The Board has been very thoughtful in creating these areas of focus and will continue to strive to improve in all areas. We will also be working towards financial stability in order to hire a full-time executive director within the next few years.
Many states have been hard hit with budgetary and economic issues, but adult day service providers are strong and resilient. We take care of people's lives each day among the 4,600+ adult day centers nationwide, and that is something to be treasured.
Even with the difficulties that have been faced, we have exciting developments in adult day services. Through a grant from MetLife Mature Market Institute, in partnership with Ohio State University, the Adult Day Services National Survey 2010 is currently underway. This study will update the adult day service industry statistics and outcomes for the national level. If you do receive this survey, I urge you to participate in order to give all adult day service providers a larger sample to result in broader outcomes.
All of the NADSA committees are working very hard for NADSA members. Speaking of members, the membership committee has re-vamped membership options and continues to work on increasing our membership. In addition to online payment for membership now at www.nadsa.org, membership categories have been expanded and added. For example, under the new plan, when state associations become partners by joining for only $300 per year, all their members can join for only $89 each! Tell your colleagues about how you've benefited from membership in NADSA and encourage them to join. Every member strengthens NADSA's voice for adult day services.
Join Us for Conference 2010!
We have an exciting annual conference planned this year. Our theme is "Get Smart: Strategies for Success in 2010 & Beyond." We invite you to join your colleagues from the United States and Canada in Raleigh, North Carolina, August 19-21, 2010. Planning is underway for the conference, which will be hosted at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in downtown Raleigh. Get lost in the sights and sounds of downtown Raleigh. The hotel is less than a block from the Raleigh Convention Center and just a leisurely walk from the state capitol, museums, restaurants, nightlife, and the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
Pre-conference intensives on August 19 will feature person-centered care, financing, marketing and strengthening state associations. Sessions during the full conference will be focused on the following categories:
- Be Smart: Green Initiatives, Innovation and Efficiency, Technology, Creative Programming, Positive Aging and Health and Wellness practices.
- Strategize: Business Strategies, Funding and Reimbursement, Collaboration and Partnerships, Securing Contracts, Fund Development and Grant Writing
- Look to the Future: Advocacy, Research and Program Development of Practices such as Early Memory Loss Programs, Person Centered Care and Chronic Illness Protocols.
Please call 1-877-745-1440 if you have any questions about joining, educational opportunities or how you can become involved! The NADSA staff are fabulous and are working for you. Visit our online home frequently at www.nadsa.org for the event registrations, to order publications and for loads of helpful information.
Get involved, join a committee, and make your voice heard. I hope to see you all this August in North Carolina!
