the Rowdy Rollers of Glenwood Supportive Living (from Greenville, IL), and the Prairie Pin Heads of Prairie Living at Chautauqua (from Carbondale, IL). Let’s see who will strike out to make the Final Four in 2016!

2016 Complete Wii Bowling Schedule
1/29/16 - Team Registration Deadline
2/29/16 - Regular Wii Bowling Season Begins
4/25/16 - 5/12/16 - Regional Wii Bowling Playoffs
6/1/16 - Top 4 Wii Bowling Teams Compete
6/2/16 - Wii Bowling Championship

Jun
1
Jun 2

2016 Celebrate SL Wii Bowling Top 4 Teams Compete

We are expecting well over 90 teams to register in the 7th Annual Tournament and compete to unseat last year’s champs, the Bowling Brooks of Heritage Woods Bolingbrook. In 2015, the Final Four teams included the Bowling Brooks who squared off against the Heritage Woodsmen of Heritage Woods of Charleston, the Rowdy Rollers of Glenwood Supportive Living (from Greenville, IL), and the Prairie Pin Heads of Prairie Living at Chautauqua (from Carbondale, IL). Let’s see who will strike out to make the Final Four in 2016!

2016 Complete Wii Bowling Schedule
1/29/16 - Team Registration Deadline
2/29/16 - Regular Wii Bowling Season Begins
4/25/16 - 5/12/16 - Regional Wii Bowling Playoffs
6/1/16 - Top 4 Wii Bowling Teams Compete
6/2/16 - Wii Bowling Championship

May
19
9:00 am09:00

Supportive Living Joint Training May Session Information - Woodridge

Supportive Living Joint Training for Providers and Reviewers

May 19 – Bobak’s Conference Center
6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge, IL

9am – 4:30pm

Agenda:
9:00am – 9:15 Opening remarks
9:15 – 10:15 - HFS Update
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:30 - Fair Housing Act Considerations for Supportive Living Facilities
11:30 – 12:30 HIPAA Hazards and How to Avoid Them
12:30 – 1:15 - Lunch
1:15  - 2:15 Living an active life with Arthritis
2:15 – 3:15 - Innovations in Wellness Programming: Create a Winning Program
3:15 – 3:30 Break

3:30 – 4:30 - Leading With Trust

Fees:
LeadingAge Illinios/AALC Member Rate: $125 per person
Non Member Rate:  $275 per person
 

Click here to Register!

May
17
9:00 am09:00

Supportive Living Joint Training May Session Information - Springfield

Supportive Living Joint Training for Providers and Reviewers

May 17 – Illinois Education Association
3440 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL

9am – 4:30pm

Agenda:
9:00am – 9:15 Opening remarks
9:15 – 10:15 - HFS Update
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:30 - Fair Housing Act Considerations for Supportive Living Facilities
11:30 – 12:30 HIPAA Hazards and How to Avoid Them
12:30 – 1:15 - Lunch
1:15  - 2:15 Living an active life with Arthritis
2:15 – 3:15 - Innovations in Wellness Programming: Create a Winning Program
3:15 – 3:30 Break

 

3:30 – 4:30 - Leading With Trust


Fees:
LeadingAge Illinios/AALC Member Rate: $125 per person
Non Member Rate:  $275 per person

 

Click here to Register

Apr
25
Apr 29

2016 Celebrate SL Week begins

AALC’s premiere event, Supportive Living Week” is held each year at the end of April. Supportive Living Week celebrates the success of the Supportive Living Program as a viable and cost effective alternative for seniors and persons with physical disabilities.

Keep Moving. Supportive Living Week 2016

Supportive Living Week is back and stronger than ever! We’re excited to introduce our 2016 Theme "Keep Moving". Now in its 9th year, AALC’s Supportive Living activities will focus on living a healthy life – mind, body and soul. Supportive Living communities have gone the extra mile to introduce programs to our residents that touch on all the dimensions of wellness. This year, we want to highlight the work you do on a daily basis to ensure your residents live healthy lives.

Apr
25
May 12

2016 Celebrate SL Regional Wii Bowling Playoffs

We are expecting well over 90 teams to register in the 7th Annual Tournament and compete to unseat last year’s champs, the Bowling Brooks of Heritage Woods Bolingbrook. In 2015, the Final Four teams included the Bowling Brooks who squared off against the Heritage Woodsmen of Heritage Woods of Charleston, the Rowdy Rollers of Glenwood Supportive Living (from Greenville, IL), and the Prairie Pin Heads of Prairie Living at Chautauqua (from Carbondale, IL). Let’s see who will strike out to make the Final Four in 2016!

2016 Complete Wii Bowling Schedule
1/29/16 - Team Registration Deadline
2/29/16 - Regular Wii Bowling Season Begins
4/25/16 - 5/12/16 - Regional Wii Bowling Playoffs
6/1/16 - Top 4 Wii Bowling Teams Compete
6/2/16 - Wii Bowling Championship

Apr
13
8:00 pm20:00

Capitol Visit

SL residents and staff meet with Governor and elected officials at the State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

Apr
13
10:00 am10:00

State Capitol Visit

AALC members and SL residents from around the state are invited to the State Capitol in Springfield on April 13 to visit with their legislators and talk up the importance of the Supportive Living Program. We hope you and your residents can make it and discuss the advantages SL offers!

We will begin convening at 10 a.m. in the south hall of the Capitol. AALC will pay for lunch following the Capitol visit at the Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet at 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield.

Governor Rauner will be welcoming the group at 11:15 a.m. outside his office. 

Contact Your Legislature
SL communities should set up appointments with your legislators and ask them to stop by the north hall of the Capitol between 10 a.m. and noon to see your group. AALC staff will help you find your legislator to greet them, but you should make the appointments. You may also visit your legislators in their offices if that is more convenient. 

To help you identify the current state legislators for each SL site we have updated the SL Legislature Chart, which is also located on the AALC member's only website in the Library (log in to view it). To contact the state officials identified visit the Illinois General Assembly Site, click the Senate Members link for the State Senators, and click the House Members link for the House of Representatives.

Register
Register today on the AALC website and let us know how many from your community will be attending. 

 

Apr
12
Apr 14

Manager's Curriculum

The Manager’s Curriculum Training class offers an opportunity for participants to gain, refresh or deepen their knowledge in the art of leading and managing a Supportive Living community. The training offers a wide variety of information specifically designed for SL and is taught by a variety of industry leaders with the most current information in their field of expertise. The enrichment of the learning comes from each class participant and their willingness to explore and share their own experiences, thoughts, challenges, and knowledge.

The class will cover the following key SL topics:

  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Financial Management
  • Sales/Marketing
  • Resident Care
  • Resident Social Services
  • Environmental Services
  • Food Services and Regulations
  • Standards of Operations
  • Managed Care
  • Medicaid

AALC developed the course with Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) as a substitute for the minimum qualifications to be a SL manager (5 yrs. of healthcare & 2 yrs. of management experience). HFS has agreed to accept as a qualified SL manager anyone who completes this course and has at least 2 years of healthcare experience. No prior management experience is required.

The course consists of a classroom component (60 hours) and a second component where students go on-site and work with a certified SL community manager. For those existing SL managers who take the course as a refresher or to deepen their knowledge, can be given an exemption on the on-site component. 

Register here!