November 24, 2024
Letters to the Editor Atlanta Journal-Constitution 1200 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30309 To the Editor: Every day in Georgia, thousands of skilled employees and administrators care for over 43,000 seniors residing in nearly 1,700 senior living settings. They choose to work in a highly regulated environment because of their deep desire to offer dignity and comfort to seniors seeking to age in place in a choice-driven environment. Unfortunately, “State’s senior care homes skate by with few fines” (AJC, 11/24/2024) used a wide brush to paint an unflattering and somewhat inaccurate picture of the industry as a whole. We believe that the rules and regulations in Georgia are some of the strongest in the country. We also believe that bad actors should assume responsibility for the care they offer seniors. However, these bad situations should not unduly influence perception or regulation of the majority of providers who instead offer safe and dignified communities where seniors choose to age in place. While this story focused on negative incidents, readers would be better served by having the opportunity to learn about the tens of thousands of people who are thriving while residing in senior living communities in Georgia. Sincerely, Catie Ramp President & CEO Georgia Senior Living Association
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Every day in Georgia, more than 20,000 skilled employees and administrators care for over 43,000 seniors residing in nearly 1,700 senior living settings throughout the state.
These individuals work in this profession because of their deep desire to offer dignity and comfort for seniors seeking to age in place in a choice-driven environment. In fact, GSLA members strive to create a home where seniors don't just enjoy living but a place where they thrive. GSLA members operate under regulations set by the state Department of Community Health and based on careful person-centered consideration through legislation that is some of the best in the country. We are honored that many state partners and regulatory bodies look to Georgia for best practices as it comes to administration and resident care. Georgia operates in a fair regulatory environment which allows for senior living operators to best provide for the needs and welfare of all residents. GSLA members are communities licensed by the state of Georgia and led under the guidance of a Certified Assisted Living Administrator as licensed by the Secretary of State Long Term Care Board. Communities are regulated by the Department of Community Health and are subject to annual surveys and additional inspections as deemed necessary by the state. Based on national surveys, 90% of senior residents report high satisfaction with their care and communities. Additionally, nearly 75% said assisted living improved their quality of life, and 70% indicated their health outlook improved. While incidents may arise which are negative, and may be considered harmful to a resident, the vast majority of the environments created by senior living communities in Georgia are beneficial to a thriving choice-driven life for seniors in our state. Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Amanda Pope, Vice President of Legal at Phoenix Senior Living, to the GSLA Board of Directors during the October 21 Board Meeting held in conjunction with the 2024 GSLA Conference & Trade Show in Duluth in Northeast Atlanta.
Amanda’s extensive experience in senior living legal affairs and her commitment to advancing industry standards will be invaluable to GSLA’s mission of supporting senior living communities across the state,” noted Catie Ramp, GSLA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Amanda’s understanding of regulatory and litigation issues in our state will round out the strategic efforts of the association within the framework of operating in Georgia. Amanda’s election to the board follows the departure of Serina Durrah, who served GSLA with dedication and distinction. GSLA is grateful for Serina’s contributions to our organization and the impact of her leadership, which will continue to resonate throughout Georgia’s senior living industry. GSLA’s Board of Directors noted that Amanda’s expertise in legal matters within the senior living industry makes her an ideal addition to the governance team as GSLA continues to promote best practices, advocate for policy improvements, and create a more robust network for Georgia’s senior living residents, operators, and professionals. |
AuthorGeorgia Senior Living Association Archives
January 2025
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