Enriching the Lives of Hoosier Seniors
IHCA/INCAL’s Senior Living Award program recognizes professionals in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities across the state of Indiana for their exemplary contribution and unwavering commitment to delivering quality care. Congratulations the recipients of the 2024 Senior Living Awards. We are so proud of these long-term care heroes for their relentless drive and sheer passion to enhance resident experiences.
Long-Term Care Industry Trailblazer Spotlight
Meet Andy Shane
Meet Andy Shane, chief operating officer (COO) at American Senior Communities who has dedicated 32 years of service in the long-term care industry. Andy’s passion for improving seniors’ lives was ignited during high school when he delivered medications, fostering connections that led him to a fulfilling career in long-term care. His career journey has been very impressive and highlights his personal growth from an administrator to COO. Read his profile to explore profound insights and the heartwarming stories that have shaped his exceptional career.
Long-Term Care Hero Spotlight
Meet Diane Sturgeon
Diane Sturgeon, recipient of the 2023 Caregiver of the Year – Senior Living Award, has been an integral part of the long-term care profession for 30 years, working her way as a certified nursing assistant to serving as a unit manager for the last 15 years at Springs Valley Meadows. She is also wound care certified and often shares that healing wounds and sending residents home with a smile on their face when they have finished their rehabilitation are some of the favorite parts of her job. She has dedicated her life to caring for the elderly and is very passionate about delivering exceptional care. She is also highly skilled at managing difficult end–of–life conversations and has an extraordinary ability to provide comfort to families while clearly explaining resident’s health status from a clinical perspective. Staff look up to her as their role model and are inspired by her unwavering commitment to care.
Long-Term Care Hero Spotlight
Meet Linda Kuhn
Linda Kuhn, recipient of the 2023 Volunteer of the Year – Senior Living Award, has been serving as a volunteer at Brownsburg Meadows Assisted Living for many years. She is known as the facility’s Swiss knife and is admired by all for her willingness to assist the team and does so graciously with a big smile on her face. She primarily does crafts with the residents, but also manages the front desk when needed, and can even be seen doing dishes in the kitchen. Linda exemplifies selfless service and inspires everyone around her by her tireless efforts for creating unique experiences for the residents.
Indiana's Long-Term Care Leaders in the News
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Long-Term Care Facts
Assisted Living Communities
Every day, more than 2 million Americans are cared for in long term care facilities.
Nearly two-thirds of short-term nursing home patients return home after receiving therapy.
Over the next three decades, the United States will see unprecedented growth in its senior population as Baby Boomers age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Long-Term Care?
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: Communities: These are licensed healthcare facilities that offer round-the-clock nursing care and are inspected and regulated by a state’s department of health services. These facilities provide care for individuals who need constant care, including rehabilitation or complex medical needs. They also provide meals, more intense medical care, supervision and activities for residents.
- Assisted Living Communities: Residents have increased supervision in a home-like setting. Assisted living communities provide health care and assisted living services (like assistance bathing, cleaning and eating) in addition to social and recreational activities.
- Short Stay Rehabilitation: These programs provide therapy for individuals recovering from a surgery, illness or accident, helping them to achieve their maximum functional capacity and get back to their homes. The length of stay for those needing short-term, in-patient rehabilitation can range from a couple of days to several weeks.
- Memory Care: This is a distinct set of services that specifically caters to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems.
Why should my loved one or I consider a long term care facility?
Frequently, long-term care is needed when an individual has serious, ongoing health conditions or disabilities. Long term care facilities provide quality care for chronic and traumatic health issues while giving families peace of mind that their loved one is cared for.
Is long term care only for seniors or people with terminal illnesses?
No. Long-term care facilities serve a variety of patients, including those in need of rehabilitation after a hospital stay. Some long-term facilities serve individuals with specific needs such as those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, those who need physical, occupational or speech therapy, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
How can I trust a nursing home will take care of my loved one?
Long-term care staff deliver personalized, custom care to residents. Over the past 40 years, nursing homes have advanced to provide care that is tailored to patients’ individual needs.
What are long term care facilities doing to keep residents healthy and safe during COVID-19?
Dedicated long term care staff are working hard to keep residents safe during the pandemic, following guidance issued by federal and state public health officials, including upholding strong infection control policies. See some of the ways staff protect long term care patients here.
In addition to protecting residents’ physical health, long term care facilities are prioritizing patients’ mental health during COVID-19 by finding innovative ways to entertain and connect residents with loved ones. These stories show how communities are coming together to make residents smile.
Find a long-term care facility
Many families face the difficult decision of placing a loved one in the care of others. Understanding your long-term care options can help make the transition easier. Did you know there are more than 500 long-term care facilities in Indiana? Use our Care Finder to search for facilities that accommodate varying needs.
Discover a career with purpose
Whether you are just starting out or looking for a new career opportunity, now is a perfect time to launch a career in long-term care. Get connected with skilled nursing and assisted living communities across Indiana that are recruiting for open positions and training programs.