Webinars

The long-awaited, major changes are here—the most comprehensive administrative rule update since 1994. The new rule set replaces the previous AFC licensing rules with one, consolidated rule set.

In addition to changes to the administrative rules, MALA anticipates changes to LARA forms and the development of a consolidated Technical Assistance Manual. MALA will keep you apprised of these developments.

In the meantime, MALA encourages you join us for this 3-part training series. It will save your organization valuable time and help you learn about the new rules and considerations of efficient implementation of the new standards. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance on how to come into full compliance and how to avoid costly and stressful rule violations.

MALA’s expert-led sessions and workbook resource make this a must-attend event for all AFC licensees, home administrators and first line supervisors. Given the expansive scope of this consolidated rule set, MALA suggests that organizations assemble a compliance team to attend this supportive webinar series. Join us on: Webinar Series Schedule:

Session 1: Understand the New AFC Licensing Consolidated Rule Set

November 20, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Topic: Crosswalk of New Rules to Previous Rules and Overview of the Workbook

Learn how the new consolidated rule set crosswalks with previous licensing rules

Review key changes, new provisions, and new rules.

Gain access to MALA’s Workbook, designed to help you crosswalk the new, consolidated rule set to your operational practice

Session 2: Strengthen Operational Readiness

December 11, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Topic: Expert Guidance from Bator Lobb, P.C.

Receive insight on managing license renewals, investigations, and responses to notices of findings or corrective actions.

Understand procedural expectations and best practices for communicating with the Department during the transition period.

Session 3: Clarify Outstanding Questions

January 15, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Topic: Review and Response Session

Review responses to previously submitted questions.

Clarify interpretations of complex or newly introduced rules.

Ensure your compliance plan is comprehensive and up to date.

Registration Fee: $75.00

Workbook and recording will be provided at no cost to registered MALA Members.

Workbook and recording is available to registered non-members for an additional $40.00.

All webinars will be recorded and available on demand for those that have registered.

This webinar will explore the topic of falls to include contributing factors to falls, appropriate responses and interventions, and effective strategies for fall prevention. The aim of the information provided will be to reduce the instance and impact of falls.  

Assisted living and behavioral health facilities serve Michigan's most vulnerable residents. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting these providers, but their focus isn't clinical data. Instead, they pursue more accessible and lucrative targets: employee records, financial systems, and operational infrastructure. Business email compromise schemes extracted $2.8 billion from American companies in 2024, with health care and human services enterprises ranking among the most affected sectors. When cybercriminals breach payroll platforms, human resources systems, or email networks, facilities face immediate disruption. Paychecks stop processing, accounts freeze, fraudulent transfers drain funds, and staff members lose confidence in their employer's ability to protect sensitive information. This webinar examines the specific cyber risks confronting assisted living facilities, adult foster care homes, homes for the aged, and behavioral health agencies. Participants will learn concrete strategies to protect their workforce data, safeguard financial assets, and maintain operational continuity against evolving digital threats.

Chronic pain is highly prevalent among older adults, as well as younger populations that necessitate care in assisted living and adult foster care settings. This webinar equips direct care providers and professionals with a comprehensive, person-centered framework for understanding, recognizing, and supporting chronic pain needs. A focus of this webinar is on providing practical strategies for improving comfort, communication, and overall quality of life for residents experiencing persistent pain. Learning Objectives:

-List multiple understandings of pain and the derivation of pain.

-Describe chronic pain and the impact on clients.

-Explain supportive mechanisms and strategies to support individuals living with chronic pain.

In Staying in the Game, participants will explore practical therapy approaches that help residents remain active, engaged, and thriving throughout their care journey. This session will examine what quality of life truly means, how changes in engagement or well-being may appear, and how caregivers can respond in ways that promote confidence, purpose, and joy.

Attendees will learn strategies that support individuals at every level of assistance—from promoting independence in daily tasks to sustaining meaningful participation in community life. You’ll leave with actionable tools and fresh insights to help residents stay connected, motivated, and fully “in the game” each day.

Pain often communicates long before a resident can. In this insightful webinar, participants will learn how to recognize both the subtle and overt ways pain “speaks”—through behaviors, mobility changes, emotional shifts, and other clinical clues care teams should never overlook.

We will explore subjective reports and objective indicators of pain, along with practical strategies to support residents experiencing both acute and chronic pain. The session will also highlight the social and emotional impacts of pain, how it affects ADLs and mobility, and effective approaches for preserving comfort, function, and quality of life.

Attendees will leave better equipped to interpret the signs of pain and respond with confidence, compassion, and clinical insight.

As adults with autism are living longer, it is essential for professionals working with older adults to understand their evolving support needs so they can provide appropriate, person-centered care that promotes quality of life throughout the aging process. This webinar will raise awareness of autism and common co-occurring conditions and how this might manifest as adults age with autism. Attendees will leave with tools to understand signs and characteristics of autism, how this might present in various settings, and what strategies and supports can be implemented to use in care settings that foster both empathy and effective communication.

Learning Objectives:

• -Describe the characteristics and variance in manifestation of autism.
• Articulate common co-occurring conditions for adults with autism.
• Identify tools and strategies to support individuals with autism and their families.     

The holiday season can bring excitement, connection, and joy—but it can also create stress, sensory overload, and emotional challenges for residents and care teams alike. Holiday Hustle explores therapy-informed approaches that help residents navigate the social, emotional, and physical demands of this busy time of year.

This webinar will highlight strategies to support residents who welcome visitors as well as those who rely primarily on staff support during the holidays. Participants will learn practical techniques to reduce stress, maintain safety, and encourage meaningful engagement—ensuring the season remains joyful, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to help residents stay calm, connected, and thriving throughout the holiday hustle.