ROCKVILLE, Md. - s4story -- National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) Chief Operating Officer, Cyndi Walters joins more than 160 industry thought leaders as they prepare to emerge from a period of quarantine and plan for a new post-COVID-19 era.

Participants in the ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Task Force include representatives of for-profit, not-for-profit, and affordable housing -- organizations providing active-adult and independent living, continuing care retirement communities/life plan, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation Participating industry associations include, among others, LeadingAge, American Senior Housing Association (ASHA), Argentum, American Medical Directors Association (AMDA), Pioneer Network, National Council on Aging (NCOA), The National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA), and the American Society on Aging (ASA).

Walters stated, "COVID-19 has truly ushered in a new normal for senior living providers. Our normal from four months ago cannot exist anymore. I am honored to join other leaders in the industry to work together on how to safely continue providing care, engagement and support for residents and team members, while continuing to safeguard communities from COVID-19."

"The health, wellness and quality of life of our residents and staff are paramount as we chart a path forward in the midst of uncertainty," said ICAA founder and CEO Colin Milner, who conceived the initiative. "The Task Force will generate and provide ideas, tactics, strategies and messaging suggestions that organizations can consider as they begin to plan for a new post-COVID era."

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Milner will co-chair the task force with Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th US Surgeon General, Chief of Health Innovations, Canyon Ranch, and psychologist/gerontologist Ken Dychtwald, PhD, best-selling author, founder and CEO of Age Wave.

"Organizations need to make their way through the pandemic and have a game plan to come out of it," Milner said. "Importantly, all key stakeholders are coming together as a group to address COVID-19's impact on the industry, and help ensure that organizations will continue to be viable and meet residents' expectations and desires while also ensuring their safety now and into the future."

Task force members and panelists at the May 27 and May 28 sessions addressed fundamental issues such as social distancing and its impact on the built environment, infrastructure needs and engagement.

About National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS)
Based in Rockville, Md., NLCS is a not-for-profit, faith-based ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) Delaware-Maryland, Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Virginia Synods, serving people of all beliefs. With 130-years' experience, NLCS honors, inspires and supports choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults. Entities sponsored by National Lutheran include The Village at Rockville in Rockville, Md., The Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton, Va., The Village at Orchard Ridge and myPotential at Home in Winchester, Va., The Village at Augsburg in Baltimore, Md., The Village at Providence Point in Annapolis, Md., subject to Maryland Department of Aging approval, and Impact1890 in Rockville, Md. For more information, visit www.nationallutheran.org

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About the ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Industry Task Force
ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Industry Task Force will generate and provide ideas, tactics, strategies and messaging suggestions that organizations can consider as they begin to emerge from a period of quarantine and plan for a new post-COVID era. This includes, but is not limited to, the impact of the built and virtual environments, social activities and food/beverage services, technology, education and security that impacts the health and well-being of staff and residents; challenges to current and future business models; and approaches to build confidence in living in and visiting senior living properties.
About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
www.icaa.cc

ICAA is a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry and supports professionals who aspire to develop wellness cultures for adults over 50. This support includes creating wellness environments, programs and services. The association is focused on active aging-an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness-and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies.