Health Care Council of Illinois - HCCI

12/19/2025

Laketown Elementary in Springfield brought 1st and 2nd graders to Arc at Sangamon Valley this week to spread Christmas cheer! 🎄🎅
Students had a great time singing carols to residents, reading them holiday stories, and Santa even popped in for a quick visit. It was truly a great time had by all in the facility. Thank you Laketown Elementary for coming by!

12/18/2025

Our Senior Policy Advisor, LaToya, met with Illinois State Representative Rita Mayfield at Elevate Care Waukegan yesterday!
Rep. Mayfield had a wonderful visit where she spent time connecting with residents and staff to discuss senior healthcare and staffing needs! She also brought gifts for residents celebrating December birthdays. Thank you Rep. Mayfield for your time and visit!

12/18/2025

Holiday activities do not need to be complicated to create joy. Singing carols, listening to favorite music, or completing a simple craft can brighten a resident’s day. When families cannot visit in person, video calls or recorded greetings can help bridge the distance.
These small efforts help strengthen resident well-being during the holiday season.

12/17/2025

HCCI invites our members to join in for our "From Complexity to Clarity" webinar on January 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This session will help strengthen your team's approach to dementia care with practical, self-discipline-specific strategies with guidance from experienced health care professionals.
Check out the flyer below for more details.
To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gAcE5b0RTtWa-Ymm3_t6AQ

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

As communities prepare for the holiday season, many families look for meaningful gift ideas. Here are resident favorites we see across Illinois communities:
• Cozy pajamas
• Electronic photo frames preloaded with family pictures
• Art supplies
• Journals and note pads
• Large print magazine subscriptions
• Puzzles and activity books
• Warm socks with grippers
• Wearable sleeved blankets
• Walker baskets or wheelchair storage bags
Thoughtful items like these support comfort, creativity, and connection.

12/16/2025

Facilities can help families make the most of holiday visits by encouraging shared traditions. Bringing approved treats, discussing favorite recipes, or reminiscing about holidays from years past can help strengthen family connection.
These simple moments often lead to meaningful engagement and memorable visits for residents.

12/15/2025

Congratulations to HCCI members Michael Brave, CEO and President of Southern Illinois Living Centers Inc., and Myra Boughner, Activity Aide at Alden Estates of Naperville, for being recognized by McKnight's for their 2026 Pinnacle Awards!

Thirty-two long-term care professionals with careers spanning at least 20 years were recognized this year for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact in skilled nursing, senior living, home care, or affiliated provider fields. The awards honor those who set new standards, drive change, and inspire others throughout the long-term care industry.

Michael was awarded the Inspiration Award, and Myra was awarded the Unsung Hero Award. We are proud to celebrate these individuals and their outstanding achievements, and the positive impact they make in the long-term care industry.

Thirty-two elite long-term care professionals have been chosen as honorees in the 2026 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program.

12/05/2025

Cold & flu season doesn’t have to catch your team off guard. 🍂🩺

We’ve built a complete, ready-to-use toolkit to help long term care facilities keep residents safe and informed this winter.

Inside you’ll find:
✨ Fast facts about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines
✨ Easy conversation tips for talking with residents and families
✨ Posters, handouts, and graphics you can share right away
✨ Resources to support your clinical and infection prevention teams

Everything you need — all in one place. Download the toolkit today and stay a step ahead this season: https://brnw.ch/21wY7fq

12/03/2025

Yesterday, HCCI hosted a Bronze Quality Award training session to introduce participants to AHCA's Quality Award program and guide them through the first steps in the process.
We are thrilled to see all of the interest in facilities starting their Quality Awards journey!
A big thank you to Michelle Stuercke, Chief Clinical Officer at TCM Consulting and Management, for her guidance on trainings!