| It’s Careers in Aging Month! Celebrate With Us | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/It’s-Careers-in-Aging-Month!-Celebrate-With-Us.aspx | It’s Careers in Aging Month! Celebrate With Us | | | | | 3/5/2024 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><p>Careers in Aging Month is underway! We will be spreading the word about careers in aging, and we would love to celebrate our members' current employees. From activities director to chef to CNA, we're encouraging you to highlight the dedicated heroes who care for our seniors every day. Join us in promoting these rewarding careers on social media using the hashtag #CareersinAging.</p><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Throughout the month, we'll also be sharing a variety of resources, stories, and fun facts – make sure you follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ahcancal/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;">Facebook</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">,</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ahcancal" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span style="font-size:11pt;">X</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">(Twitt</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">er</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">)</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;">,</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> and </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-health-care-association/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;">LinkedIn</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> using the #CareersinAging.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Finally, last year, AHCA/NCAL launched “Careers in Caring" – a national campaign to equip long term care providers with the resources they need to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field. A perfect way to celebrate Careers in Aging Month is to amplify your hiring efforts! During this month, we hope you'll take a moment to check out Careers in Caring's dedicated website, </span><a href="http://www.careersincare.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;">www.CareersInCare.org</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">, where providers and professionals can find a one-stop-shop of resources and tools to support their hiring efforts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">We</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> hope you'll join us in celebrating and promoting the amazing careers in long term care this month.</span></p> | Careers in Aging Month is underway! We will be spreading the word about careers in aging, and we would love to celebrate our members’ current employees. | |
| Get Ready to Celebrate Careers in Aging Month | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Ready-to-Celebrate-Careers-in-Aging-Month.aspx | Get Ready to Celebrate Careers in Aging Month | | | | | 2/13/2024 5:00:00 AM | | <div>In the past, AHCA/NCAL and providers across the country have celebrated Careers in Aging Week to bring recognition to the numerous career opportunities available in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current caregivers in the industry. In 2024, we are extending the celebration and the month of March will now be dedicated to <strong><em>Careers in Aging Month</em></strong>! </div><div><br></div><div>People are living longer, and the demand for caregivers in our profession is growing rapidly. As our sector continues to face a historic workforce crisis, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in Careers in Aging Month and raise awareness about the incredible opportunities available. Careers in Aging Month is dedicated to bringing greater visibility to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current employees in the profession. Join us in celebrating -- here’s how you can plan to participate and spread the word: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Amplify your hiring efforts with Careers in Caring. </strong>Careers in Caring is a national recruitment campaign, launched by AHCA/NCAL, to educate job seekers about the careers in long term care and to equip providers with resources to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field. Careers in Aging Month is a perfect opportunity to highlight your hiring efforts. Visit careersincare.org to learn more!</li><li><strong>Host a facility tour. </strong>Open your doors to the community and host a facility tour for local students, parents, and teachers to showcase the day-to-day operations in your facility. </li><li><strong>Visit your local schools and talk about careers in aging.</strong> Informing the next generation about the opportunities in this profession is critical to meet future workforce needs.</li><li><strong>Participate in job or educational fairs. </strong>The overall goal of these events should be to spark the interest of students and give them a sense of what a career in long term care is all about.</li><li><strong>Plan a community celebration.</strong> Community events can be organized by local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, economic development groups and more. Talk to your community partners about how to best organize a celebration.</li><li><strong>Contribute to the conversation on social media. </strong>Share how you’re celebrating and showcasing careers in aging on social media using the hashtag #CareersInAging. Ask your staff, ‘why do you love to work in long term care?’ and share their story on social media!</li><li><strong>Host a virtual event. </strong>Offer an easy way for your community to engage, learn more, and ask questions about the career opportunities available in your organization. </li><li><strong>Celebrate your staff. </strong>Host a party to celebrate/thank your staff members, and invite families of staff, residents and their family members. Recognize your staff for accomplishments, like tenure or outstanding customer service.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>How you participate needs to work for you, so feel free to choose what works best! Visit <a href="https://www.geron.org/Career-Learning/Career-Development/Careers-in-Aging" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">careersinaging.com</a> for graphics and more resources. <br><br></div> | In 2024, the month of March will be dedicated to celebrating Careers in Aging Month. | |
| Save the Date for Careers in Aging MONTH | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Save-the-Date-for-Careers-in-Aging-MONTH-.aspx | Save the Date for Careers in Aging MONTH | | | | | 12/18/2023 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>In the past, AHCA/NCAL and providers across the country have celebrated Careers in Aging Week to bring recognition to the numerous career opportunities available in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current caregivers in the industry. In 2024, we are extending the celebration and <strong>the month of March</strong> will now be dedicated to Careers in Aging Month! Join us in promoting these rewarding careers for the month-long observation! </div><div><br></div><div>Working in long term care provides endless opportunities, including the chance to serve one of our nation’s most vulnerable, special populations. The focus in these roles is on treating the whole person, not just a medical condition, and there is amazing potential for career advancement. Along with these benefits and more, working in the long term care community truly improves the lives of millions in positive and supportive work environments. A career in long term care brings a sense of purpose, turns residents and caregivers into family, and can be a great steppingstone to kickstart a successful career in health care. </div><div><br></div><div>During Careers in Aging Month, AHCA/NCAL will share stories, resources, and more – help us spread the word by retweeting us on Twitter or sharing our posts on Facebook and using the hashtag #CareersinCaring. </div><div><br></div><div>Learn more about <a href="https://www.geron.org/Portals/0/files/Career%20and%20Learning/CIAW_How_To_Get_Involved.pdf?ver=ESpGWn3xEzpXWp0YkOioVQ%3d%3d" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">how you can participate</a> or visit <a href="http://www.careersinaging.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.careersinaging.com</a> for more resources. <br></div><p></p> | In the past, AHCA/NCAL and providers across the country have celebrated Careers in Aging Week to bring recognition to the numerous career opportunities available in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current caregivers in the industry. | |
| It’s Careers in Aging Week! | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/It’s-Careers-in-Aging-Week!.aspx | It’s Careers in Aging Week! | | | | | 3/28/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <div>This week is Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), a week dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current employees in the profession. A perfect way to celebrate Careers in Aging Week is to amplify your hiring efforts! <br></div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL recently launched “Careers in Caring,” a national campaign to equip long term care providers with the resources they need to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Careers in Caring has a dedicated website, <a href="https://careersincare.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">CareersInCare.org</a>, where providers and professionals can find a one-stop-shop of resources and tools to support their hiring efforts. The campaign is research-tested, with proven practices to reach potential candidates. The website houses:</div><div><ul><li>A content guide to help you talk about the long term care sector and the benefits of choosing a career in the industry.</li><li>Pre-drafted content that you can post on your own social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can copy and paste this content directly or edit it to fit your needs.</li><li>Informational handouts for job fairs or open house events.</li><li>Common questions and answers about working in long term care.</li><li>Photos that depict different types of long term care careers.</li><li>And more!<br></li></ul></div><div>While CIAW is officially March 26-April 1, any week can be CIAW! How you participate needs to work for you, so feel free to choose what works best! You can also visit <a href="https://www.geron.org/programs-services/careers-in-aging-week" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersinaging.com</a> for more CIAW resources, and use the hashtag #CareersinAging to share how you’re celebrating. Happy Careers in Aging Week!<br></div> | Careers in Aging Week is dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services. | |
| Get Ready & Celebrate Careers in Aging Week! | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Ready-&-Celebrate-Careers-in-Aging-Week!.aspx | Get Ready & Celebrate Careers in Aging Week! | | | | | 3/14/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <div>Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) is just around the corner, taking place March 26-April 1! The goal of CIAW is to bring awareness to the numerous career opportunities available in long term care and aging services, and to celebrate current caregivers in the industry. Join us in promoting these rewarding careers! </div><div><br></div><div>Working in long term care provides endless opportunities, including the chance to serve one of our nation’s most vulnerable, special populations. The focus in these roles is on treating the whole person, not just a medical condition, and there is amazing potential for career advancement. Along with these benefits and more, working in the long term care community truly improves the lives of millions in positive and supportive work environments. A career in long term care brings a sense of purpose, turns residents and caregivers into family, and can be a great steppingstone to kickstart a successful career in health care.</div><div> </div><div>During CIAW, AHCA/NCAL will share stories, resources, and more -- spread the word by retweeting us on Twitter or sharing our posts on Facebook and using the hashtag #CareersinCaring.</div><div><br></div><div>Learn more about <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Involved-in-Careers-in-Aging-Week.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">how you can participate</a> or visit <a href="http://www.careersinaging.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">www.careersinaging.com</a> for more resources. <br></div><div><br></div> | Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) is just around the corner, taking place March 26-April 1! | |
| Get Involved in Careers in Aging Week | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Involved-in-Careers-in-Aging-Week.aspx | Get Involved in Careers in Aging Week | | | | | 2/28/2023 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><h3>Save the date for Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), March 26-April 1, 2023</h3><div>People are living longer, and the demand for caregivers in our profession is growing rapidly. As our sector continues to face a historic workforce crisis, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in CIAW and raise awareness about the incredible opportunities available. CIAW is dedicated to bringing greater visibility to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current employees in the profession. Join us in celebrating, starting March 26 through April 1 -- here’s how you can plan to participate and spread the word during CIAW: </div><div><ul><li><strong>Amplify your hiring efforts with Careers in Caring. </strong>Careers in Caring is a national recruitment campaign, launched by AHCA/NCAL, to educate job seekers about the careers in long term care and to equip providers with resources to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field. CIAW is a perfect opportunity to highlight your hiring efforts. Visit <a href="https://careersincare.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersincare.org</a> to learn more!</li><li><strong>Host a facility tour.</strong> Open your doors to the community and host a facility tour for local students, parents, and teachers to showcase the day-to-day operations in your facility. </li><li><strong>Visit your local schools and talk about careers in aging. </strong>Informing the next generation about the opportunities in this profession is critical to meet future workforce needs.</li><li><strong>Participate in job or educational fairs. </strong>The overall goal of these events should be to spark the interest of students and give them a sense of what a career in long term care is all about.</li><li><strong>Plan a community celebration. </strong>Community events can be organized by local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, economic development groups and more. Talk to your community partners about how to best organize a celebration.</li><li><strong>Contribute to the conversation on social media. </strong>Share how you’re celebrating and showcasing careers in aging on social media using the hashtag <strong>#CareersInAging</strong>. Ask your staff, ‘why do you love to work in long term care?’ and share their story on social media!<br></li><li><strong>Host a virtual event. </strong>Offer an easy way for your community to engage, learn more, and ask questions about the career opportunities available in your organization. </li><li><strong>Celebrate your staff. </strong>Host a party to celebrate/thank your staff members, and invite families of staff, residents and their family members. Recognize your staff for accomplishments, like tenure or outstanding customer service.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>While CIAW is officially March 26-April 1, any week can be CIAW! How you participate needs to work for you, so feel free to choose what works best! Visit <a href="https://www.geron.org/programs-services/careers-in-aging-week" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersinaging.com</a> for CIAW graphics and more resources. <br><br></div><p><br></p> | Save the date for Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), March 26-April 1, 2023. | |
| Careers in Aging: Mary Watkins, Director of Nursing | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Mary-Watkins.aspx | Careers in Aging: Mary Watkins, Director of Nursing | | | | | 4/19/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Mary%20Watkins%20(3).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:225px;" />Mary has worked at Wolfe County Health and Rehabilitation Center for 29 years, starting in 1993. She began as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at the facility as she finished the Registered Nurse program at Lees College in Jackson, KY. At Wolfe County, she has held many positions, including Charge Nurse, Unit Supervisor, Clinical Coordinator, MDS Coordinator, and currently Director of Nursing. She has dedicated most of her life to caring for the elder population. Due to COVID-19 and the lack of well staff at times she volunteered to work as a charge nurse and nurse aide to care for her facility’s residents.</div><div> <br></div><div>Mary has always been a strong advocate for her resident’s overall well-being, making sure all their needs are met not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. She has been a friend to many residents over the years bringing them fun items that they would not have normally received otherwise such as special candy, clothes, perfume, yarn, puzzles, books, and lotions. Over the years, she made sure residents received Christmas and birthday presents when they did not have family to buy special gifts for them. She makes it a point to become familiar with the residents’ personal choices. She has always been a strong advocate for person-centered care and consistent care assignments. Mary makes her residents feel as though they are loved and gives them her total attention. She encourages them to be as independent as possible. Residents and families have witnessed her strong compassion and empathy. She has a way of calming and reassuring families and residents when they are making the tough decision to place their loved one into the nursing facility. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Mary has worked tirelessly to manage the nursing department during the pandemic, sacrificing many long hours of personal time to ensure adequate staffing. During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when the facility was shut down to visitors, she had her pastor come and pray for the facility’s residents and staff. She also helps elder individuals in her community that may call on her for assistance as it relates to their help concerns. She often takes food to her church elders, helps them manage their medication, and give them sound spiritual and medical advice. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Prior to becoming a nurse, Mary owned a small grocery store. Even then she showed her compassion, love, and generosity toward others. Her compassion towards long term care has encouraged others to enter the field. Many have referred to her as an Angel on this Earth!</div><div>Mary is a mother of two, and Nan of 5 grandchildren plus a bonus grandchild. She has dedicated her life for the service of others. It takes individuals like Mary who possess a life-long dedication and compassion for the elderly population to truly make a difference in their lives. The residents and staff genuinely treasure her. She is a tremendous positive influence and has a way of bringing out the best in people. She goes above and beyond in her volunteer work in the community and her facility. Mary has gone above and beyond in the field of elder care for almost 30 years.<br></div><div><br></div> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Mary Watkins for Careers in Aging Week. | |
| Careers in Aging: Amanda Woods, Activities Director | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Amanda-Woods.aspx | Careers in Aging: Amanda Woods, Activities Director | | | | | 4/19/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Amanda%20Woods%20(7).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:125px;height:248px;" />Amanda has spent her whole career in the health care community, working as a CNA for more than 11 years to an Activities Director for going on six years. “My heart is in this world fully,” Amanda said. Amanda loves and cares for every resident she works with, and strives to make their days a little brighter and bring their families a little closer every day. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Amanda finds joy in making the little things that residents appreciate happen. “I find that remembering small details they like in their day to day lives is very important. If they like 3 tissues in their pocket or their hair parted to the left. These are the things that make me happy to take care of them.” </div><div><br></div><div>“Taking care of someone else's loved one is one of the most rewarding and hardest jobs there is. I am grateful every day that I got chosen to be one of those people,” Amanda said.<br><br></div><p><br></p> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Amanda Woods for Careers in Aging Week. | |