TAHSA Award Given to Military Retirement Community

SAN ANTONIO, Texas: Air Force Village has earned a 2009 award for its Health Support Specialist Apprenticeship Program from the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA). The innovative program, developed to benefit residents and employees, has resulted in beneficial outcomes for the employer, employees and customers.

AFV's Health Support Specialist Apprenticeship Program, implemented in 2009 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, gives eligible AFV employees a chance to improve their skills and advance their careers through an online college apprenticeship program and an in-house classroom taught by AFV healthcare professionals.

The 21 employees who completed the program in its initial offering have experienced measurable leaps in their careers - including a step up the career ladder, an increase in hourly pay, attainment of nationwide-transportable designation as Universal Workers, and up to 15 college credits. Fewer than 10% of the participants had previously earned college credits and many had never before operated a computer. Some had to complete their GED before qualifying for the program.

Debbie Wiegand, Executive Director for Health Services Corp. at Air Force Village, is delighted at the program's success and the TAHSA award, which, she says, "serves as affirmation that the program is innovative, successful and adaptable for others to emulate." She notes, "We now have employees beating on the door, eager to participate in the second offering of this program that we will roll out this spring. They can see the benefits to their peers and they want to be successful, too."

She says, "This program has allowed AFV to be a pioneer in the industry on aging. It is a significant step in our goal to provide the best possible care to our residents and change society's view of aging. It has been the springboard for developing a career ladder at they serve."AFV and it allows our employees to embrace opportunities to grow personally, advance their careers and make a difference for the elders.

George Linial, President and CEO of TAHSA, stated, "This innovative program is an example of developing a well motivated and well educated staff. It is a fact that when employees are satisfied, motivated and happy in their work, the residents truly benefit."
He added, "I believe other long term care organizations will look at this model and implement something similar."

Many of the participating employees began as minimum wage basic housekeepers and have increased their wages by as much as 40% through attaining Health Support Specialist certification. Several of the employees are so enthusiastic about their success, they are planning to pursue further educational achievements.

A Universal Worker gains numerous competencies, including food preparation and service; OSHA standards for cleaning safety; training in dementia care; comprehension of medical terminology; how to provide activities; and how to provide person-centered care. A Universal Worker is a well-rounded, cross-trained employee who can handle numerous responsibilities and experience career growth. With their multiple skills, they are in a position to forge relationships with the residents in their care, serving them in numerous capacities and providing a more personalized level of care.

Air Force Village is a non-profit active retirement community for retired career officers from all branches of military service. It is home to more than 1200 retired officers, their spouses, widows and widowers. Modern residences, numerous dining options, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a full spectrum of social, recreational, educational and spiritual activities make AFV an ideal retirement community. Besides independent living, residents are offered a continuum of health care options, including assisted living, specialty clinics, skilled healthcare and dementia care at the renowned Freedom House Alzheimer's Care and Research Center.

TAHSA is a Texas not-for-profit corporation that provides leadership, advocacy and education for retirement housing and nursing home communities that serve the needs of Texas' retirees.


ABOUT AIR FORCE VILLAGE
Founded by the Air Force Officers' Wives' Clubs, Air Force Village is a retirement community with two campuses located in San Antonio for retired officers from all branches of the military. Air Force Village I, off of Ravenswood Drive, and Air Force Village II, off of John D. Ryan Boulevard, offer a full continuum of care, from independent living apartment homes to assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support, if ever needed. Air Force Village is the first military-related retirement community to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.