10th Annual Live Forum on Post-Acute, LTC & ALF

Thursday, June 4, 2026

The 10th Annual Forum on Post-Acute, LTC & ALF will be held once again in-person on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Itasca Country Club. You can expect the same quality programming with dynamic speakers, creating a forum to exchange ideas and share information. All while earning six free continuing education credits.

Register now to join us on Thursday, June 4, 2026, for a great day of learning — and 6 hours of free CEUs for Administrators and Nurses.

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Current sponsors:

  • Acadia Pharmaceuticals
  • Embecta – BD
  • Family Home Health
  • Forum
  • Lundbeck
  • Medline
  • Neurocrine Biosciences
  • Otsuka
  • Pfizer
  • Professional Health Care Lab
  • SK Life Science
  • Sun Pharma
  • UCB

Sessions

Cutting Through the Hype: Real Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Long-Term Care

This session provides a practical, evidence-informed look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in long-term care settings today. Moving beyond buzzwords, participants will explore real-world applications that support clinical decision-making, streamline operations, and enhance resident and family engagement. 

The course will also address limitations, ethical considerations, and regulatory implications to ensure responsible and compliant use. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and a clearer understanding of where AI can realistically add value in their organizations.

  1. Identify at least three practical applications of AI currently used in long-term care (e.g., documentation support, predictive analytics, staffing optimization).
  2. Evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of AI tools in improving resident outcomes, operational efficiency, and staff workflows.
  3. Recognize regulatory, ethical, and privacy considerations associated with AI implementation in healthcare environments.

Thomas is the Administrator of Valley Hi Nursing and Rehab in Woodstock, IL, the McHenry County owned nursing home. Valley Hi is a 2016 Bronze National Quality Award winner and a 2023 Silver National Quality Award winner through the American Health Care Association. Thomas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Southern Illinois University in 2000 and has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 2002. He also works with Jordan Healthcare Group, a consulting firm offering a wide range of support services to long term care communities. Thomas has been active with the Illinois Health Care Association for almost 20 years and is currently, Chair of the IHCA Board and the Chair and founder of the IL Leaders Program. He also serves on the Administration and Finance Committee, Public Policy Committee, and the Legal Task Force Committee, as well as various subcommittees. Thomas was recognized in 2015 by Provider Magazine as one of the year’s Top 20 To Watch and graduated from the American Health Care Association’s Future Leaders Program.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.

Panel Discussion—Turning Points Ahead: Critical Changes for Senior & Long-Term Care in 2026

This panel will examine major regulatory, operational, and financial shifts affecting long-term care settings in 2026, with a focus on Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA), Assisted Living (AL), and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). Panelists will provide cross-setting insights into emerging policy changes, workforce pressures, reimbursement evolution, and care delivery innovation.

  1. Identify at least three major regulatory or policy changes impacting CILA, AL, and SNFs in 2026
  2. Evaluate strategies to address workforce shortages and retention challenges
  3. Apply at least two actionable approaches to improve compliance and care quality in their organization

Thomas is the Administrator of Valley Hi Nursing and Rehab in Woodstock, IL, the McHenry County owned nursing home. Valley Hi is a 2016 Bronze National Quality Award winner and a 2023 Silver National Quality Award winner through the American Health Care Association. Thomas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Southern Illinois University in 2000 and has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 2002. He also works with Jordan Healthcare Group, a consulting firm offering a wide range of support services to long term care communities. Thomas has been active with the Illinois Health Care Association for almost 20 years and is currently, Chair of the IHCA Board and the Chair and founder of the IL Leaders Program. He also serves on the Administration and Finance Committee, Public Policy Committee, and the Legal Task Force Committee, as well as various subcommittees. Thomas was recognized in 2015 by Provider Magazine as one of the year’s Top 20 To Watch and graduated from the American Health Care Association’s Future Leaders Program.

Lorena Amarillo is the Executive Director at The Montclair Senior Living and Memory Care. She leads a team of dedicated professionals who provide high-quality care and services to seniors. With over 2 years of experience in the senior living industry, I have developed strong skills in management, dementia care, and teaching. I am also a certified dementia practitioner and a first aid/CPR/AED instructor, which enables me to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff. My goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where seniors can thrive and live their best lives.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Pam has created award-winning strategies and educational programs for industry leaders across the country. She joined Forum in 2004 as Director of Marketing & Client Relations, working with client facilities to align pharmacy services to customer needs. Drawing on a unique background that balances strategic planning and operational process development with a keen understanding of what her customers need, she was named Vice President of Business Operations in 2007 and Executive Vice President in 2011. Responsible for development and implementation of Forum’s overall mission and vision, she has worked to optimize Forum’s infrastructure, approach, and services to create value for customers. With particular expertise in electronic health records, reimbursement, and Lean Six Sigma, Pam has been a speaker at conferences such as the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Illinois Health Care Association, and the Leading Age, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.

Partnering With Hospice in Long-Term Care: Roles, Regulations, and Best Practices

Hospice services can provide valuable support to residents, families, and care teams in long-term care settings, but questions often arise about roles, responsibilities, communication, and coordination of care. This one-hour session will provide a practical overview of how hospice works within nursing homes and assisted living communities, including eligibility, common misconceptions, regulatory considerations, and day-to-day collaboration. Led by an experienced hospice leader, the program will help participants better understand how hospice and facility staff can work together to improve comfort, communication, and quality of life for residents receiving end-of-life care.

  1. Describe the role of hospice in long-term care settings, including services provided and eligibility criteria for residents.
  2. Differentiate the responsibilities of hospice staff and facility staff in coordinating care, communication, and symptom management.
  3. Identify best practices for successful hospice collaboration in nursing homes and assisted living communities to support resident comfort and family satisfaction.

As an Executive Director at Family Centered Hospice, I have the privilege of leading an interdisciplinary team dedicated to supporting patients and families during life’s final chapter. My work is grounded in a deep commitment to dignity, comfort, and quality of life. I partner closely with nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers to ensure care is compassionate, coordinated, and aligned with each patient’s goals and values. It is an honor to support both our patients and the care teams who walk beside them during some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Lorena Amarillo is the Executive Director at The Montclair Senior Living and Memory Care. She leads a team of dedicated professionals who provide high-quality care and services to seniors. With over 2 years of experience in the senior living industry, I have developed strong skills in management, dementia care, and teaching. I am also a certified dementia practitioner and a first aid/CPR/AED instructor, which enables me to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff. My goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where seniors can thrive and live their best lives.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.

The Behavior Toolkit: Hacks, Fixes, and Game-Changers, Part 2

Every memory care team develops tricks that work — the weighted blanket that calms, the light switch that resets, the familiar song that redirects. But most of those tools live in one caregiver’s head and never get taught. In this hands-on session, we’ll take a guided tour through dozens of concrete, in-the-moment behavior tools — the kind you can name, practice, and put on a checklist. You’ll vote, react, and share your own field-tested favorites along the way. The goal isn’t to memorize a list; it’s to leave inspired to bring three specific tools back to your team and start building a culture where good tools get passed on.

  1. Differentiate between teaching a specific, nameable tool and teaching general principles — and understand why that difference matters for frontline learning
  2. Recognize a wide range of concrete behavior tools across sensory, relational, environmental, and communication categories — and which ones fit your setting
  3. Choose three tools to bring back and teach your team, and sketch a simple plan for introducing them

The focus of Benjamin’s work as a social gerontologist is to empower people to thrive, no matter the disability or cognitive disorder they may have. He is passionate about designing powerful user experiences for elders and the people who serve them. Benjamin joined Koelsch Senior Communities in 2016 as the Director of Programs and Training before moving into the Director of Culture and Training role in 2018, where he shapes innovative engagement experiences for seniors, as well as specialized programming for people living with dementia.

Benjamin also guides person-centered training for over 2,000 employees in 8 states, leads the Koelsch Innovation Lab, and coaches Wellness Directors and Executive Directors who support more than 2,000 seniors. His passion is imagining the impossible and building alliances that make it possible. Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Sociology from Biola University and a Master’s degree in Gerontology from California State University.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.

Risk, Responsibility, and Readiness in Long-Term Care

Documentation is an important element in the delivery of quality care. However, ensuring accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation can be a challenge in the day-to-day operations of long term care. In a litigious and ever-shifting healthcare landscape, staff face potential liability in their everyday work. Documentation can make the difference between demonstrating competence, quality and compliance or finding yourself in hot water with lawsuits, deficiency or violations.

During this seminar, we will explore how long term care facilities face liability issues. We will then also look at how to employ best practices in various areas of your operations to develop and maintain the documentation needed to avoid or overcome liability concerns.

  1. How liability arises for long term care providers.
  2. Strategies and best practices to develop and maintain documentation to defend against liability concerns.
  3. Review examples of areas of high liability and how your documentation can mitigate or prevent liability.

A litigator at heart, Meredith has the skills and experience to advocate for clients before government regulators, administrative law judges and courtrooms alike. She uses those skills to focus mainly on the compliance and operational issues facing health care providers, including long-term care providers, senior housing entities and hospitals. From licensing to contracts, to risk management and regulatory compliance, she responds to all issues that arise in all aspects of a health care provider’s practice. Meredith appears regularly before the regulatory agencies that oversee the healthcare industry, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, as well as other state and federal governmental agencies on behalf of clients. Meredith also has significant experience with Medicare, Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations. She assists clients in their relationships with payers and with responses to reimbursement disputes, audits and appeals.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.

Engage, Empower, Partner: Upskilling our Core Careforce

From avatar-led coaching to TikTok-style microlearning to on-the-floor scavenger hunts, the ways frontline teams learn are changing fast — and senior living operators are already experimenting. In this high-energy, interactive session, we’ll start by pooling our collective knowledge: what are you already using, what’s landing with your staff, and what flopped? Then we’ll take a rapid-fire tour of tools and strategies you might not have encountered yet — some high-tech, some surprisingly low-tech — all designed for busy communities without dedicated training departments. Bring your phone. You’ll be voting, sharing, and reacting throughout. The goal: walk away with two or three tools you can put to work tomorrow morning.

  1. Evaluate training tools and strategies used by peers through live polling—identifying what’s already in use and what’s actually working
  2. Identify where different training methods—including video, mobile, conversational tech, and in-person approaches—fit best in real-world community settings
  3. Select two to three specific, ready-to-use tools or strategies matched to your community’s real needs and priorities

The focus of Benjamin’s work as a social gerontologist is to empower people to thrive, no matter the disability or cognitive disorder they may have. He is passionate about designing powerful user experiences for elders and the people who serve them. Benjamin joined Koelsch Senior Communities in 2016 as the Director of Programs and Training before moving into the Director of Culture and Training role in 2018, where he shapes innovative engagement experiences for seniors, as well as specialized programming for people living with dementia.

Benjamin also guides person-centered training for over 2,000 employees in 8 states, leads the Koelsch Innovation Lab, and coaches Wellness Directors and Executive Directors who support more than 2,000 seniors. His passion is imagining the impossible and building alliances that make it possible. Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Sociology from Biola University and a Master’s degree in Gerontology from California State University.

  • Nursing: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by The Illinois Board of Nursing, an approved sponsor of continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Administrators: This program has been approved for six hours of continuing education credit by the National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) of the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) – Approval #20270603-6-A121952-IN.