The Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) announced that Jonas Schaffer from Greenhurst Nursing Center in Charleston, Ark., has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Schaffer will join the Association’s Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance for long-term and post-acute care professionals.
“AHCA/NCAL is dedicated to offering skilled nursing professionals who are providing high-quality care the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills,” said Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “We look forward to seeing Jonas Schaffer, and the entire Future Leaders class, apply these newly-acquired skills to improve the well-being of individuals within long-term and post-acute care.”
“We are delighted to have Jonas representing Arkansas as a part of the Future’s Leader Program,” said Rachel Davis, Executive Director of AHCA. “He plays a vital role in our Association, and is a great asset to the Future Leaders class.”
Schaffer is a third-generation owner operator of Greenhurst Nursing Center. Over the past 10 years, he has become known state-wide as a leader in culture change, person-centered care, and customer service. He has implemented electronic charting and documentation on all fronts including clinical, human resources, payroll, accounting, and compliance. Schaffer maintained a top-5 census in the state, and worked collaboratively with the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care State Survey Agency, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) and Arkansas Innovative Performance Program (AIPP) to develop new and creative avenues in creating culture change within skilled nursing homes. This includes giving classes to operators, direct care employees, and Arkansas surveyors. He has worked with TMF QIN to successfully create the region’s Arkansas Care Transitions Coalition. He has developed a highly successful and popular customer service program designed specifically for Long-Term Care.
Since 2004, AHCA/NCAL has hosted long-term and post-acute care professionals in the Future Leaders program. Selected participants both demonstrate leadership potential and represent the interests of both state and national long term care providers. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with a two-day symposium, “Future Leaders of Long Term Care in America,” held each year in Washington, D.C. This year’s symposium will take place Sept. 13 – 15.