Hundreds of assisted living providers and professionals came together for NCAL Day on Sunday, October 6, making it the biggest NCAL Day since its inception. While AHCA/NCAL was forced to cancel Delivering Solutions 24 late Saturday due to impending Hurricane Milton, Sunday’s programming including NCAL Day was able to go on as planned.    

Mark Maxfield, an independent owner/operator of several assisted living communities in Idaho and NCAL Board Chair, served as emcee. His welcome remarks included a focus on his passion for delivering high quality care and why his work is personal.

“I’ve worked in assisted living for more than 23 years. My grandfather, with whom I was very close, needed assisted living care that wasn’t available where he lived,” said Maxfield. “After working as a caregiver and seeing what it takes to really do this work, I knew without a doubt that this was my calling.”

This year’s event featured two keynote speakers. Licensed health care facility administrator and executive coach Jerald Cosey kicked off the morning with an inspiring session on reigniting purpose. Maja Kazazic, a Bosnian genocide survivor, businesswoman, and motivational speaker, continued to inspire by sharing her amazing story of survival, success, and empathy.

“NCAL Day continues to get better and better every year, and it is exciting to see the value it delivers for assisted living providers reflected in the growing attendance,” said NCAL executive director LaShuan Bethea. “The work these providers do is one of love and passion. I’m honored to be part of this day where we can help reignite their passion and provide resources to support the tremendous work that happens in assisted living every day.”

NCAL Day also included breakout sessions for attendees, all focused on various issues impacting assisted living--from building trust and retaining people to exploring the next steps in the AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards journey. 

The day wrapped up with a fireside chat that included NCAL director of quality improvement Pam Truscott, NCAL director of policy and regulatory affairs Jill Schewe, immediate past NCAL board chair Gerald Hamilton, and NCAL executive director LaShuan Bethea. They discussed the future of assisted living, with a focus on important quality, regulatory, and impactful strategies to help ensure the profession’s future remains bright.