The COVID Effect: Fall Conference Explores Strengthening Ties Between Healthcare & Housing

The question of whether senior living should include a healthcare component is no longer up for debate. The COVID crisis has shown in the most dramatic way possible that elderly residents not only need to be kept safe from infection, but also need access to reliable healthcare providers.

In recognition of the quickly accelerating partnership between healthcare and housing, the 2020 NIC Fall Conference will spotlight the trend. The Conference is being held online over two weeks. Education Week (Oct.6-8) covers timely topics and market conditions. Connections Week (Oct.13-15) features peer-to-peer and brainstorming sessions.

A number of Education Week sessions will explore healthcare and housing in the wake of the COVID crisis. Here are a few highlights:

• • “What Does Senior Living Look Like in the COVID Era: The New Role of Health and Healthcare On-site.” (Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1-2 pm) Moderated by Bob Kramer, NIC founder and strategic advisor, and president of Nexus Insights, this session will explore partnerships that can deliver benefits to improve length of stay. Attendees will learn about changing referral patterns and the role of effective care. Speakers include James Lydiard, staff vice president, CareMore Health; and Michael Grust, founder, Senior Resource Group.
  • “Four Weeks Out from the General Election: A Policy Discussion.” (Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2:15-3:15 pm) Government policies will have a big impact on housing and healthcare. Journalist Soledad O’Brien leads a deep dive into healthcare policy in a COVID world with Mark Parkinson, president & CEO of AHCA; and Andy Slavitt, former acting administrator of CMS. The panel will cover regulatory impacts, Medicare & Medicaid, and changes to private health plans.
  • The popular NIC Talks series returns this fall as thought leaders address the future of aging. NIC’s Kramer will moderate “NIC Talks: How Will COVID-19 Impact the Future of Aging and Aging Services.” (Tuesday, Oct. 6, 3:30-4 pm) Telehealth and healthcare delivery will be explored. Speakers include Tim Ferris, MD, CEO, Mass General Physicians Organization, Professor, Harvard Medical School; and Krista Drobac, executive director, Alliance for Connected Care. Another NIC Talks, “How Will Covid-19 Impact the Future of Aging and Aging Services” (Wednesday, Oct.7, 1-1:45 pm) explores ageism and COVID as well as how to create a better future and better designs for senior living. Among the featured speakers is AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins.
  • “Operator Spotlight-Decision-Making Roadmap to Rapid Testing.” (Wednesday, Oct. 7, 12:45-1 pm) Lynne Katzmann, president & CEO at Juniper Communities shares how she navigates testing accessibility for her staff.
  • “Technology: Top Trends in Senior Care.” (Thursday, Oct. 8, 2-2:45 pm). The adoption rate of new technologies has increased exponentially amid the COVID crisis. Speakers will explore how operators are using technology to improve care, create a more efficient workplace, and enhance communication with residents, families and staff.

For more information on the 2020 NIC Fall Conference, visit: https://fallconference.nic.org/