About Us

About Us Picture - An Information Clearing House
- Educational Opportunities
- Governmental Services
- Public Relations
- Peer Assistance
- Model Programs
- Regulations

Since 1957, Louisiana Nursing Home Association has strived to meet the needs of thousands of aged and infirm Louisianians through its representation of licensed nursing facilities in the state. Cooperating closely with public and private health care groups, LNHA has continued to pursue its goal of improving the quality of life for the state's 33,000 nursing facility residents.

The Need for Long Term Care

We are a country whose elderly population is growing dramatically. By the year 2010, the baby boom will become the elderly explosion.

Those over age 65 are most prone to chronic disabilities and have a greater need for support services. Of the elderly, those who are 85 years and older are most at risk of needing nursing home care. Two of every five people will spend some time in a nursing facility.

An Information Clearing House

Updates and changes in governmental regulations and their impact on nursing homes are key in providing quality care. LNHA keeps abreast of changes in the industry and keeps its more than 250 member homes informed through:

Bi-Weekly Updates which continue to give the most extensive up-to-date information related to nursing facility care, regulations and new technology.

Lagniappe, the bi-weekly newsletter, keeps you abreast of health-related, legislative and regulatory activity as well as insightful stories and new developments in long term care.

LNHA's Membership Directory & Buyers Guide provides easy access to LNHA colleagues and also gives information on accessing state agency personnel and legislators.

Regional & Committee Meetings provide interactive discussion and forums for action on many topics affecting long term care.

Educational Opportunities

The long term care industry is one that is constantly changing. Keeping members informed of the advances and regulations affecting long term care is a responsibility LNHA takes very seriously.

Conventions, Conferences & Trade Shows
Twice a year LNHA members have the opportunity to hear nationally renowned speakers on topics that directly relate to long term care. In addition, they have the opportunity to see the latest in products and services relating to the long term care industry -- at one time, in one place.

Seminars & Workshops
In addition to conventions and conferences, LNHA offers continuing education courses covering every aspect of long term care, from administration, to patient care, regulation, social services, dietary, pharmacy and housekeeping.

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Governmental Services

As the country's most highly regulated health care profession, nursing homes are greatly impacted by governmental decisions. Governmental relations is a high priority with LNHA. The Association is committed to keeping up with issues on legislative agendas, and making sure the voice of care providers is heard by legislators. In addition, LNHA ensures ongoing dialogue with regulatory agencies to ensure understanding of interpretations.

Public Relations

An integral part of LNHA is fostering an understanding of long term care with the public. Some ongoing programs include:

Media & Consumer Relations
Through advertising campaigns, media relations, a speakers bureau and special events, LNHA seeks to give the public an accurate picture of long term care.

LNHA Consumer Hotline
Provides the public with quick access to information pertaining to the selection of a nursing facility, payment sources and other commonly asked questions.

Spotlight Patient Activities
Louisiana Nursing Home Olympics, pageants and Rock 'n Roll fundraisers put residents in the spotlight and provide the public with the opportunity to see positive happenings in nursing facilities.

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Peer Assistance

To maintain high standards in meeting the needs of residents, LNHA offers Peer Assistance upon request. The program offers peer evaluation of a facility, and provides a complete critique of the nursing home.

Model Programs

From self insurance for workers comp, group health, property and casualty to inservice training and purchasing programs, LNHA is constantly searching for and improving services offered to members.

Regulations

All nursing homes are highly regulated in the public interest by local, state and federal agencies. Reimbursement of Medicare and Medicaid resident care involves further regulation, inspection and reporting.

Medicare, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a Federal insurance program for 1) persons 65 and over; 2) persons disabled for at least two years; or 3) persons suffering from chronic kidney disease.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a federal-state financed assistance program for certain needy and low-income persons of all ages. States design their own programs within federal guidelines. In Louisiana, the Department of Health and Hospitals regulates the Medicaid program in cooperation with the federal government.