Heart of the Matter Blog

This article originally appeared as an Op-Ed by LeadingAge PA member, Beth McMaster. Beth McMaster, NHA, is the president and CEO of United Church of Christ Homes in Camp Hill.

In a world that moves at a fast pace, there is something profoundly beautiful about celebrating the timeless and ageless aspects of life. The LeadingAge PA Ageless Art and Timeless Treasures Gala did just that, creating a heartwarming and inspiring event that brought nearly 200 guests together to view the incredible talents of artists living in member communities across the state.

A lot of people say that they “fell” into senior living. It’s less common for someone to choose this career path outright, and yet, time and time again we hear from individuals who found themselves in this field and never want to leave. They find purpose and community and know that this is a place where they can make a difference.

As aging services providers in pursuit of excellence, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)’s Five-Star Quality Rating Reports can provide a roadmap toward achieving the highest levels of skilled nursing facility excellence, especially in the eyes of consumers and oversight agencies. The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System reports for nursing facilities look at three important measures: health inspection, staffing, and quality measures. Let’s take a closer look at this rating system and explore what it means to reach for that fifth star.

In the political universe, where battles for influence and power are waged, a group of warriors emerge, armed with their own unique set of skills and resources. They call themselves Political Action Committees (PACs), the unsung influencers of the political realm, quietly gaining strength from its supporters and PAC-ing a punch that can be felt across the political landscape. Join us as we dive into our world of our PAC with the purpose and determination to make a resounding impact on aging services.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Carrie Chiusano and Marcy Keibler to offer enhanced knowledge and skills in dementia care. Carrie has 30 plus years of long-term care experience with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, 15 of which were spent helping to shape and implement the Woodside Place philosophy of specialty care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.

At LeadingAge PA’s annual conference, attendees heard heartfelt stories and valuable insights from industry leaders. Among them, Vicki Loucks, VP & Chief Operating Officer of Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare captivated the audience with her emotional “why” statement. She revealed the reasons behind her decision to embark on a career in the aging services field and shed light on the unwavering motivation that fuels her even in the face of adversity.