strengthening the aging network

The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities’ (NASUAD) Strengthening the Aging Network (SAN) Project is a special initiative aimed at increasing the capacity of state agencies across the country to enhance their ability to play leadership roles in the development and implementation of cutting edge long term services and supports (LTSS) systems. Click here to read the press announcement of this project. To help state directors increase state LTSS capacity, the initiative contains three areas of focus:

1. Leadership Training – SAN offers NASUAD members a variety of training opportunities and resources.  Training is open to state directors and their senior staff.  Vehicles for training include state-only conference calls that will provide basic, introductory information, regional forums for advanced training and strategic discussion, a SAN web-page at which training materials may be accessed, and one-on-one technical assistance.  SAN-related training is framed by a flexible training system.  Training topics and media will be updated based on member input and needs.  For calendars of 2011 SAN training events and topics click the links below. 
   • "Just the Basics" Pre-Forum 101 Conference Call Series
   • Pre-Forum Managed Long Term Care Series
   • Regional Forums
     
     
2. Research on State Systems Program Measurement -- NASUAD also will gather information about current performance standards used by states to measure the impact of their LTSS programs.  Research on existing state program measurement strategies will be used to develop a white paper on possible inter-state measurement system for NASUAD members. 
   
   
3. High Performing LTSS System Measurement – Under the SAN initiative, NASUAD also is participating in AARP Public Policy Institute’s effort to develop a High Performing LTSS System Scorecard.  The Scorecard is based on five domains: a) support of family caregivers; b) ease of access and affordability; c) choice of setting and provider; d) quality of care/quality of life; and effective transitions ad organization of care.  Data for each domain will be derived from series of associated indicators.  In addition to the Scorecard, SAN will develop and provide training on a Systems Change Readiness Assessment Tool that state agencies may use to determine their capacity to embark on LTSS systems change. 

SAN work in all three areas is guided by the NASUAD Board of Directors, NASUAD member input and a SAN Advisory Group composed of the federal Administration on Aging (AoA) and NASUAD partner organizations.  SAN is funded by the Administration on Aging.