Education News

Exciting New Programs and Trainings at Mass-ALA for 2025!

Q4, December 2024

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In 2025, two new in-depth training programs will debut, along with other opportunities to enhance professional expertise throughout the year. The Executive Director Training Program and the Compliance Series are designed to equip assisted living professionals with a desire for deeper insights and more detailed training in the skills and knowledge needed to excel and foster excellence in their communities.

Executive Director Training Program – In-Person

The Executive Director Training Program is a dynamic, in-person opportunity tailored for professionals advancing in their assisted living careers. This program was developed in response to feedback from boot camp attendees seeking more in-depth training. In Massachusetts, there is currently no standardized knowledge base for Executive Directors in assisted living, unlike in other states and individual companies that offer similar programs.

The training focuses on establishing a strong foundation across the diverse responsibilities of the Executive Director role. Key areas include understanding regulations, departmental operations, building relationships with residents and families, and much more. It is designed to support new Executive Directors in building essential skills while also providing experienced leaders with opportunities for deeper exploration and professional recognition within their organizations.

This six-day program, held over three consecutive Thursdays and Fridays, offers an immersive approach to both the practical and regulatory aspects of assisted living leadership. The cohort-based model encourages collaboration and professional networking among a select group of participants.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering everything from Massachusetts ALR regulations, life enrichment programming, resident wellness, and emergency preparedness to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, our curriculum is designed to give Executive Directors a strong foundation across all areas critical to their role.

• Expert-Led Instruction: Learn directly from experienced leaders in assisted living who offer real-world examples and effective approaches. These experts provide hands-on, interactive sessions, allowing participants to ask questions and engage with complex scenarios relevant to the day-to-day responsibilities of an Executive Director.

• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with peers, assisted living leaders, and alumni, opening doors to a network that supports long-term career growth.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification recognizing their achievement, giving them a competitive edge, and preparing them for more advanced leadership roles.

This program is limited to 20 participants to ensure a highly interactive, personalized learning experience. If you’re ready to elevate your career, consider joining this transformative program designed to prepare you for the unique challenges and opportunities in assisted living management. Click here to RSVP!

Compliance Series – A Streamlined, Three-Day Virtual Training

The Compliance Series is an in-depth program focused on regulations, quality assurance, and operational best practices to help maintain compliance and deliver excellent resident care. This series was developed in response to the popularity of the Boot Camp and QA/QI sessions, along with feedback requesting a deeper dive into regulatory compliance. By incorporating topics like survey readiness and safety meetings, the program provides a more complete and practical review for participants.

All QA/QI modules have been combined into a single day, offering a cost-effective way to cover more material. Instead of attending multiple separate sessions, attendees can access the same comprehensive training in one full-day format.

The series is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing participants to attend all three days for a complete experience or choose specific days that align with their goals and priorities. Each day focuses on specific aspects of compliance, with new sessions included to address emerging needs:

• Day 1: Boot Camp – This session equips staff with fundamental knowledge essential for operating an assisted living community. From understanding core operational principles to ensuring quality resident care, attendees will leave with a comprehensive manual and resources to help them confidently lead through recertification or EOEA visits.
• Day 2: QA/QI (Quality Assurance & Quality Improvement) – Gain expertise in the QA/QI process, including how to effectively utilize mandated forms, perform audits, and manage compliance in areas like medication management, dining, and physical plant operations. Attendees will also receive an in-depth toolkit and user-friendly workbook for easy application back in their communities.
• Day 3 – Safety Meeting Training (AM): Learn the essentials for conducting safety committee meetings, using templates to document grand rounds, outing books, vehicle checklists, fire and elopement drills, and more. Survey Readiness Training (PM): Prepare for EOEA surveys with strategies to build and maintain an EOEA Survey Ready Binder, cover common deficiencies, and ensure your community is fully organized and compliant with regulatory standards.

Don’t miss this chance to solidify your knowledge, enhance resident care, and ensure compliance​. Click here to RSVP!

Additional Training Opportunities in 2025

Beyond these new programs, Mass-ALA will continue offering additional professional development opportunities throughout the year, including:

• Mass-ALA Webinars: Keep an eye out for a series of webinars covering timely topics and practical insights that are essential for staying updated on trends in assisted living and common practices.
• In-Person Regulations Training: Scheduled for June 12, 2025, this one-day event will focus on the latest regulations affecting Massachusetts assisted living communities, ensuring attendees are up-to-date and equipped to manage compliance.
• Annual Conference: Mark your calendar for October 30, 2025! Our annual conference provides a full day of learning, networking, and skill-building sessions tailored for professionals in assisted living. This event is an ideal opportunity to connect with assisted living experts, gain new insights, and rejuvenate your passion for providing high-quality resident care.

Interested in Presenting?

Submit to present! This is your opportunity not only to showcase your insights and innovative programs, but also to connect with peers and make a lasting impact on the senior living community. Whether you have a unique topic in mind or prefer to work with content we’ve developed, Mass-ALA offers a platform for you to shine. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to our dynamic events in 2025 and position yourself as a thought leader in assisted living. Submit your proposal today and help shape the future of senior living! Click here to submit a request to present!

Register Today!

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of these valuable learning experiences in 2025! Click here to Register. For more information, please contact Barbara Southall, Director of Education, at bsouthall@mass-ala.org or call 781.622.5999 ext. 103. Take the next step in your professional journey with Mass-ALA’s transformative programs, workshops, and networking opportunities.