LifeSpan Network - Who We Are

LifeSpan Network is the largest senior care provider association in the Mid-Atlantic, representing more than 245 senior care provider organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. LifeSpan’s members include not-for-profit and for-profit facilities providing care and services to seniors across the continuum of care, including: independent living, assisted living, nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, subsidized senior housing, community-based and hospital-based programs.

What's New

LifeSpan Responds to Washington Post article on CCRCs

LifeSpan President Isabella Firth submitted a letter to the editor in response to the October 31st Washington Post article on the continuing care industry. To read the letter, click here.

THE BEACON INSTITUTE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PRESENTS A HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT SERIES

The Improving Health Care Series is brought to you through a partnership between Penn State and the Beacon Institute. We have combined forces to bring you a proven, high-quality program developed specifically for the health care industry. This series establishes the environment, behaviors, and activities that support a culture of excellence. For more information about this course click here.

UPDATE: Federal Government Proposes Significant Cuts to Medicare

LifeSpan releases press statement opposing Medicare cuts. Click here for the statement. To learm more about Medicare cuts and long-term care reform, including how you can contact your congressional representatives, click here.

LIFESPAN MEMBERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NURSING HOME MEDICAID CUTS

Over the last two weeks, LifeSpan members have spoken out in their local papers against the recent cuts to the nursing home reimbursement budget. Letters to the Editor can be found at:

Beacon Institute Introduces On-Line Learning and Redesigned Web Pages

The Beacon Institute, with its e-learning partner Harbor21, has launched its Online Learning option. Beacon’s Online Learning offers affordable CEUs for NHAs, Nurses, and GNA/CNAs and well as in-services for Nursing Facility and Assisted Living staff. Click Here to browse our offerings now.

The Beacon Institute now offers web pages that are organized by provider types. Click on the “Education, Events and Conferences” button on the left hand navigation menu, to view the Beacon pages now. The reorganized web pages enable each provider type to browse and register for seminars, webinars and teleconferences designed to meet their specific needs.

Questions about Online Learning or Beacon education? Contact ejones@LifeSpan-Network.org.

LifeSpan Introduces Online Discussions for Members

A new member benefit is now available! By clicking on the button to the right or the button on the left menu labeled "Online Discussions" you can network with other members instantly. Ask questions, share best practices, gain the support of your peers. The Discussions are for members only - non-members cannot view or post to the discussions.

We have set up categories for each provider type: assisted living, nursing facilities, CCRCs, housing, medical adult daycare and community based services. We have also set up a discussion for our Associate Members
There are three easy steps to getting started: 1) Register to participate, 2) receive your approval by e-mail, 3) join an ongoing discussion or start a new one! It’s that easy.

Register to Participate in Online Discussion Now

Questions or Problems with Online Discussion – Please Click Here

Governor Cuts Provider Reimbursements

On July 22, 2009, at the Board of Public Works meeting, Governor O'Malley requested $23 million in cuts to nursing homes and retracted an anticipated 0.9% increase for home-and-community based service providers. The cut to nursing homes takes effect August 1, 2009. These actions are in response to the State's projected $700 million deficit. These cuts continue the downward spiral of provider reimbursements. Since FY2006, nursing home providers have seen reductions in the nursing home budget of over $130 million. LifeSpan opposes reductions to senior care providers and will be working to defeat future cuts.

**New Tool - Free to Members with Assisted Living Programs**

The LifeSpan Assisted Living Compliance CD will be sent to Assisted Living Provider Members in August of 2009. To receive the CD, the provider must be a Lifespan Member-in-good-standing. Assisted Living Provider Members do not have to order a copy of the CD; it will be sent automatically.

The CD contains a searchable version of the Maryland Assisted Living Regulations and a fully compliant, customizable, Assisted Living Policies and Procedures Manual.

Not a Member? Contact LifeSpan Today for Membership Information.