Idaho Health Care Association

10/28/2026

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and the Idaho Health Care Association encourages everyone to make their voice heard. You can vote early this week or cast your ballot on Election Day. Idaho also offers same-day voter registration, so be sure to bring the required identification and proof of residency.

Why does this election matter to long-term care? The Idaho Legislature will make important decisions in the coming years regarding Medicaid funding, taxes, and policies that directly affect our long-term care communities, healthcare professionals, and the residents we serve.

Some legislative races may be decided by very narrow margins, reminding us that every vote counts We encourage our members, healthcare professionals, families, and communities to take time to learn about the candidates, understand the issues, and participate in this important election.

Now is the time to make your voice heard, Idaho. Thank you to our members and long-term care professionals for everything you do to support our profession and the people we serve.

Make a plan. Get informed. Get out and VOTE.

Learn about the IHCA at www.idhca.org

10/28/2026

The Idaho Health Care Association appreciates Senator Ron Taylor for taking the time to tour one of our member facilities, The Cove of Cascadia, alongside IHCA Executive Director Robert Vande Merwe. A special thank you to Darwin Royeca, CEO/Administrator, and the entire team at The Cove of Cascadia for providing a wonderful tour and showcasing the incredible work they do each day to care for those they serve.

The Cove of Cascadia specializes in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, transitional care, and long-term care. Their dedicated team provides personalized, patient-centered care, focusing on each individual's unique needs, recovery goals, and overall quality of life.

Throughout the visit, we had a meaningful discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing our long-term care profession. These conversations are incredibly important as we work together to strengthen our profession, support our dedicated workforce, and ensure quality care for Idahoans.
We sincerely appreciate Senator Taylor's time, genuine interest, and willingness to listen, learn, and better understand the needs of our long-term care communities.

Learn more about The Cove of Cascadia: https://lnkd.in/gaDY76Mf

Learn more about IHCA: https://www.idhca.org/

10/27/2026

The Idaho Health Care Association appreciates Senator Julie VanOrden, Chair of the Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee, for recently taking the time to tour one of our member facilities, Monte Vista Hills Health Care Center in Pocatello, Idaho. A special thank you to Sean Stock, Administrator, his dedicated team, and Tyson Munns, Eastern Idaho Cluster Leader for the Ensign Group, for providing a wonderful tour and showcasing the incredible work happening within their community.

Monte Vista Hills Health Care Center provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, helping individuals recover, regain independence, and improve their quality of life. Their dedicated team focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that supports each resident's unique needs and goals.

Throughout the visit, important conversations took place about the challenges, opportunities, and evolving needs of our long-term care profession. As Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, Senator VanOrden plays an important role in discussions surrounding healthcare policy in Idaho, making these opportunities to connect with providers and hear firsthand about the challenges facing skilled nursing facilities especially valuable.

We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated administrators who take the initiative to connect with their local legislators, share their experiences, and bring awareness to the issues impacting our profession. Their leadership and advocacy make a meaningful difference!

Thank you, Senator VanOrden, for your time, interest, and willingness to listen and learn. Together, we can continue strengthening long-term care across Idaho.

Learn more about Monte Vista Hills Health Care Center: https://montevistahills.com/

Learn more about IHCA: https://www.idhca.org/

10/26/2026

The Idaho Health Care Association appreciates Representative Rod Furniss for recently taking the time to tour one of our member facilities, Temple View Transitional Care Center, part of the Ensign Group, in Rexburg, Idaho. A special thank you to Tyson Munns, Administrator at Temple View, for providing a wonderful tour and highlighting the incredible work his team does each day to care for those they serve.

Temple View Transitional Care Center provides skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care services. Their dedicated team works closely with residents, families, and healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans that support recovery, restore strength and mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Throughout the visit, Representative Furniss and the Temple View team had a meaningful discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing our long-term care profession. These conversations are essential to building understanding, strengthening relationships, and ensuring our communities have the resources and support needed to provide quality care.

We are incredibly grateful for dedicated administrators like Tyson and the hardworking teams who make a difference in the lives of Idahoans every day. We also sincerely appreciate Representative Furniss for his time, interest, and continued support of our long-term care profession.

Learn more about Temple View Transitional Care Center: https://templeviewcare.com/

Learn more about IHCA: https://www.idhca.org/

10/26/2026

The Idaho Health Care Association extends a sincere thank you to Senator Camille Blaylock for taking the time to meet with Steve LaForte and Haden Nash of Cascadia Healthcare to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare and our long term care profession. These conversations are incredibly important. Open dialogue between policymakers and healthcare leaders helps build understanding, strengthen relationships, and bring attention to the issues impacting our workforce, providers, and the individuals we serve.

We appreciate Senator Blaylock's willingness to listen, engage, and learn more about the needs of Idaho's long term care communities. Working together, we can continue advocating for policies and solutions that strengthen quality care across our state.

Learn more about Cascadia Healthcare at https://www.cascadiahc.com/

Learn more about IHCA at https://www.idhca.org/

10/26/2026

We are only a week and a half away from our Women in Healthcare Leadership Conference. Prices for tickets go up tomorrow, so if you haven't purchased your tickets yet, now is your chance. We are excited to see you there! Purchase your tickets at www.idhca.org

Women across healthcare make an incredible impact every day, leading teams, caring for others, solving challenges, and helping shape the future of our profession. Now it’s time to come together, invest in ourselves, and strengthen the connections that help us lead even better.

Join the Idaho Health Care Association for our Women in Health Care Leadership Conference, a day created to inspire and empower women working in healthcare through education and mentorship.

📅 November 5, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Scentsy Distribution Center | Meridian, Idaho
🎓 6 CEUs
🥗 Lunch Included

This is an opportunity to step away from the demands of the day, connect with other women in healthcare, gain new perspectives, and continue growing as a leader, both personally and professionally.

Early Bird Registration through October 27:
IHCA Members: $99
Non-Members: $119
After October 27: $139

💎 Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations interested in supporting and celebrating women leaders in long-term care.

Space is limited, so register today! Learn more and register at https://www.idhca.org/events/women-in-ltc-conference/

10/23/2026

We love seeing our members connect with Idaho's elected officials and showcase the important work happening in their communities. Representatives Janie Ward-Engelking and Ilana Rubel recently had the opportunity to visit and tour our member community, Table Rock Senior Living at Barber Station. Administrator Joel Freston, MPA and his team provided a wonderful tour and engaged in meaningful conversations about the important issues, challenges, and opportunities impacting Idaho's long-term care profession.

Table Rock Senior Living at Barber Station is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where older adults can thrive. With a focus on personalized care, meaningful connections, and quality of life, their team works each day to ensure residents feel valued, supported, and at home.

Visits like these provide a valuable opportunity for elected officials to see firsthand the care being provided in Idaho's long-term care communities, connect with those working in the profession, and gain a better understanding of the needs of residents, caregivers, and providers.

Thank you to Representatives Ward-Engelking and Rubel for taking the time to visit, and to Joel and the entire Table Rock team for your hospitality and dedication to those you serve. Learn more about Table Rock Senior Living at Barber Station at https://tablerocksl.com/communities/barber-station/

Learn more about IHCA and our work supporting Idaho's long-term care profession at www.idhca.org

10/23/2026

Our Idaho Health Care Association team recently had a wonderful visit with Senator Lori Den Hartog, Representative Jason Monks, and candidate Kelly Walton at our member community, Spring Garden Assisted Living in Meridian. A special thank you to Kerri Wells, Administrator of Spring Garden Assisted Living, for providing an exceptional tour and sharing her valuable insights. With more than 15 years of experience in the long-term care profession, Kerri brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to the residents and team she serves.

Spring Garden Assisted Living is dedicated to providing a welcoming, supportive environment where older adults can enjoy meaningful connections, personalized care, and a sense of community. Their commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life is an important part of the work being done in senior living throughout Idaho.

Throughout the visit, we had meaningful conversations about the important issues, challenges, and opportunities impacting Idaho's long-term care profession. These visits provide a valuable opportunity for policymakers and community leaders to gain firsthand insight into the work being done in our communities and the needs of those who live and work in them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the Spring Garden Assisted Living team for your hospitality! We appreciate the opportunity to come together, share perspectives, and continue important conversations about long-term care in Idaho. Learn more about Spring Garden Assisted Living at https://www.avistaseniorliving.com/meridian/

Learn more about the IHCA at www.idhca.org

Lindsay Likes Dana Leavitt Robert Vande Merwe

10/21/2026

Our Idaho Health Care Association team, alongside our valued member Shaw Mountain of Cascadia, had a wonderful visit with Senator Melissa Wintrow of District 19. Brian Bair, CEO/Administrator, and Steve LaForte, CSO & Principal, welcomed Senator Wintrow for a facility tour and an opportunity to see firsthand the important work happening in skilled nursing care. Brian did an excellent job highlighting the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing skilled nursing facilities and the dedicated professionals who care for Idaho's seniors and vulnerable populations. These conversations are invaluable in helping our elected officials better understand the important role long-term care providers play in our communities.

Shaw Mountain of Cascadia continues to be a force for good in District 19. Located in Boise, Shaw Mountain provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, transitional care, long-term care, and specialized memory care. Their team is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care that supports each residents health, recovery, and quality of life. Learn more about Shaw Mountain of Cascadia at https://www.shawmountainofcascadia.com

A big thank you to Senator Wintrow for taking the time to visit and engage with our members, and to Brian, Steve, and the entire Shaw Mountain team for their continued dedication to the long-term care profession!

Learn more at www.idhca.org

10/20/2026

Our Idaho Health Care Association team, along with Angela Hilleshiem, RN, had a wonderful visit with Representative Josh Tanner of District 14. We are grateful for opportunities to connect with Idaho's legislators and share insights into the important work happening across our long-term care profession. These conversations help bring awareness to the challenges, opportunities, and needs of those who provide care and support to Idaho's seniors and vulnerable populations. Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication with our elected officials is essential as we work together to strengthen long-term care throughout Idaho. Thank you, Representative Tanner, for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage in meaningful conversations about our profession.

Learn more about the IHCA at www.idhca.org