Midwest's Largest Long-Term Care Convention Held in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 3,000 long-term care professionals are meeting in Columbus April 30 – May 3, for the Midwest's largest gathering of personnel from skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, and facilities for the intellectually and developmentally disabled population.

The Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA), the state's largest group representing long-term care providers and their residents, is hosting its 66th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the Columbus Convention Center.  The Ohio Centers for Assisted Living (OCAL) and the Ohio Centers for Developmental Disabilities (OCDD), OHCA's affiliate organizations, also participate as sponsors of the event.

The Convention features nearly 100 educational programs for long-term care personnel during its four-day run, and will feature appearances by wheelchair athlete, author and motivator Chad Hymas, and guitarist, entertainer and success strategist Mike Rayburn, CSP.

An exhibition of more than 300 providers of goods and services to the industry – one of the largest long-term care exhibitions in the country – will also be open to registrants at the Association's Convention.  The exhibition hall will include vans and busses for transportation services, furniture, high-tech medical devices, computer systems and software, food and dietary supplements, kitchen and laundry appliances, therapy aids, and pharmacy services, among others.

This year's program, "Learn, Connect, Grow, Renew," captures the essence of what long-term care providers and caregivers do every day.  Through motivating and first-class educational sessions, social and recreational activities, and world-class vendor previews, the program is designed to provide valuable information that will continue the effort to improve resident care and make professionals' lives better. 

The program recognizes the excellence and progress every care provider strives for.  Catering to the variety of careers available in long-term care, this year's event spans the continuum of services, and inspires professionals to the next level of caring for Ohio's elderly, ill, disabled and convalescent populations. 

The OHCA/OCAL/OCDD Convention reflects the commitment of caring professionals to meet the expanding and shifting focus of long-term care.  The Associations' premier program highlights the benefits long-term care provides to its residents, employees, community and the economy, even though the profession is faced with the daily struggles of onerous regulations and limited reimbursement. 

Educational programs will be presented for licensed administrators, nurses, therapists, dietary personnel, social workers, activity professionals, housekeeping staff, nurse aides, and other long-term care personnel.  Topics include clinical, operational, administrative and technical aspects of providing care services, as well as personal improvement and motivational sessions.  All programs have been approved for continuing education credit by the certifying agency of each discipline.

On May 1 the program will salute 42 individuals earning long-term care scholarships totaling $114,000, and who have made a commitment to long-term care careers.  A special Awards program is scheduled for May 3 honoring Professional Achievement winners, long-term care volunteers and special heroes.

The OHCA Board of Directors will elect its new Chairman and officers for 2012 – 2013 during the Annual Convention.  The Chairman will oversee the operation of the organization, and lead the 27-member Board in its decision-making process.

On May 1, the Association will sponsor a blood drive with  the American Red Cross, during which Convention registrants may donate blood, and nurses may earn education credits by completing Red Cross instruction.

The Ohio Health Care Association is a non-profit association of more than 700 skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and providers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, representing over 50,000 individuals. Many OHCA members also provide a variety of home and community-based services.  OHCA is the largest long-term care association in the state, and the only chartered Ohio affiliate of the American Health Care Association, representing more than 12,000 long-term care facilities nationwide.

SOURCE Ohio Health Care Association