The LeadingAge national-state network delivered crucial results for the aging services sector in 2023—from substantial increases in public funding to innovative professional development models—all in support of our mission-driven provider members.

Here’s how LeadingAge leveraged the expertise of our national staff and 36 state partners in 41 states to support more than 5,400 members to strengthen their organizations and the sector. (Visit What’s New on LeadingAge.org on February 5 to read about the vital advocacy gains achieved last year in part two of this series.)

Expanded leadership initiatives to infuse the sector with diverse leaders with the skills to conquer today’s challenges and prepare for the future

The LeadingAge network accelerated professional development for individuals up and down the organization chart. Whether college or high school students, CEOs, or roles in-between, LeadingAge supports talent development for leaders seeking to deliver excellence in aging services. LeadingAge expanded its Leadership Program offerings, as the Next Level Leadership Series debuted to support mid-level and aspiring leaders.

LeadingAge State associations offer education for leaders in numerous roles, including:

• Pro-bono executive coaching for leaders of non-profit organizations is offered by LeadingAge Georgia.

• The Hot Topics for Administrators series from LeadingAge Kentucky addresses the ups and downs of life as an administrator.

• LeadingAge Michigan launched several cohorts for its new Assisted Living Certification.

• Watch for a new executive leadership program in 2024 from LeadingAge Minnesota, which provided nearly 30,000 CEUs for senior care professionals in 2023.

• The inaugural class of the 2023-2024 Leadership Academy from LeadingAge Missouri.

• Seeking to increase longevity in the director of nursing role, LeadingAge Nebraska implemented Nebraska’s first Nurse Leadership Academy.

• 103 new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) were trained/certified through LeadingAge Oklahoma’s Care Careers Oklahoma initiative.

• LeadingAge Oregon offers Assisted Living and Residential Care Facility Administrator training.

• The first class of Fellows graduated from the new LeadingAge South Carolina Vickie Moody Leadership Academy. Additionally, the association launched training to mid-level managers on employee engagement, drawing record attendance.

• LeadingAge Southeast launched its Women’s Leadership Network to bring together women at every stage of leadership.

Secured funding to test and evaluate practical solutions for cutting-edge care

Research is a key function of LeadingAge as we live out our commitment to bring new knowledge to our field. This year, the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston conducted an impressive number of research studies in the center’s six focus areas— and LeadingAge experts from across the country secured significant funding investments to advance the aging services field.

The Gateway-In Project from LeadingAge California has received more than 5,400 student interest forms and trained more than 1,400 CNAs and home health aides (HHAs).

Because of its success, the project received nearly $10 million in additional funds from the California Department of Health Care Access ($3 million) and Department of Aging ($6.9 million) to train CNAs, HHAs, and health care social workers. The LTSS Center staff are conducting an evaluation of the Gateway Project.

Four LeadingAge DC members received grants totaling $20,000 through the COVID Booster Partnership Grant, a collaboration with LeadingAge to increase awareness of the benefits of vaccines and to hold vaccine/booster clinics.

LeadingAge Maryland was awarded nearly $350,000 in grants to improve the well-being of older Marylanders living in affordable senior housing. The awards fund a two-year project that will provide training and resources to direct care staff at 16 affordable senior housing communities. The LTSS Center collaborated on the development of the project and will evaluate it. The award was covered in Forbes.

Work that Matters is a $5.2 million workforce grant LeadingAge Michigan received to study the impact of the pandemic on the direct care workforce in skilled nursing. It surveyed direct caregivers and members enrolled received the actionable information in real time.

LeadingAge Tennessee earned the Assisted Living Facility Education and Safety Campaign Grant from the state Department of Health to promote three distinct programs: Careers That Love You Back (workforce) and Safe Care for Seniors (both to be implemented in at least 20 assisted living organizations throughout the state by April 1, 2024) and a Learning Management System expected to go live this March. It also funds a program and grant director!

LeadingAge Virginia received grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Virginia Department of Health Office of Epidemiology to develop model infection prevention and control policies for adult day centers. The association developed customizable policy templates and tip sheets and provided virtual office hours for continuous education and support. Other products include online resources and notebooks that consolidate all information, ensuring easy access to all of the tip sheets and template policies.

LeadingAge Wisconsin actively partnered on a $6 million grant to launch the new and improved WisCaregiver Careers program with the goal of bringing 3,000 new CNAs into members’ skilled nursing communities.

Helped members build stronger organizations and improve quality care

LeadingAge understands what members need to succeed in our ever-changing field—and we share that knowledge and build the tools to help providers excel. LeadingAge added tools and resources to help members bring their governance to the next level; navigate significant changes in the Minimum Data Set; stay abreast of the latest technology innovations, including infection-control technologies and the need for digital transformation; and tackle their pressing workforce challenges. State associations delivered resources for members in their regions as well:

LeadingAge Colorado developed tools and resources to assist providers with state regulatory requirements, including Online Dementia Training Courses, an Assisted Living Survey Checklist to self-audit records and processes, and members-only resources and tools for both private pay and assisted living providers.

The LeadingAge Kansas Foundation provided 13 professionals with more than $10,000 in scholarships to advance their education. This is the 12th year for the scholarship awards.

Mission Based Health Benefits launched by LeadingAge Michigan is a new member collaborative formed to improve workforce recruitment and retention while driving down the member cost of health benefits through policy design and shared risk.

LeadingAge Minnesota launched the Data Portal to help members measure what matters to prove value and build trust through data standardization, collection, and transparency. The association expanded the use of the portal and added vital data benchmarking capabilities to drive data-driven decision-making.

LeadingAge New Jersey/Delaware created a tool so members can tap into trusted industry experts and thought leaders, leveraging cost savings and strengthening their organization.

LeadingAge Wisconsin initiated statewide long-term care refugee workforce collaborations between the state’s refugee resettlement agencies and providers. And, after three years in development, the association launched The Dementia Care Designation System™ to raise the standard for what “dementia care community” means when a provider is advertised as such to the public.

This is only part of what LeadingAge accomplished for members in 2023.

Part Two of this story publishes February 5. You’ll be impressed to see the noteworthy legislative advances and increased visibility LeadingAge achieved. Visit What’s New on the 5th—or anytime!