Reflecting on the EINSTEIN Option Summit: A Landmark Event in Long-Term Care Innovation

Carrie Leljedal

Mar 6

From February 24-26, 2025, advocates, policymakers, and long-term care stakeholders gathered at the breathtaking Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Illinois, for the first-ever EINSTEIN Option Summit. Nestled in Pere Marquette State Park, the venue provided a serene backdrop for three days of transformative discussions, made even more special by unseasonably warm 60-degree weather and the sight of bald eagles nesting nearby.

The summit was a working event designed to identify opportunities for stakeholders, advocates, and organizations to join the growing movement to reimagine and reinvent long-term care supports and services (LTSS) through the EINSTEIN Option. Through engaging discussions, collaborative planning, and shared expertise, attendees laid the groundwork for a bold new vision of long-term care.

Key Takeaways: Charting the Future of LTSS

One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was a series of discussions aimed at transforming long-term care through innovative strategies in care delivery, workforce development, and the creation of "Connected Communities." These conversations were instrumental in shaping the direction of the EINSTEIN Option, ensuring that its implementation remains both practical and scalable.

A major highlight was the unveiling of the National Map of Connected Communities Project (EinsteinOption.org/map). This digital initiative will showcase early adopters of the Einstein Option and highlight future plans to expand to over 100 communities nationwide. Attendees recognized the map as a crucial tool for connecting advocates, providers, and policymakers across the country.

Critical Success Factors and Next Steps

A key component of the summit was the presentation of the critical success factors necessary for implementing the EINSTEIN Option tiers effectively. National collaboration emerged as a defining theme, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing.

To drive continued progress, the summit initiated the formation of four distinct workgroups, each dedicated to one of the EINSTEIN Option tiers. Additionally, the EINSTEIN Option will recruit a state leader in all 50 states to collect and share information for the interactive map, further strengthening the movement's national reach.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, attendees also identified the need to bring more voices from the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community into the EINSTEIN Option. As we continue to build momentum, ensuring that all populations in long-term care are represented remains a top priority.

Strengthening the Movement: A Call for Support

The EINSTEIN Option is a collaborative coalition, independent of any single entity or organization. As such, securing funding remains an ongoing challenge. The summit put out a call for assistance in identifying funding sources, emphasizing the need for both monetary and in-kind contributions. Funding is needed to support:

Website development and social media outreach
Attendance at state and national conferences
Research and modeling to assess programmatic impact
The creation of educational materials and resources for stakeholders

Expanding the Conversation

The momentum from the summit will continue in several key ways. We are actively working to expand our advocacy reach by developing a dedicated website and social media platforms, ensuring that our message reaches more advocates, state agencies, and care providers.

Additionally, the EINSTEIN Option will have a significant presence at two upcoming national conferences:

The Centers for Innovation Conference in St. Louis in August 2025
The Eden Alternative Conference in March 2026

These events will provide further opportunities to engage with thought leaders and refine the EINSTEIN Option model for implementation on a broader scale.

A Nationwide Movement: Who Attended?

The summit brought together representatives from 17 different states and a diverse range of organizations, including:

Long-term care advocates and providers: National Consumer Voice, Gray Panthers NYC, The Live Oak Project, VOYCE St. Louis, Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition, National Council on Aging
State and national organizations: AARP, multiple state ombudsman programs, National PACE Association, National Association of Health Care Assistants
Innovators in long-term care: Green House, Pioneer Network, Action Pact, Centers for Innovation, Eden Alternative
Families and grassroots advocates: Multiple Family Members Turned Advocates (FCTAs)
State agencies and policymakers interested in long-term care transformation

This broad representation underscores the widespread interest in reimagining long-term care and the collective commitment to making the EINSTEIN Option a reality.

Looking Ahead

The EINSTEIN Option Summit was an extraordinary step toward systemic transformation in long-term care. It provided a space for deep collaboration, strategic planning, and forward-thinking discussions that will guide the movement in the years ahead.

With the groundwork laid, we now focus on expanding partnerships, securing funding, and increasing public awareness. The work ahead is ambitious, but the summit made it clear that there is an unstoppable wave of momentum behind this initiative.

To stay updated on the EINSTEIN Option and how to get involved, visit www.EinsteinOption.org. Together, we can create a long-term care system that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and innovation for all.