Better Outcomes with the DC Function Score
2026-09-16 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Overview
This course explains the Discharge Function Score, a key CMS quality measure that evaluates whether short-term residents meet or exceed expected functional outcomes at discharge based on GG items. It reviews how the score is calculated, which items are included or excluded, and how risk adjustment factors – such as prior level of function (PLOF), cognition, comorbidities, and prior device use – impact expected outcomes. The training emphasizes the importance of accurate coding, capturing true usual performance at admission and discharge, and ensuring therapy and nursing documentation align. It outlines how the Function Score influences Five-Star ratings, the Quality Reporting Program, and future Value-Based Purchasing reimbursement. Finally, the course provides action steps for organizational teams to improve outcomes through interdisciplinary care planning, effective discharge planning, accuracy of documentation and focus on resident care and clinical outcomes.
Learning Objectives

Define the components of the MDS included in the definition of the DC Function Score
Understand how covariates and risk adjustment factors affect the DC Function Score.
Recognize how the DC Function Score impacts their quality measures, the 5-Star program, Quality Reporting Program, and the Value-Based Purchasing initiatives.
Identify strategies to improve accuracy of documentation.
Describe interdisciplinary action plans to improve the outcomes of our residents.

Who Should Attend?
Providers across the senior care continuum— life plan communities to skilled nursing facilities. This program is designed for administrators and nurses.
CEUs pending.
Location
Online.
Virtual Link: Class Material and Zoom link will be sent two days prior
Faculty
Jen Callahan, MSP CCC-SLP, RAC-CT is the Director of Clinical & Reimbursement with Functional Pathways and an SLP by background. She received her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Caroline in 2000 and has over 23 years’ experience in providing care and therapeutic services, as well as developing programs, education, and training materials around providing care for the aging population. She has held various operational and clinical positions, is RAC certified, been a speaker at several state and national level conferences and has extensive experience along the post-acute care continuum.
Dani Beveridge, PT CEEAA RAC-CT PAC Certified Trainer and Coach is a Clinical and Program Specialist at Functional Pathways and is part of a leadership team that drives innovation and excellence in therapy services nationwide. Danielle’s role involves working closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and goals are reached through strong relationships and industry-leading clinical and financial outcomes. Her work is part of a broader commitment to providing legendary customer support and a culture of care for patients, staff, and clients.

Suicide Prevention and Screening for Substance Misuse in the Elderly
2026-09-24 10:30 - 11:30
Overview
Substance Use Disorders and Suicide are a significant problem in the elderly population.
As this segment of the population continues to grow, we can expect to see more elderly patients with issues in which they turn to substances or depression that leads to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Studies have shown that elderly patients with Substance Use Disorders have very good outcomes when diagnosed and treatment is initiated. It is important for clinicians to be knowledgeable about the clinical presentation, methods of screening, and assessment of Substance Use Disorders within our elderly clients. The goal is timely interventions and referral to appropriate care so quality of life can be preserved. Evidence based Screening Tools for suicide and substance use will be shared.
Brief Intervention in the form of education to the client will be reviewed and practice within the session using readily available tools from reputable government resources.
Learning Objectives

Identify the process of screening, brief interventions and referral to treatment for elders with substance use disorders
Describe evidence-based screening tools appropriate in Care of the Elderly
Recognize Common Substance Use Disorders in persons over age 65

Who Should Attend?
Providers across the senior care continuum—from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing, life plan communities, home health, adult day, hospice, and community-based services. This program is designed for administrators, nurses, activities, social services and all leadership.
CEUs pending.
Location
Online.
Virtual Link: Class Material and Zoom link will be sent two days prior
Faculty
Ingrid M. Provident Ed.D, OTR/L, FAOTA, is a National Education Specialist, for Select Rehabilitation. Dr. Provident has held positions of Program coordinator, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Associate Professor at major Universities in Pittsburgh PA.
Ingrid is a highly engaging speaker who holds clinical degrees in Occupational Therapy and Educational Leadership. She has worked in multiple practice settings with the adult and geriatric populations. Ingrid has been an educator in formal academic settings and presented in more than 90 state, national and international venues. Dr. Provident is trained and certified in Mindfulness, Dementia Care and has facilitated multiple presentations on wellness, communication, and interventions for quality health care. She is a published author and mentor with a passion for assisting in the development of professionals.

Management Strategies for Workers Compensation in Today’s Long Term Care Environment - Free Member Education
2026-10-07 09:00 - 2026-10-08 12:00
Seminar is Free for Leading Age and HCFM members. Cost is $75 for non-members.
Program Objective: Learn the elements of Total Safety Management, a comprehensive behavior- based
safety program, to reduce employee injury and minimize workers compensation expense. Learn about
claims management and the HCFM workers compensation insurance trust.
Continuing Education Credits: Approved for 5.0 Administrator Clock Hours by the Missouri Board of
Nursing Home Administrators.
Day 1 Agenda
9:00-9:30 Background and Overview of HCFM Anthony Ross, Carpenter and Company
9:30-10:15 Total Safey Management Jill Burford, Summit Safety
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-11:45 Total Safety Management (cont.) Jill Burford, Summit Safety
Day 2 Agenda
9:00-10:00 Claims Management Lucille DiMaria/Michael Moll, Corvel
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:15 Drug Testing Angela Garrison, Tomo Drug Testing
11:15-11:45 Wrap up Jill Burford, Summit Safety

Oct 7 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89464782807 9:00-11:45 am
Oct 8 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82063991263 9:00-11:45 am

Dementia Leadership Course
2026-11-18 10:15 - 14:15, 2026-11-20 10:15 - 14:15, 2026-12-02 10:15 - 14:15, 2026-12-04 10:15 - 14:15
For over 20 years, LeadingAge Illinois and Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center have offered the Dementia Leadership Course, a comprehensive educational series intended to provide Dementia Leaders with information they need to develop their skills and grow in their roles.
Dementia experts have recently re-designed this interactive program and added an ongoing networking component. The course provides a framework to teach the specialized skills and competencies needed to provide exceptional dementia services.
Upon completion of the course, participants will join the Dementia Leadership Network. Through a private forum, the Network will offer resources and training material to use for staff education, and allow participants to continue to interact, connect, share ideas, and ask questions.
Topics Include:
Leadership and Dementia Care
Update on Dementia
Ability Centered Care
Recognizing the Whole Person
Being an Expert in the Larger Community
Living with Dementia
Date & Time
Attendees will meet 4 times virtually via Zoom:
November 18 & 20 and December 2 & 4, 2026
10:15 am – 2:15 pm each day
Who Should Attend?
Directors of Alzheimer’s Special Care Units and Memory Care Programs, Staff Educators, Nurse Managers, Therapists, Social Workers, Life Enrichments Directors, Chaplains, CNAs, Home Care, Adult Day Care, Memory Care staff, Dietary personnel, and Administrators. Appropriate for skilled nursing, assisted living, and home and community-based services.
Course Requirements
Each attendee must be logged into his/her own computer that has sound and video camera capabilities.
Fees
$259 per person for all 4 sessions
