Home: Announcements

NCCAP Announcements and Upcoming Events

---

MDS 3.0 update

2010/02/08

A Closer Look at the MDS 3.0: News and Overview for Activity and Recreation Professionals By Kimberly Grandal, CTRS, ACC/EDU February 8, 2010 The MDS 3.0 implementation date is scheduled for October 1, 2010. CMS highly recommends that everyone should hold back from training until after the "Train-the-Trainer" sessions have been completed. The Train-The-Trainer sessions are scheduled for the spring of 2010. Although it’s still too early to start training the staff on how to complete the MDS 3.0, it’s important to keep abreast of any MDS 3.0 news. The RAI User Manual is available for download. It’s not too early to start reviewing these materials and familiarize yourself with the new terminology, form design and layout, and the process. This way you will be more prepared to ask questions when you are presented with specific training opportunities. I’ve begun reading various components of the RAI Version 3.0 Manual. The following is a summary of what I have gathered to date. Advantages of the MDS 3.0 A 5-year CMS Nursing Home MDS 3.0 Validation Study suggests that the MDS 3.0 has many advantages such as: • Increased resident’s voice • Increased clinical relevance for assessment • Increased accuracy, both validity and reliability • Increased clarity and efficiency • 45% reduction in the average time for completion • Supports the movement of items toward future electronic formats Downloads • The CMS website has the MDS 3.0 materials, forms, timetables, RAI User Manual, etc. available for download. Visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp To download the MDS 3.0 RAI user manual scroll down the page and click on MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Jan 2010. The section for Customary Routine and Activities is called section F and is located in the Chapter 3 file folder. The section which refers to Recreation Therapy can be found in section 0, Special Treatments and Procedures. • You can also download sections F and O at www.recreativeresources.com/MDS3.0.htm • Other items to download on the CMS website include: o MDS 3.0 Item Subsets – A file that contains the various subsets of the MDS 3.0 assessment and tracking document such as admission, quarterly, annual, significant change, discharge, etc. o MDS 3.0 Item Matrix - This document identifies the items required for each type of assessment along with how the item is used (e.g. QMs, QIs, CATs, RUG-IV, or RUG-III). o MDS 3.0 Data Submission Specifications - Detailed data submission specifications for MDS 3.0. o MDS 3.0 CATs Specifications - This document provides Care Area Trigger (CAT) specifications for the MDS 3.0 items used in triggering the Care Area, the conditions for triggering, and Visual Basic code for triggering. Education CMS provided a webcast, entitled, MDS 3.0: Part 1- An Introduction, on December 17, 2009. You can view this archived webcast for free at http://surveyortraining.cms.hhs.gov/pubs/VideoInformation.aspx?cid=1074 • This webcast was the first of a three part series focused on providing information about the MDS 3.0. The other webcasts in the series include: o 2nd Part: Coding the MDS 3.0 (late spring/early summer, 2010) o 3rd Part: CMS Programs impacted by the MDS 3.0 (summer, 2010 Resident Assessment Instrument Overview The Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) version 3.0 is no different than the 2.0 version in that it is a structured, standardized approach for applying a problem identification process in nursing homes. Completion of the RAI includes: assessment, decision making, care planning, care plan implementation and evaluation. Care Area Assessment The Care Area Assessment (CAA) process provides guidance on how to focus on problems, concerns or important issues that are identified in the comprehensive and MDS assessment. There are 20 CAA-s which include: 01. Delirium 02. Cognitive Loss/Dementia 03. Visual Function 04. Communication 05. ADL Function/Rehabilitation Potential 06. Urinary Incontinence and Indwelling Catheter 07. Psychosocial well-being 08. Mood State 09. Behavioral Symptoms 10. Activities 11. Falls 12. Nutritional Status 13. Feeding Tube 14. Dehydration/Fluid Maintenance 15. Dental Care 16. Pressure Ulcer 17. Psychotropic Drug Use 18. Physical Restraints 19. Pain 20. Return to Community Referral The MDS 3.0 identifies the actual or potential problem areas and the CAA process provides for further assessment. Care Area Triggers (CATs) replaced the MDS 2.0 Resident Assessment Protocol (RAPs). The triggers identify those who have or are at risk for developing various functional problems in any of the 20 CAAs and directs staff to evaluate further. The Care Area Resources is a list of resources that may be helpful in performing the assessment of a triggered care area. The Care Area Summary (Section V of the MDS 3.0), provides a location for documentation of the care areas that have triggered from the MDS and the decisions made during the CAA process regarding whether or not to proceed with care planning. Just as with the MDS 2.0, further documentation for each triggered CAA is required. Documentation for each triggered CAA should describe: • The nature of the issue, concern or condition • Causes and contributing factors • Complications related to the specific care area • Risk factors • Need for referral or further evaluation by appropriate health care professionals • What research, resources or assessment tools were utilized There are four types of triggers which can change how the CAA is reviewed: • Potential Problems • Broad Screening Triggers • Prevention of Problems • Rehabilitation Potential In terms of activities, the purpose of the CAA is to identify strategies to assist the resident in increasing their involvement in meaningful activities that have been of interest to them in the past and to help them find new or adapted activities of interest to accommodate their current level of functioning. The CAA for activities is triggered when there are indications that the resident may have a decrease in involvement in social activities. The information from the assessment should be used to identify residents who may be uneasy in social relationships and activities. In addition, assessment information is to identify resident interests and identify possible causes or risk factors. Chapter 4 of the CMS RAI Version Manual also addresses care planning. Tips for care planning are provided. The manual indicates six general care planning areas: • Functional status • Rehabilitation/Restorative Nursing • Health Maintenance • Discharge Potential • Medications Daily Care Needed When residents trigger for activities, the CMS RAI Version 3.0 manual states that the focus of the care plan should be to address the underlying cause(s) and the development of the inclusion of activity programs customized to the resident’s interests and his or her abilities. Activities should focus on helping the resident fulfill his/her wishes, use cognitive skills and provide enjoyment as well opportunities for socialization with others. Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities (Section F) A section with significant revisions is the “Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities”. The customary routine staff assessment is replaced by the MDS 3.0 Preference Assessment Tool. Residents are to be interviewed for their activity interests and routine preferences. The RAI Version 3.0 Manual suggests various ways for the interviewer to phrase the questions, probe for clarification of residents’ responses and to utilize adaptive techniques such as cue cards, an interpreter, opportunity to write out answers, etc. The residents are to rate the level of importance by using the following codes: 1. Very important 2. Somewhat important 3. Not very important 4. Not important at all 5. Important, but can’t do or no choice (meaning the resident finds it important but feel he/she cannot do that at this time because of health or because of nursing home resources or scheduling. 9. No response or non-responsive (resident, family or significant other refuses to answer or doesn’t know, if the resident does not respond to the question, or provides a nonsensical response. A nonsensical response is defined as, “any unrelated, incomprehensible or incoherent response that is not informative with respect to the item being rated”. When coding the activity preferences interview, no look back is provided. The resident is to respond to their current preferences while in the facility. Family members and significant others may be the primary respondent to the interview questions if the resident is unable to do so. In this case, the family member or significant other may have to consider past preferences if they are unsure of current preferences and the resident is unable to communicate. There is a series of questions that relates to the resident’s preferences for daily routine such as bathing, bedtime, clothing, etc. The questions relating to activities include: • How important is it to you to have books, newspapers, and magazines to read? • How important is it to you to listen to music you like? • How important is it to you to be around animals such as pets? • How important is it to you to keep up with the news? • How important is it to you to do things with groups of people? • How important is it to you to do your favorite activities? • How important is it to you to go outside to get fresh air when the weather is good? • How important is it to you to participate in religious services or practices? For residents who cannot answer the questions and a family member or significant other is not available to answer on behalf of the resident, a staff assessment of activities and daily preferences is conducted. Staff is instructed to observe the resident’s response during activity programs. A variety of routine and activity preferences are listed and staff is to check off each item as it applies in the last 7 days. The items listed are as follows: A. Choosing clothes to wear B. Caring for personal belongings C. Receiving tub bath D. Receiving shower E. Receiving bed bath F. Receiving sponge bath G. Snacks between meals H. Staying up past 8:00 p.m. I. Family of significant other involvement in care discussions J. Use of phone in private K. Place to lock personal belongings L. Reading books, newspapers, or magazines M. Listening to music N. Being around animals such as pets O. Keeping up with the news P. Doing things with groups of people Q. Participating in favorite activities R. Spending time away from the nursing home S. Spending time outdoors T. Participating in religious activities or practices Z. None of the above In a sample of individuals that completed the revised Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities (Section F), findings indicated that: • 81% rated the interview items as more useful for care planning • 80% found that the interview changed their impression of resident’s wants • 1% felt that some residents who responded didn’t really understand the items • More likely to report that post-acute residents appreciated being asked Special Treatments and Therapies (Section O) The RAI Version 3.0 Manual states that recreational therapy is not a skilled service according to the Social Security Act however, for purposes of the MDS, providers should record services for recreational therapy when the conditions for the provision of recreation therapy are as follows: • The physician orders recreation therapy that provides therapeutic stimulation beyond the general activity program; • The physicians order must include a statement of frequency, duration and scope of treatment; • The services must be directly and specifically related to an active written treatment plan that is based on an initial evaluation performed by a therapeutic recreation specialist; • The services are required and provided by a state licensed or nationally certified therapeutic recreation specialist or therapeutic recreation assistant who is under the direct supervision of a therapeutic recreation specialist; and • The services must be reasonable and necessary for the resident’s condition. The assessor records the number of days and the minutes that recreation therapy was administered over the 7 day look back period. Sessions must be at least 15 minutes in length. The RAI Version 3.0 Manual states that therapy logs are not a MDS requirement but is standard of good clinical practice by all therapy professionals. It’s also important to note that when two clinicians work together, which may be common with a recreational therapist and an occupational therapist, the clinicians must split the time between the two disciplines. Music Therapy is included under Recreational Therapy as well. Recommendations • Visit the CMS website regularly using the link I provided above. • Download and print the items that are available on the CMS website and put it in a binder. • Read the RAI User Manual and review all MDS 3.0 materials. • Write down your questions as you read the manual. Have these questions available during formal training sessions. • Please share what you have learned with others. You can email me and I will post news and information at http://www.recreativeresources.com/MDS3.0.htm as I receive it. I will also address MDS 3.0 issues on my Facebook group page at www.tiny.cc/ReCreativeResourcesonFacebook Kim Grandal ACC/EDU, is the Executive Director of Re-Creative Resources, Inc (www.recreativeresources.com), and serves as a government relations liason to NCCAP. Kim has given her permission for NCCAP to post this article and we thank her.

NCCAP Ballots in the mail -

2010/02/04

The NCCAP ballots have been mailed to all certified members at the time of the mailing. The ballot envelope contains the following; *** the smaller ballot return envelope *** three sheets of paper (one) with candidate profiles front and back (one) with candidate profiles continued on one side, then the actual ballot portion on the back side (one) with NCCAP highlights on front and back *We are aware that most of you have already read through all the ballot information and made a conscience decision on whom you would like to vote for, but in the event, the manner in which the ballot was folded at the postage place had caused any confusion, this announcement should offer the needed clarification... We look forward to your choices, and thank you for taking the time to vote. **Don't forget to also submit your ideas for the Best Practices and other awards that will be presented at the NCCAP symposium in June 2010 - see the details on the nccap.org site.

NCCAP Specializations available to certified individuals, see details...

2010/01/10

NCCAP Board of Directors approves Education committee recommendations related to offering “Specializations” to the certified members credentials. Effective January 1, 2009, NCCAP certified individuals can apply to have a specialization designation by adding 10 hours of continuing education specific to that specialization. As follows; ADC for example - A Specialization in Assisted Living would be ADC/ALF A Specialization in Memory Care would be ADC/MC A Specialization in Adult Day Programs would be ADC/AD A Specialization in Educating would be ADC/EDU AAC would be AAC/ALF, AAC/MC, AAC/AD, etc ACC would be ACC/ALF, etc For each desired designation, the individual must submit evidence showing 10 CE’s from the specialization Body of Knowledge topic areas which have been updated for each category and are listed on the www.nccap.org site. If an individual will be requesting the specialization at the same time as their renewal, they would submit the required (30 CE’s) and fee for their renewal PLUS the additional 10 CE’s and fee PER each specialization they are requesting. If a person will only be requesting the specialization not in conjunction with their renewal they would simply send the 10 CE’s and fee for each specialization they are requesting. Verification that the CE’s come from the designated specialization track is the responsibility of the applicant. Initial specializations can go back 5 years for their CE’s, and renewal specializations can go back 2 years, in keeping with the NCCAP standards. As the industry evolves, so must our association to keep current. The demand for specializations in the varied areas is high, and NCCAP is setting the standards coinciding with the national average of educational hours in each area. NCCAP has designated four individuals with expertise in the respective areas to serve as Liasons for their specialization as follows; Christopher Bobos BS, ACC (Adult Day Program), Bonnie Ruggles-Rueschel BS, ACC (Assisted Living), Mark Laker, MS, ACC (Memory Care), and Natalie Davis MS, ACC (Educators). NCCAP offers a HUGE thank you to those committee members that have worked so diligently on assisting NCCAP with this for the past two years on the NCCAP education Committee; The NCCAP Education Committee (*) met during the NCCAP annual meeting of the certified members held in Orlando, FL May 1, 2008, to review the success of the MEPAP 2nd Edition, and to discuss the "testing" component of credentialing as well as to define what constitutes "specialty" tracks for NCCAP certification. ***There were 71 individuals in all in attendance at the annual meeting. Any other NCCAP pre-approved instructors that wish to serve on this committee, as always simply send an email indicating your interest in serving NCCAP in this manner. The NCCAP By-Laws, by member vote 2/2009, have been approved to be revised to include the Specializations under Article III, Section 1. Classes of Certified Activity Professionals. Member comments - "Thank you for your quick response to my inquiry. I will send the proper documentation for this specialization track as well as the fee. Thank you again; I appreciate as an Activities Professional, that the NCCAP organization continues recognize continuing education as an intricate and notable resource." "Thank you for allowing me to realize my dream of being recognized not only as a professional, but as a certified professional with specific knowledge in a specified area(s)" ________________________________________________ Instructions for completing the Specialization application - If you are currently certified and applying for a specialization to be added on to your current credential, proceed as follows; 1. Complete the FRONT cover of the NCCAP application; - fill in your personal information - under “reason for application” CHECK the box that states “specialization” AND check which specialty area you are applying for (i.e. __ALF ___MC ___AD ___EDU) - be sure to check ALL that apply if you are applying for more than one 2. Then complete PAGE 4 of the application, Continuing Education. - Check which specialization in the space indicated - List the 10 CE’s that meets the allowed Body of Knowledge topic areas for THAT specialization. SUBMIT – A. the front cover of the application B. the continuing education (page 4) C. the proof of the CE’s (copies) D. the appropriate fee (which is $25.00 PER each specialty you are applying for at that time) (FOR initial Specialization application, per NCCAP Standards, you may go back 5 years for the CE’s that fit into the Body of Knowledge topic areas – SEE complete list on the NCCAP website for EACH specialization). Adding this Specialization will NOT change your certification expiration, so you MAY wish to wait until your renewal IF you are close to your renewal date, to avoid having to submit additional CE’s in such a short time frame. IF you are submitting the level change at the same time as your certification renewal, you will need the following; 1. The above information plus, 2. Your renewal application listing the CE’s 3. The required CE’s for your renewal (20 AAC,30 ADPC/ADC or 40 ACC) (copies) 4. The renewal fee of $50.00 *new rate as of 1/1/2009 RENEWALS of the specialty will be every two years when your AAC, ADPC/ADC, or ACC credential is due for renewal. At which time you will send the required CE’s for your level, plus the 10 additional CE’s for each specialization, the regular 50.00 renewal fee and the 10.00 renewal fee for each specialization – these instructions will be on your renewal form.

NCCAP photos needed

2009/5/14

ATTENTION all you fabulous photo taking individuals... For some time now NCCAP has been collecting photos sent in by you the certified members, of the activities and events you have done with your residents. From time to time we have included these in our newsletter or posted them on our website (please see the current photo album); NCCAP is involved in numerous state associations each year, as well as other venues, all of which have photos taken throughout the event. We would like to feature your state association, or accomplishments etc...So send in the photos at will. Remember to also send in the disclaimer giving NCCAP permission to post or print these photos and a small caption indicating the contents of the photos. Please send them via email to info@nccap.org - or via mail to P.O. Box 62589 Virginia Beach, VA 23466.

NCCAP Goes green(er)

2009/12/26

NCCAP printed the fall 2009 newsletter and mailed it to all the certified members, and as always it is now archived on the NCCAP website. EFFECTIVE the winter 2010 issue, NCCAP will be utilizing an email program and emailing the members their newsletter (except of course for those that do not have email or truly wish for their issue to be mailed). NCCAP feels this will not only help the environment, but it will also be less costly, and that money could be better spent in providing additional scholarship money for the certified activity professionals to utilize toward their credentialing needs. IF you do not have email, or wish to continue to receive the hard copy in the mail rather than email, please put that in writing to info@nccap.org; if we do not hear from you, the newsletter will be email effective the Winter 2010 issue. NCCAP will be mailing all the certified individuals the email address that we currently have in the NCCAP data base, provided by you, to determine if it is the most accurate and current email address before the newsletters are emailed to you - BUT as ever they will be archived on the NCCAP site. Be watching for your ballot and the email address notice within the month.

Resource review (s)- READ WHAT others are saying about these products!!!!

2009/12/25

Resource - Activities for the Elderly, Volume 1 Company - Parker, Will & Burke "This is a very good book of activities. The book is well organized, and the activities have clear direction. Its is especially great for new activity staff and directors" Reviewed by - June Fisher Markowitz, ADC (NJ) __________________________________________________ Inside Assisted Living, 264 pages, $45.00 Publisher: The John Hopkins University Press KA@press.jhu.edu "The Authors present a clear, concise view of Assisted Living from the inside out. A practical tool for those who are facing or have loved ones approaching that level of care. Gives staff a view into the feelings of their residents" Reviewed by: Jerry Lynn Daniels, ADC/ALF/MC/EDU _____________________________________________ Dental First Aid for Families, Book Publisher - Idyll Arbor - contact dawn@aidyllarbor.com "This book is a good reference guide to use in case of dental emergencies, as well as it also provides information that people may not normally know about mouth care. Being most facilities consult with a dentist, this book might be more beneficial to healthcare workers, family members or for use in training" Reviewed by: Michele Bauer, ADC ___________________________________________ The name of the book is "Spirituality & Aging" by Robert C. Atchley Published by Johns Hopkins (45.00) "If you keep an open mind when reading this book, you could learn something new when working with and relating to the elderly" Kelly Covone-Henning, ACC, Resource Reviewer _________________________________________ The name of the DVD is "Ladies Let's Chat" published by Innovative Care giving Resources (buy 2 get one free)800-249-5600. "I LOVE this, my residents LOVE this. I have shown it to my English speaking residents with middle stage Alzheimer's they watch and respond. Like a Mr. Rogers for seniors. I would love to see more of this, in Spanish!" June Fisher-Markowitz, Resource Reviewer _______________________________________________ The name of the CD is "NewsCurrents" published by Knowledge Unlimited, www.knowledgeunlimited.com 48 issues a year for only $349.00. "News Currents can be done as a large or small group program, or even as a one to one without the video/cd. The residents found the articles interesting, and stated that they learned a lot. The DVD was a nice visual and helped the residents stay focused on each article. The program can be done with various levels of cognition and can be adapted to specialized populations. It would work well in a weekly time slot for those wishing to be kept abreast of the current news." Michele Bauer, ADC, Resource Reviewer _____________________________________________ The name of the product "Dancing Hands One on One" by Tap Dancing with Your Hands www.dancinghandstaps.com "We are a continuous care facility and all three levels used this product and LOVED it. We had residents moving to music that would never consider exercise or ROM. We even had one that informed us that we were off tune, and then proceeded to show us the right way! This person is in the secured unit. The staff tried this product and had as much fun as the residents. I would HIGHLY recommend this product" Nyleen Lonski, ADC, Resource Reviewer ___________________________________________________ The name of the DVD is "Remembering When" published by Innovative Care giving Resources (buy 2 get one free)800-249-5600. "When using with the residents, they reacted by waiving to the woman speaking on the DVD, they sang along with the songs and made eye contact with the DVD. The DVD was able to hold the attention of the residents and 7 of the 11 residents responded in some way to the content of the DVD" Eileen Fredman, Resource Reviewer ____________________________________________________ The name of the CD is Renewing Your Spirit, by Buttonberry Books, Susan Lanza, President. selanza@comcast.net "Found this CD to be extremely relaxing and afforded me time to simply stop, slow down and take time for me. As a professional activity director it provided me a very relaxing and calming de'stressor in an often busy day. Would certainly recommend to others, even fellow professionals in other areas of my nursing facility" Elaine Incorvaia, Resource Reviewer __________________________________________________ The name of the book is THE WRECKING YARD OF GAMES. Printed by IdyllArbor.com ($24.00) "I loved this book. I thought it was well written and clear directions were provided. It is a great resource book for anyone in leadership or therapy roles. My position is in Long term care. I do not think most of my residents would “get” these concepts or physically be able to do most of the games. My residents are very frail and or very cognitively impaired. I also have mostly non-English speaking residents and these concepts are quite” foreign” to the Korean and Latino populations I serve. So, in that respect, this is not necessarily appropriate for use with my clients, in my particular Skilled Nursing facility. Some of the more simple ones may be able to be adapted. However, I WOULD use this book for staff training and in-services. I think some of the presented concepts are learned through the use of these games rather than by any other technique. I think it could best be used by: Adult day care Consultants Assisted Living Educators Retirement communities and Management Thank you for the opportunity to review this book" June Fisher-Markowitz, BA, ACC _________________________________ The name of the Book is "Through the Seasons" Printed by John Hopkins University Press (19.95) www.press.jhu.edu "This book was very useful in Memory Care. It gave GREAT questions to ask. The photos were nice, clean and clear. I used it during a program for Thanksgiving as a programming tool" I think it would be best used by: Skilled Nursing Centers, Memory Care, and for Programming Reviewed by: Eileen Fredman, AAC __________________________________________ The name of the book is "The Enduring Human Spirit" Published by: Idyll Arbor (dawn@idyllarbor.com) "I really enjoyed all the stories", "The content of the book is something that alert and oriented residents would really enjoy". Using the thought provoking questions helps the reader give the residents some food for thought" Great resource! Used by - ALF, Educators, managers, and SNF units. Reviewed by: Brian Rife, ADC _______________________________________________ The name of the book is "Activity Keeps Me Going" Published Otterbein Homes, Dr Charles Peckham and others ca2peck@roadrunner.com (513)932-7218 International # 978-0-931990-08-3 "This book was very easy to read and understand. I would strongly recommend it to other students of the MEPAP activity program/courses. This book will be a GREAT resource in my activity office" Used by: Skilled, Behavioral Health, Adult Day, Memory Care, Educators and Assisted Living facilities Reviewed by: Jill Wolfe (PA) ___________________________________________ The name of the DVD is "Lunch with Tony" Published by Video Respite, Innovative Care giving Resources 800-249-5600 "O LOVE this DVD! For memory impaired men, it is a great program. Many of my clients speak Spanish, so would like to see this available in other languages. A "visit with Maria" I strongly recommend for the memory impaired men's group" Used by: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled, Adult Day and Programming Reviewed by: June Fisher Markowitz ________________________ The name of the DVD is "Music Bingo" Published by: Elder Group Games "Fun product, easy to use, easily adapted for different functional levels. Promotes enthusiasm, and feelings of accomplishment." Reviewed by: Jerry Lynn Daniels, ADC/ALF,EDU,AD,MC _______________________________________ Art Activities for Groups - Fausek-Steinbach $24.00 Book - reviewed by Elaine Incorvaia, ADC "This book is more appropriate for the higher-functioning senior not the residents of the LTC setting. I was initially intrigued and excited about using the ideas in this book, but 44/50 ideas in the book are geared toward the medium to higher functioning residents not the dementia residents at my setting. ______________________________________________________ Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities (book) Company - Woodbin House Item can be used in all settings "Very good and helpful material. I would recommend this to all persons working in the field" Reviewed by: Bryan Rife, ADC - North Carolina *Any opinions, findings, recommendations or conclusions expressed by the reviewer(s) do not necessarily reflect the views of NCCAP.

2010 Symposium brochures in the mail- Plan now to attend and register soon, Read what others said about the 2009 event...

2009/12/15

The 2009 NCCAP Educational Symposium was a HUGE Success! As with all National Associations, each has their own specific mission and vision, and NCCAP's mission was met in meeting the consumer needs, and ensuring that those we serve have optimal life experiences. While this symposium was geared toward the educator/consultant/instructor and trainer, the educational sessions were also directly related to the credentialing process and specializations that were adopted by NCCAP based on the nearly three years of education committee research, input and recommendations to the NCCAP Board of Directors. Sessions such as the Role Playing in MEPAP, Practical applications of MEPAP, Specialization round tables and the MEPAP Instructor Training, were enjoyed by all who attended. The vendors that attended also targeted the educator/trainer in computer programs, technical support, and educational materials that would support their business or their professional role. NCCAP also challenged the country in a Best Practice, and the committee led by Mark Laker, MSW, ACC - choose the following recipients for 2009. Mark Madott, ADC - "The Emerald Chimers" Patricia Gaudio, ADC - "InFocus" Sue Warmks, ADC - "A State a Month" The recipients presented their programs to the attendees and challenged them to encourage other professionals to take the lead in establishing Best Practices for their Person Centered Care Facilities. Also recognized; Dr Charles Peckham, ACC -OH-(NCCAP Supporter of the Year)- for his ongoing support of the profession, professionalism and input into NCCAP and it's vision throughout the years. Turner Prickett, NHA Chapel Hill Rehab HealthCare Ctr (NC)- (Administrator of the Year) was recognized for his outstanding support of the profession, and commitment to excellence as a leader and as a supporter of the profession. Christa Magness, ADC and Kelly-Covone-Henning, ACC and the staff at Heritage Place (PA) (Activity department of the Year) - for their excellence in service delivery and activities services to their residents as a team, working together to bring quality of life to the individuals in their person centered environment. Debbie Hommel, ACC (NJ)- (MEPAP Instructor of the Year)for her continued contributions to the profession by not only instructing hundreds of activity professionals over the years, but also that she assists each and every one of the students in applying for their NCCAP credential Here are some of the comments of those that attended; "How refreshing to attend a conference geared toward other practitioners, I learned so much from interacting with other instructors that I can utilize with my own students" "Thank you for offering a format to exchange ideas with other consultants" "Loved the MEPAP refresher, been teaching it for so many years, great to hear new ideas" "Thank you for offering a professional conference, no frills, just the specifics that I needed for my business" "Appreciated being asked for my input into the future of the credentialing process, keep the round tables" "Been to several activity conferences, this one targeted me as the educator" "Huge success!!!!, Thank you for listening to the needs of the certified members, good work NCCAP education committee, you gave me just what I asked for"

NCCAP receives additional donation from E and E Davis Foundation... toward their Barbara Fleischmann Scholarship

2009/12/14

The E. and E. Davis Foundation have once again expressed their generosity and support to NCCAP in providing the Barbara Fleischmann "Award of Excellence" scholarship fund with additional monies. This scholarship was developed a few years ago out of respect for their daughter and her contributions to the Activity Profession especially in her quest to assist the individuals she teaches in becoming nationally certified with NCCAP. The E and E Davis Foundation have made it possible for several individuals to receive assistance in attending their MEPAP classes, to fulfill their professional goals. NCCAP wishes to thank the foundation for their unparallel support in this manner. _________________________ Also remember the Ralph Best Scholarship is still available... The family of Ralph Best (his daughter Nancy Best is currently on the NCCAP Board of Directors) has decided to yet again for the 2010 year offer another paid in full scholarship to a deserving individual to attend the MEPAP 2nd Edition to pursue their national credentials with NCCAP. ALL interested individuals for either of the above scholarships should 1. write their aspirations for their national credential 2. write a brief summary of financial need 3. submit two letters of references, one from a family member one from a staff member 4. proof of your high school diploma/GED Submit it to the NCCAP office, attention SCHOLARSHIP - for consideration. ATTENTION - Instructors, NCCAP is looking for instructors who would be willing to "donate" one MEPAP course, to assist those students that do not have the financial means to attend the MEPAP class - The MEPAP part 1 (core content 1-11) would most likely assist a student into receiving a minimum of the ADPC level - Those willing instructors please submit that in writing to Cindy via email will be appreciated... Thank you to those of you that have already donated courses....please feel free to share this information as well, as continue to send the student applications in to the NCCAP office for follow up, and also feel free to submit your course photos for the NCCAP photo album.

MEPAP 2nd Edition Instructor Training scheduled for (OH)June 2010 & possibly (NC) March 2010

2009/12/14

This 17 hour training will enabled the participant to apply to teach the MEPAP course. (see the instructor application for specific details). MEPAP 2nd Edition Training Application - Instructor pre-approval requirements 1. NCCAP certified as an ADC or an ACC* 2. Bachelor Degree or higher* 3. Adult teaching experience 4. Completion of the MEPAP course 5. Current activity experience* 6. Completion of the MEPAP 2nd Edition Training ***IF you meet the above requirements, and have an interest in teaching other activity professionals – please read further… MEPAP 2nd Edition Training will include: (Day 1) 8:30 am – 7:00 pm (Lunch included)*** Course #102 – Orientation to MEPAP 2nd Edition (10 clock hours)History of the MEPAP, review of the syllabus, 21 core content areas, key concepts, learning objectives and more. (Day 2) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Lunch Provided)*** Course #101 – Practical application of MEPAP 2nd Edition (7 clock hrs)NCCAP administrative requirements, practicum review, lesson plans, supplemental tools, question & answer time with other instructors MANDATORY for ALL instructors (current & potential) __________________________________________cut here Workshop Registration Form *Registration deadline – MEPAP Training dates– Name _________________________ Phone/fax # ________________ Address ________________________Email __________________ Total cost per person $600.00 *Included 17 hours of education, 2 training manuals and 9 supplemental text books, 2 lunches, continental brkfst***(schedule and meals details determined by location). Make checks (or money orders) payable to: NCCAP (P.O. Box 62589, Va Bch, VA 23466 .SORRY no credit cards for this training cost. *MEPAP questions direct to Cindy Bradshaw at nccapexec111@aol.com ADDITIONAL locations for 2010??? NCCAP is looking for more MEPAP instructors - so PLEASE let us know if there is a need for a training in your area. Massachusetts - April 16 & 17, 2009, WAS held in Dartmouth, MA - OHIO - June 7-8, 2009, WAS held in Cincinnati, OH June 6-7,2010, WILL be held in conjunction with the NCCAP Symposium ***Other locations as deemed necessary. Let us know if you would like to try to offer one near you. NCCAP just mailed all the ADC's and ACC's that have the academic requirements, inquiring if they would be interested in being trained as a MEPAP instructor...especially in those states that do not currently have a pre-approved instructor. Be watching your mail and be sure to respond, if this applies to you. Anyone interested in a training in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area in March,27 & 28th, 2010, please email your interest to Wrightmoore@aol.com as COAP would be sponsoring this training and will need to know ASAP (before February 10th) of your interest in attending at this location*******

NCCAP to implement a National exam for all initial ADC and ACC applicants effective 1/1/2011.

2009/11/11

In keeping with the NCCAP strategic plan and in completing the final step of the eight year MEPAP reengineering project, NCCAP will be implementing an exam that all NEW applicants must complete in order to apply for national certification at the ADC or ACC level(s) effective January 1, 2011. All other national credentialing bodies require individuals to complete an exam to ensure the competency levels all meet the established standard of the association; this will also apply to NCCAP certification, and will show CMS that all individuals that apply for NCCAP certification have the same core knowledge as with all other disciplines. Be watching the NCCAP announcement page and future electronic newsletters for more details as the implementation dates draws closer. PLEASE NOTE***THIS WILL NOT effect those individuals already nationally certified at any level with NCCAP before December 31, 2010. Thank you to Vicki Surash, MA, ACC for all her assistance in formulating the exam, along with all the educators, and education committee members for their input.

Activity Professionals to take a bigger role in the HealthCare Reform proposals..

2009/11/11

There are numerous ways in which you as an activity professional can take a bigger role in the issues that directly or indirectly impact your residents. One of the ways in which you can become involved is to write your congressman on those issues that most affect your location, your population and those we care for in our varied facilities, in their homes. One such organization is www.CoCares.org - they are a national coalition that is addressing such issues as the Medicare cuts in the Healthcare Reform bill, and how those cuts could affect the staffing issues, jobs and our residents. Please see their website for more detailed information, as well as a sample letter and contact information in the event you wish to address this or any other issue with your local congressman and/or state senator. NCCAP will be serving on the CoCares Steering committee and addressing some of these issues with Capitol Hill members, so let us here the things you are concerned with, and be sure to send NCCAP a copy of the letters you are writing on behalf of your residents.

NCCAP Symposium Call for Papers, and Best Practice AWARD nominations

2009/11/09

NCCAP is accepting Call for Papers from speakers interested in presenting at the 2011 NCCAP Educational Symposium. (The 2010 NCCAP Symposium brochures are in the mail). Thank you to all that submitted papers, those not presenting in 2010, may indeed be presenting at a future symposium. The symposium targets activity consultants, trainers, instructors, managers, owners, staff development coordinators, administrators, leaders, advocates and other professionals that are wishing to maintain their licenses, credentials and network with their peers. The areas of concentration can include; person centered services, retirement/assisted living, adult day programs, facilities specializing in memory care, and educators, and other appropriate topics for the target audience. Please see the Call for Papers section of the 2010 Symposium link as below; http://nccap.org/symposium/2010/NCCAP-CallForPapers.doc ****Best Practices submissions please see the Best Practices link under the 2010 Symposium.

NCCAP Executive Director attends several state activity conferences

2009/11/01

The NCCAP Executive Director has been very fortunate to have been invited to participate in several state association activity conferences this past few weeks to include; The Kansas Activity Directors Association (KADA) held its conference in Wichita, KS. The association offers numerous hours of education to its participants, and in addition to the networking, they have an extensive exhibitor/vendor showing, as well as hold a center piece competition, and give out awards to varied individuals to include an activity director of the year, a department of the year, best practice of the year and more. What a great group of people. I look forward to participating in their 20th anniversary conference in 2010. The MASCap gang, Massachusetts Activity Professional association, (which by the way has over 350 certified individuals in this state)offers its participants several hours of continuing education, with their vendors right in the general session room, and offer food, networking and also do awards for their varied categories. Although the weather took a turn for the SNOW, while there, the folks inside were as warm and welcoming as could be. I also look forward to attending the 2010 conference. The PAPA, Pennsylvania Association of Activity Professionals group, rode out the state of emergency snow storm that hit the day before their conference was to start, and were able to go ahead and hold their event. This group of really special people offers their participants everything from crafts to current issues involving baby boomers and culture change. This group also sponsors a state wide art contest, and the winners are announced at the conclusion of their conference. I was honored with the Lifetime member certificate while at this event. Thanks all!, and as ever, I will be back!!!! **Update – NCCAP is keeping the family of Dawn Marie Salamone, ADC in their thoughts and prayers with the recent loss of their daughter. DCAP, was my last stop for this 4 state journey, they are the Delaware Council of Activity Professionals. They held a one day workshop for their participants to learn about documentation and certification. My sympathies go out to Debbie and her family in this time of loss in her life. What a great group of board members that rallied and made certain this event was successful for everyone in attendance. I truly enjoy all my experiences at the various state association meetings,(FL, IN, NC, ...mentioned in an earlier announcement) each are unique to their area, and each provide so many wonderful opportunities to their participants for networking, idea sharing, and education. I feel blessed to be a part of it all and feel a great deal of pride for my profession to see how many wonderful things are being done to ensure our residents the best of care through quality activity programs delivered by qualified/certified individuals.

NCCAP Resource bank to assist certified members - MANY items being donated!!!

2009/06/01

NCCAP for some time now has assisted the certified individuals that have been affected by floods, fires, hurricanes and such by offering them assistance with rebuilding their departments with regard to supplies, and printed materials. This has been so well received that we are now going to you the other certified members to see if you would like to participate in donating, new or gently used supplies (books, craft supplies, activity tools...) to our resource bank. Items can be mailed to the NCCAP office; NCCAP Attn: Resource bank P.O. Box 62589 Virginia Beach, VA 23466 PLEASE be sure there is not any writing in the books and the any and all craft items are unused such as markers, glue sticks, and other supplies that could be shipped to a certified member in need and be utilized immediately with their residents. Thanking you in advance for actively participating in the well being of your peers in need and in turn in the quality of life for the nations long term care population(s) (i.e. adult day programs, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, retirement facilities and so on..) ***Thank you to all who donated thus far to include; ANYONE NEEDING ITEMS PLEASE PUT YOUR REQUEST IN WRITING TO NCCAP at the info@nccap.org - and we will send you the items we have that might assist you in your needed area(s)

NCCAP offers ACC Track 3 option

2009/01/10

NCCAP has had ACC Track 3 open for over 11 years (1996) now with NO one ever completing the ACC track (PAMC course). NCCAP conducted a pilot program (2006 – 2007), to determine what criteria should be made available for ACC Track 3, or if ACC Track 3 should be discontinued etc. After the 16 month pilot program was completed (2005-2006) the NCCAP Board reviewed and discussed the results and decisions were made accordingly. It was determined that the 104 weeks of coursework, did not replace the actual “hands on” consulting hours required for the ACC Tracks, but rather that it was more of an equivalent to a guided study/independent college coursework working with a mentor, and that the person completing the course, still needed the actual experience of consulting. (among other results). NCCAP will be opening up ACC Track 3, for a undesignated time frame for those that have ADC Track 2 (the Associates degree, the 4000 hours of activity experience, the 40 hours of continuing education, completion of the MEPAP course(s), The 200 hours of consulting and completion of the 2 year Activity Professional Manager & Consultant curriculum, with the qualified mentor, would then enable the individual to apply for a level change to ACC Track 3. Mentors would have the following and send their interest in serving as a mentor to NCCAP attn: Jane Martin-Anderson, ACC A.Must have been an ACC for a minimum of 2 years. B.Must have current experience as a consultant, and/or activity director for a minimum of 2 years within the last five years. C.Must be a pre-approved instructor of MEPAP and have taught a course within the last two years. D.Mentor must be available to communicate with the applicant at least bi-weekly, by phone and/or internet. E.Mentor must help the applicant complete the program within 2 years and maintain all certifications and qualifications. F.Mentor cannot mentor someone in their employment, or there own corporation or relative.