The Mission-Driven Difference

LeadingAge South Carolina is the not-for-profit association that represents not-for-profit and other mission-driven, quality-focused community-based housing and service providers to older South Carolinians. LeadingAge South Carolina is an affiliate of our national partner, LeadingAge National and together we work closely to ensure that long-term care will continue to meet the needs of older Americans.

 

 

Setting the Standard Throughout the Spectrum of Aging Services

The nation's mission-driven aging services providers are on a mission. Their objective: to provide the highest quality and most compassionate care to the residents/clients they serve. The good news for the older Americans, their families, and the entire long-term care field is that they are succeeding. At a time when long-term care is under intense scrutiny, not-for-profit providers are showing that there is a difference when it comes to quality. By consistently providing more hands-on care and developing new, more creative ways to meet the needs of their residents, not-for-profits are setting the standard for quality in the field.

The latest government statistics reaffirm the mission-driven difference. For example, according to the most recent figures based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, not-for-profit nursing homes:

  • Provide more hours of care per patient per day.
  • Invest more resources in resident care.
  • Average significantly fewer deficiencies than for-profit homes.

The Place for Innovation

Mission-driven organizations are where innovation happens. Around the county, mission-driven nursing homes are changing the face of long-term care. Based on extensive research and a desire to provide a more dignified and home setting for residents, providers are completely redesigning their approach to care. The hospital-style facility of old, with its rigid institutional environment and rigid procedures is being replaced with an approach to care in which residents and staff strive for a home with family atmosphere, and residents are free to make their own choices about their day. This movement is entitled Culture Change.

Mission-driven innovations already are gaining attention. The New York Times praised LeadingAge members in an editorial that states our providers are shaping daily life "around the needs and preferences of the residents, rather than the institutions." It's not surprising, the Times continued. "In an industry increasingly dominated by corporate chain ownership, that the changes are occurring in not-for-profit, church-sponsored homes."

LeadingAge South Carolina members and staff are involved in providing leadership on legislative workgroups, initiatives to address statewide issues, such as solutions to the staffing crisis in long-term care. Members are also leaders in finding new ways to provide services in home-like environments by making adjustments to building design, etc. Most recently, affordable senior housing members have been partnering with supportive services providers to help residents maintain their independence.

Making The Difference

America's future is filled with older faces. LeadingAge South Carolina, LeadingAge National, and its members are working today to ensure that long-term care not only meets the needs of tomorrow's older Americans, but exceeds their expectations. LeadingAge South Carolina & LeadingAge National are joining providers, policymakers. researchers, advocates , regulators, and others to develop policies and practices that will make long-term care the center of innovative , quality care for our older citizens.

The Association offers many benefits to its members such as:

Advocacy and Public Policy

LeadingAge South Carolina remains in the front of the public policy issues facing the spectrum of aging. As a member, you should expect the best in advocacy. We deliver on that promise by working extensively with legislators, legislative staff, developing relationships with like minded organizations, and engaging our members in grassroots contacts with legislators. The same can be seen nationally as you are represented and informed on key legislative developments in Congress.

Advocate for common goals with other LeadingAge South Carolina and LeadingAge National members and increase the strength of your single voice and maximize your influence on the state and national level. You will receive timely legislative updates, member alerts and other special communications.

Information and Resources

LeadingAge South Carolina is a clearinghouse of important information regarding the field of Aging Services. It produces publications with a variety of information about association, community resources, legislative reports as well as regulatory updates on state and national issues.
Enjoy access to the Association member newsletters, publications, electronic messages and other communications intended to keep you informed and making sound decisions based on the best and most current information available in South Carolina and nationally. These communications keep members abreast of industry trends, community and association news, regulatory changes, legislative updates and action items, and much more.

Leadership and Networking

Connect with your colleagues locally by attending Forum meetings for professional areas such as Accounting, Activities, Administrators, CEOs, Facilities Management, HR Directors, Marketing, MDS, Nurses, Social Services and Wellness staff. These meetings provide a vital link between member, association leadership and staff, and an opportunity for education, networking and fellowship. Guest speakers are featured on a regular basis and continuing education credits are offered.
Get involved by participating in various state and national committees, peer groups, the LeadingAge South Carolina Board of Directors or LeadingAge Policy Congress and help shape the direction of the association while building relationships and networking with like-minded individuals.

Professional Development

The SC Institute on Aging, our education arm, offers training and educational opportunities that meet the diverse information needs of professionals in the aging services field while fostering an environment for networking and shared learning. Participate in web-based, audio and in-person educational programs on daily operational needs and future challenges and trends that allow you to accumulate CEU hours in a time-saving and affordable member rate. Members may participate in the SC Institute on Aging Leadership Academy Certificate Program (our leadership development program) in order to develop and maintain quality staff in our field. As a member, you also have the opportunity to serve on the professional development committee (PDC) and on the Institute Board of Directors to continue the direction of the Institute and its educational programming.

Savings and Solutions

Benefit from Value First, a group purchasing organization owned by LeadingAge, LeadingAge South Carolina and 24 state affiliates established to maximize your buying power through a partnership with MedAssets nationally negotiated contracts on goods and services designed to meet the specific buying needs of healthcare and senior housing providers. This is a voluntary member benefit with no obligation to purchase. Value First professionals will help you analyze your organization's purchasing and see if there are ways you can save money. You will enjoy increased purchasing power through expanded choice, intelligent solutions and significant savings by a trusted partner.

Assistance and Support

Access individualized, technical assistance from our team of experts. Benefit from advice from our staff and consultants and a wealth of national experts from staff at LeadingAge South Carolina and LeadingAge National, as well as your colleagues.

Joint Membership in LeadingAge

LeadingAge South Carolina members enjoy valuable membership through our national affiliate, LeadingAge (formerly AAHSA). The LeadingAge community includes 6000 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 38 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries. The work of LeadingAge is focused on advocacy, leadership development, and applied research and promotion of effective services, home health, hospice, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care communities, nursing homes, as well as technology solutions, to seniors, children, and others with special needs.