Transitions between healthcare settings represent “the largest black hole” for the elderly, Larry Minnix, CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, told members Tuesday during the organization’s annual conference in San Antonio, TX.

As a result, AAHSA will stress the importance of managing the transition of elders at next month’s White House Conference on Aging. It is one of five major action points the organization plans to present at the conference, which is held just every 10 years. The other points are: expand managed caring, reinforce housing with supportive services, accelerate technology applications, and transform the culture across the aging services continuum.
 
Minnix said transitions in the healthcare system, such as between acute and long-term care, are where the most money is lost. They also contribute mightily to health problems such as pressure ulcers and medication errors.
 
AAHSA will also push technology at the White House-sponsored event. It plans to present a “vision” video at the conference illustrating the importance of technology, Minnix said. During Tuesday’s morning session, members saw the video’s introduction, which was narrated by actor Jeff Bridges.
 
This week’s annual meeting is the largest gathering in the association’s decades-long history, officials said Tuesday. Paid attendance is nearly 4,500, with the overall number of attendees — including providers, speakers and exhibitors — approaching 7,500.
(Published 11-9-05)