Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL Pres. & the Nursing Home Reform Agenda
June 9, 2021
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Mark Parkinson, stands stunningly at the helm of the American Health Care Association and American Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the largest U.S. association for long term care. It represents14,000 for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes and assisted living residences, sub-acute centers and homes for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The organization's mission is to find and help deliver solutions so that frail, elderly and impaired citizens receive the quality of care they deserve regardless of the setting. Prior to serving as the 45th governor of Kansas, Parkinson owned and operated long-term care facilities in both Kansas and Missouri, bringing to his position an understanding of the landscape from an insider perspective. The pandemic and its impact on nursing home residents, brought to light the issues that have long existed in our nation's nursing homes. Seizing on the need for change, Mark Parkinson embarked on a mission to find solutions that would improve the quality of care for our nation’s elder citizens. Thus, working in partnership with Leading Age, the Care for Seniors Act was created and released in March, 2021. The Care for Seniors Act addresses four key areas with recommendations for policy changes in each area that can positively impact quality of care. The four areas are: Clinical, Workforce, Oversight and Structural. Mark Parkinson adeptly describes each of the reform areas and how he envisions this can impact nursing home quality of care.
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
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