(7 LTC Administrator contact hours applied for through S.C. Board of Long Term Care Administrators)
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Thursday, December 4, 2025
8:30-9:00 Registration & Breakfast
9:00-11:00 “The Future of Long-Term Care: Inspiring Change, Creating Impact” Speaker: Deke Cateau
Session Description: In this opening keynote, Deke Cateau, CEO of A.G. Rhodes, a nonprofit nursing home organization in Atlanta, GA, shares a bold vision for the future of long-term care. Highlighting innovations such as the new Cobb Memory Care Community, creative therapies, and academic partnerships, he demonstrates how mission-driven leadership can transform the aging experience. With powerful stories and replicable practices, Cateau will inspire South Carolina’s providers to reimagine care, embrace culture change, and create lasting impact for elders, families, and care partners.
11:00-11:30 Membership Meeting
11:30-12:30 SCHCA Awards Luncheon
12:30-1:30 “Survey Readiness Through Safe and Compliant Resident Transitions” Speaker: Liz Wheeler, BSN, RN, CHPN, CDP, IPCO with Proactive Session Description: This session provides an in-depth review of the regulatory requirements for transfers and discharges in skilled nursing facilities, with a focus on residents’ rights, facility responsibilities, and compliance strategies. Participants will understand the conditions under which a resident may be transferred or discharged, required notices and timelines, documentation standards, and best practices for communication. Real-world examples and survey findings will be highlighted to help providers avoid common deficiencies and ensure safe, person centered transitions of care.
1:45-2:45 “Stronger Scores, Stronger Bottom Line: Mastering QM and Part B” Speaker: Dr. Melinda Butler Henderson, OTR/L, OTD, BCPA, QCP with Bencura Session Description: In today’s value-driven healthcare environment, success in skilled nursing facilities hinges on clinical excellence and financial stewardship. This session will explore the intersection of Quality Improvement (QM) strategies and Medicare Part B optimization, equipping leaders with actionable insights to drive measurable outcomes. Participants will examine how targeted QM initiatives not only elevate quality measures but also strengthen compliance, reduce risk exposure, and boost financial performance. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regulatory alignment, this seminar empowers administrators, nursing leadership, and corporate stakeholders to align operational goals with quality metrics and reimbursement opportunities.
3:00-4:00 “Dementia and Ancillary Services” Speakers: Kathy O’Leary RN, LNHA, and Elizabeth Balusek, LBSW, NHA, and CDP with ExcelHealth Group Session Description: Providing quality care to ensure best outcomes in long term care facilities is always our goal! Explore approaches targeted for reaching this goal for residents who have dementia who need ancillary services in the long-term care setting.
5:00-7:00 Holiday Reception & Silent Auction
Friday, December 5, 2025
8:00-8:30 Breakfast
8:30-9:30 “Palmetto ABLE Savings Program. Saving Money and Protecting Benefits” Speaker: Karen Crider
Session Description: The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program opened for enrollment in 2017 and today over 3,900 accounts are open statewide. ABLE accounts can provide qualified individuals with disabilities, life-changing financial opportunities. This session will help organizations managing the finances of clients with disabilities understand how they can support the people they serve by helping them save money and avoid spending down of funds in order to maintain benefits eligibility. Learn how these accounts allow organizations to offer a new level of support to their clients, providing resources and guidance to help them conserve funds while maintaining eligibility of critical needs-based benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
9:45-10:45 “Identifying Compliance Risks to Maximize Performance” Speaker: Kelly Willenberg Session Description: This session will help you frame your compliance program with an advantage! You will know your risk exposure and blind spots! Build a culture of shared accountability by empowering your employees to take ownership and responsibility. By linking compliance awareness to training, you can take steps toward positive work outcomes! We will discuss regulatory domains case studies to create clear, actionable guidance.
