Advanced Certified Nurse Aide Toolkit

In 2019, LeadingAge Virginia was awarded $149,800 through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) with funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment program. We used this opportunity to lead an innovative initiative to address the health care workforce shortage by creating an opportunity for certified nurse aides to become leaders in the aging services field.

Java Project

In 2021, LeadingAge Virginia received $356,640 from the Civil Monetary Penalties Reinvestment Fund (CMP) to administer a two-year program in partnership with Java Group Programs called the Java Project that aimed to improve the quality of life among residents in 30 Virginia-based nursing homes. This program focuses on building a positive change in culture in long term care communities with peer support and mentoring programs to engage residents in providing emotional support to their peers. The final results from the program indeed demonstrated a marked reduction in loneliness and isolation among residents, and an increase in happiness.

In 2021, LeadingAge Virginia received $1,083,382 from the Civil Monetary Penalties Reinvestment Fund (CMP) to administer a three-year program called Opening Minds through Art (OMA) in partnership with Art for the Journey. This program provides social engagement and self-expression activities in 102 Virginia-based nursing homes. CMS-certified nursing homes throughout Virginia are eligible to participate in this program that aims to improve the quality of life of nursing home residents through art. To participate, please use the "contact us" link provided to submit an inquiry, and our team will connect with you directly.

Adult Day Infection Control Policies

In 2021, LeadingAge Virginia received grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Epidemiology. This funding supported the development of model infection prevention and control policies specifically tailored for Adult Day Centers (ADCs) across Virginia. To carry out this initiative, LeadingAge Virginia partnered with Health Quality Innovators (HQI), an independent, nonprofit consulting organization based in Richmond. Since 1984, HQI has worked with health care providers and communities to enhance care delivery and  improve patient outcomes. The organization is dedicated to driving better results through the adoption of best practices, performance improvement, and the creation of a sustainable culture of quality.