How do I become an LTC Administrator?

As a student who is nearing the end of my undergraduate career, I am constantly thinking about what my next move is going to be, whether it be educational or career-wise. I know that I want to go to graduate school to pursue a Master's Degree in Health Service Administration, but what can I do with such a degree?

According to worldwidelearn.com, a degree with a focus in long term care "prepares you to manage the business and administrative aspects of residential care for the elderly and chronically ill. As the population ages, the need for quality long term care increases so that employment opportunities are expected to grow much faster than many other areas of management."
Such degrees will help prospective administrators develop the leadership and critical thinking skills to succeed in the unique business environment of long term care, while also focusing on the practical aspects of managed care. Those who wish to manage nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, hospices, or other LTC institutions require an understanding of business theory, an ability to apply and supervise the theory's delivery in the dynamic environment of health care.

A Master's Degree in Health Services Administration, Long-Term Care Administration, Health Sciences, Public Health, Public Administration or Business Administration is the standard credential for most generalist positions in the field of health care.
Some graduate programs seek out students with undergraduate degrees in business or health administration, however, a liberal arts or health profession background is generally more preferred. Most programs allow students to specialize in one type of facility, while other programs encourage a generalist approach to health administration education.

For example: a Long-Term Care emphasis can introduce emerging technology issues in the LTC field, the ethical and legal considerations in the industy, as well as the knowledge necessary for understanding, designing, and processing the delivery of healthcare for the elderly or chronically ill.

After obtaining a degree that one believes best suits them for a future as an LTC administrator, the next step is to become a licensed administrator, if needed. According to the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards, Florida has no specific Residential Care & Assisted Living Licensure Requirements, while others do require the passing of a state examination.
However, Nursing Home Administrators Licensure Requirements for the state of Florida specify: a minimum age of 18, minimum degree of BA, AIT Training (including, 1000/2000 period and a board approved preceptor), a national exam, a state exam, and 40 CE hours biennially. In Florida, there is an average of 678 Nursing Facilities, and an average of 1433 licensed administrators.
The NAB (National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards) offers candidates for licensure many different resources in preparing for the national licensure examination.

These are all things that need to be taken into consideration before one decides if they would like to be an LTC administrator. If this is still the career path you feel you would like to follow in, preparations should not be left to the last minute. There is much growth in the field of LTC administration. Working in long term care is something that I have been considering, and I feel well educated on the tasks, responsibilites, and problems that may face me, if I so choose such a career.





Resources:

National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards. www.nabweb.org

Educate Yourself on Adult Day Care

Many caregivers feel reluctant to use adult day care services becaues they seem unfamilar, or because a loved one os hesitant to try something new. However, there are many different resources out there that can help you become more familiar with the services and help that adult day care centers offer to the elderly and their loved ones.

According to an article from helpguide.org, "Adult day care is a planned programs of activities designed to promote well-being through social and health related services." Think of it's function, exactly as the name describes; 'day care,' or mental/social stimulation for adults, ie, those who can no longer manage independently, or who are isolated and lonely.

There are approximately 4,000 adult day care centers nationwide, according to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). The intent of an adult day care center is primarily two-fold:
1. To provide older adults an opportunity to get out of the house and receive both mental and social stimulation
2. To give caregivers a much-needed break in which to attend to personal needs, or simply rest and relax

As read in the text, adult day care centers are generally grouped into two categories, social day care and health day care. John Pratt, the author of "Long Term Care- Managing Across the Continuum" goes into detail describing the different services the each of these two day care models offer to their clients and families.

The social model has been around since the 1970's and is the original form of adult day care. It provides consumers with relief from boredom and loneliness, conditions that can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Services focus on socialization and recreation and may range from group singing and bingo to more challenging activities, depending on the cognitive levels of those participating.

Below are some of the activities that may be available:

• Arts and crafts
• Musical entertainment and sing-a-longs
• Mental stimulation games such as BINGO, Scrabble, and card games
• Stretching or other gentle exercise
• Discussion groups about books, films, or current events
• Holiday and birthday celebrations
• Local outings to restaurants, stores, theater, or other community entertainment

Some centers even offer programs that include children. The Friendship Center in California developed the GOLD Project, describe as "An innovate intergenerational program embracing growing older with grace and dignity." Elders visit local classrooms and share their lifestyle experiences with the children, educading and enlivening both groups in the process. I personally feel that the GOLD Project is a great way to help enrich the American history lessons that many of our nation's students learn about. Our aging population would be able to give great first hand accounts to the way life was as they were growing up in the 40's, 50's, and 60's.

The healthcare model of adult day care helps those who need more time and treatment than regular social day care centers could offer. These centers offer administration of medication, blood pressure monitoring, and other medical evaluation for their clients as well as some social events.

Whichever model of adult care chosen, certain basic services are provided. These include: safe & secure environment; social and recreational activities; assistance with ADLs; at least one nutritious meal and an additional snack; transportation to and from the center; and cosumers and caregivers are served.

Adult day care offers a win/win situation for everyone in the family - not only the client or member who attends the program, but also for the family member who has primary responsibility as caregiver. While it may be challenging to admit you may need help caring for your loved one, there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance or looking into the use adult day care facilities.

The National Adult Day Services Association (http://www.nadsa.org/) recommends you look into centers that provide specific services that you feel best fit what you and your loved one need. There are many resources and references that can be utilized when trying to locate an adult day care center in your area. Your family doctor or local health department/local social services offices are great tools to use when trying to find an adult day care center; You can also call 1-800-677-1116 for the Area Agency on Aging in your area.