Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force hosts listening session for nursing home administrators
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In keeping with its commitment to ensuring that all Ohioans with an interest in nursing home quality have an opportunity to have their voices heard, the Ohio Governor’s Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force hosted an in-person listening session today, specifically for licensed nursing home administrators.
“As nursing home administrators, you have dedicated your professional lives to serving others – in particular, some of our state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Ursel J. McElroy, Task Force Chair and Director of the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA). “Today, we have a unique opportunity to lean on your years of experience as leaders in the nursing home industry to go beyond simply listing what the challenges are, and instead use your expertise to help drive solutions.”
Over 110 licensed nursing home administrators, facilitators, and task force members attended the event, which was held at the Longaberger Alumni House on the campus of The Ohio State University.
Administrators who spoke at the event offered their unique perspectives on the challenges facing the industry. Following a larger open conversation, ODA staff facilitated smaller breakout discussions to allow all participants a chance to share their stories and suggestions for solutions – such as programs to incentivize young students to enter fields surrounding long-term care, additional technical assistance programs, and more.
The task force was established by Governor Mike DeWine to allow State officials and industry experts to take action on opportunities to make excellence the expectation for all of Ohio’s nursing homes.
Prior to today’s event, the task force hosted additional in-person listening sessions for all interested community members – including nursing home residents, family members, and others – in the following communities:
- Youngstown (Read more)
- Cincinnati (Read more)
- Dayton (Read more)
- Columbus (Read more)
- Bowling Green (Read more)
- Nelsonville (Read more)
- Cleveland (Read more)
The task force also held three virtual listening sessions and recently launched an online survey to allow even more Ohioans with an interest in nursing homes the opportunity to provide their perspectives and insights:
The task force will continue to host regular meetings to discuss all public input and formulate recommendations. The task force will provide an actionable report of recommendations to the Governor’s Office before the end of May.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.