Ohio Department of Aging

19/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 20/08/2024 06:33

Bold new EXCEL Academy to provide nursing homes with free training, technical assistance

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy today announced a landmark new program designed to empower nursing homes and their staff to shine through continuing education and support from clinical experts.

The Excellence in Clinical & Educational Learning (EXCEL) Academy is the latest in a series of new initiatives launched as a result of the work of the Ohio Governor's Nursing Home Quality & Accountability Task Force, and all nursing homes in Ohio are eligible to apply now for this bold new opportunity.

"Our vision for EXCEL Academy is to cultivate excellence in long-term care. We aim to connect nursing homes with a dedicated team of clinicians and experts, who will deliver formal education and training, offer technical assistance, and build a community of support to help nursing homes be the very best they can be - all at no cost to participants," said Director McElroy, who also chairs the task force. "By providing boots-on-the-ground mentoring and support, the EXCEL Academy will help achieve the vision of Governor DeWine's Task Force - making excellence the expectation for every Ohio nursing home."

Learn more: Aging.Ohio.gov/EXCEL

ODA is currently securing participants for the EXCEL Academy's pilot cohort. All interested facilities can apply to be a part of the first cohort with this application. Facilities who do not have their login credentials for the application page can email [email protected] for help.

These nursing homes will begin their EXCEL Academy participation with programming on Access and Quality Improvement. The program will include courses on medication optimization, infection prevention and control, nutrition, and hospitalization.

Beyond those listed above, the EXCEL Academy plans to add new course topics over time to benefit different nursing homes with training and support opportunities in a variety of subject areas.

Nursing homes will participate in the EXCEL Academy free of charge. As part of a cohort, nursing homes will have a built-in community and support group as they progress through the program. Nursing home staff will take part in the program together: attending webinars and in-person instruction, receiving coaching opportunities, participating in exercises, reviewing reading material, and taking surveys.

The EXCEL Academy model of offering targeted clinical and technical assistance to nursing homes was inspired by the implementation of a similar concept: ODA's Regional Rapid Response Assistance Program (R3AP). Formed as an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, R3AP connected long-term care facilities across the state with a team of clinical experts ready to provide technical assistance and support to facilities in urgent need. Today, R3AP remains prepared to aid Ohio's long-term care facilities and residents.

As a result of R3AP's success, the Nursing Home Quality & Accountability Task Force recommended further strengthening Ohio's nursing home support network through a similar model, resulting in the creation of the EXCEL Academy.

The task force's Recommendations Report laid the foundation for the Governor and General Assembly to pass an historic package of nursing home investments and policy reforms as part of the state operating budget - Amended Substitute House Bill 33. The package was designed to improve quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents through enhanced oversight, improved resources, increased transparency, resident empowerment, and more.

Updates about the work of the Task Force are available at Aging.Ohio.gov/NHTaskForce

EXCEL Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-855-732-7632

About ODA - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.