AHCA/NCAL – AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep

How AI Can Help Differentiate Between a UTI or Dementia

Staff, administrators, and medical professionals in senior care communities are acutely aware of the increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among older adults and how often they are misdiagnosed as signs of dementia.

While these two diagnoses are separate, they are inextricably linked based on overlapping symptoms. One of the most significant and obvious overlapping symptoms is a sudden increase in confusion. This often presents as delirium and explains why many jump to a diagnosis of dementia before testing for a UTI. Other overlapping symptoms include increased agitation, withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating. Yet diagnosis can be further challenging because the typical physical symptoms of a UTI, such as a burning sensation during urination, may not be present in older adults.

Read the full article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/How-AI-Can-Help-Differentiate-Between-a-UTI-or-Dementia.aspx

Gero Nurse Prep is now on sale!

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living’s Gero Nurse Prep course significantly increases RNs’ gerontological nursing competency test scores. Registrants can save $200 on Gero Nurse Prep through November 15, 2024 with promo code GEROBC24 (all caps).

Research conducted by AHCA/NCAL in 2023 found compelling reasons to consider the Gero Nurse Prep course and ANCC Board certification for RNs. Nursing facilities with at least one ANCC Board certified RN experienced:

Lower rehospitalization rates for short stay and long stay residents
Fewer deficiencies on average
Fewer Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citations
More stars — twice as likely to be a CMS 5-Star facility (44% versus 19%)

Specifically designed for registered nurses working in long term care, this curriculum provides comprehensive online training that leads to board certification in gerontological nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for RNs.

Gero Nurse Prep makes a big difference even for those RNs who are not interested in pursuing ANCC Board certification. Nurses who complete Gero Nurse Prep show an average 24 percent increase between their pre- and post-course test scores. Quite simply, Gero Nurse Prep delivers smarter RNs who are better prepared to deliver competent geriatric nursing care in skilled nursing and assisted living settings. Both two-year RNs and BSNs can take the Gero Nurse Prep course and sit for the ANCC exam.

RNs have one year to complete Gero Nurse Prep and earn 30 quality nursing contact hours – enough to meet the criteria for taking the ANCC certification exam. Gero Nurse Prep grads who choose to sit for the ANCC gerontological nursing certification exam ($395 separate fee paid to ANCC) have a pass rate of 94% on their first try. RNs who pass the ANCC exam can then use the GERO-BC™ credential after their RN credential.

Watch this video or visit the website at geronurseprep.com to learn more. And don’t forget to use the GEROBC24 promo code when registering by November 15 to save $200 off the regular $790 Gero Nurse Prep registration fee.

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep booth at Delivering Solutions 24.

We are exhibiting at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando FL. Come visit us at booth #623 and find out how Gero Nurse Prep can help you demonstrate gerontological nursing competency. Want to know more now? Visit our website at https://www.geronurseprep.com/

Balancing Technology and Humanity in Long Term Care

The integration of technology into long term care is revolutionizing the way we approach this delicate and crucial stage of life. Being an executive in the senior care space for decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that technological advancements can have on enhancing the quality of care, communication, and comfort for patients and their families. From innovative medical devices to sophisticated data management systems, technology is not just a tool but a transformative force that is reshaping the landscape of long term care.

Read the full article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Balancing-Technology-and-Humanity-in-Long-Term-Care-.aspx

The Big Fall Sale on Gero Nurse Prep is On!

Lower rehospitalization rates for short stay and long stay residents
Fewer deficiencies on average
Fewer Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citations
More stars — twice as likely to be a CMS 5-Star facility (44% versus 19%)

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep booth at Delivering Solutions 24.

RSV: Why It’s Different and Why It Matters for Long Term Care

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that impacts long term care residents each year. RSV is more common during the fall and winter months, similar to influenza (flu).

RSV Impact

Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000 and 160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized, and 6,000 to 10,000 die due to RSV infection. Similar to the flu and COVID-19, RSV is more dangerous for older adults due to their age, weakened immune systems, and other underlying health conditions. RSV can lead to lung infections, pneumonia, and worsening of other conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

RSV Vaccine

In May of 2023, the first vaccine for RSV was introduced in the United States. The CDC recommends was introduced in the United States. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine if you are aged 75 or older, or if you are aged 60 to 74 and have a risk factor for severe RSV disease, including living in a long term care facility. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning if you received the RSV vaccine last year, you do not need to get it again this year.

Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall. This timing ensures you’re protected by the time RSV starts to spread in your community and ensures you get maximum protection during the winter months.

Symptoms of RSV

According to the CDC, people infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Unlike flu or COVID-19, antiviral treatment is not recommended for RSV. This is one of the reasons that getting vaccinated is so important in reducing the severity of an RSV infection.

Since antiviral treatment is not available, many providers do not test patients for RSV. However, molecular and antigen diagnostic tests do exist. The CDC recommends that providers consider testing for RSV when residents with acute respiratory illness test negative for both influenza and COVID-19.

Infection Control Practices

When residents have any symptoms, facilities should refer to CDC’s Infection Control Basics and apply Transmission Based Precautions.

The bottom line is that RSV poses a threat to long term care residents, and its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 and flu. The most important thing providers can do is encourage vaccination among residents for RSV and follow CDC guidance in preventing and managing outbreaks in the facility. The CDC viral respiratory pathogens toolkit is a great resource for handling all three common respiratory viruses.

Visit GetVaccinated.us for additional resources to help prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

HHS has also launched a new campaign to educate the public on the importance of vaccination. The Risk Less, Do More campaign has resources to help providers discuss vaccines and prevention with staff and residents.

Newly Approved COVID-19 Vaccines: What Long Term Care Providers Need to Know

In recent weeks, the country has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases, marking the largest wave since January. This trend has been mirrored in long term care facilities, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a consistent increase in new COVID-19 cases between May and August 2024. Experts indicate that this rise in COVID-19 cases is due to the emergence of new variants and waning protection from prior vaccines after six months.

The latest variant, known as FLirT, includes the KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and KP.2 strains. Data from the CDC indicates that the KP.3.1.1 variant accounts for nearly 37% of cases, KP.3 follows with 17%, and KP.2.3 represents 14.4% of cases.Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have been designed to target the KP.2 strain, providing protection against the currently circulating variants. While the vaccine may not have a significant impact on the current summer wave, it will be crucial as we head into the fall and winter months. It’s important to note that although the vaccine may not prevent infection entirely, it significantly reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions.

Long term care residents are especially vulnerable to respiratory viruses due to their age and underlying health conditions. Prioritizing LTC residents for fall respiratory vaccines—including flu, RSV, and COVID-19—will help protect them from severe illness or hospitalization due to these viruses.

The new COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for distribution through retail pharmacies, long term care pharmacies, and other suppliers. LTC providers should contact their LTC pharmacies to order the vaccine and schedule clinics.

For more information, providers can refer to our recent blog post focused on preparing for respiratory virus season.

Visit GetVaccinated.us for resources to help prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Celebrate Inspiring Generations During National Assisted Living Week

National Assisted Living Week® (NALW) 2024 is just around the corner! Have you made plans yet to celebrate “Inspiring Generations” next month?

The NALW website offers valuable resources to help kickstart (or continue) planning for September 8-14. Discover a variety of NALW products that your staff will love, graphics and logos to help develop materials for fun activities and celebrations, and a promotional toolkit with ideas on how to share this special week with local communities. The NALW Planning Guide is filled with activity ideas to make your celebration special—from honoring grandparents on their day to bringing generations together for fun, games, and great food.

Created by NCAL in 1995, this year’s theme – “Inspiring Generations” – offers assisted living staff, communities, residents, and families the opportunity to look at how assisted living has evolved and grown, inspired by the residents and those who care for them. This is a chance to listen and learn from each other, share stories and wisdom, and find inspiration from those around you.

A heartfelt thank you to this year’s official sponsor, Select Rehabilitation. Their commitment to honoring the outstanding caregivers, staff, and residents in assisted living is truly appreciated. Be sure to visit www.nalw.org to watch a special video message and learn more about the valuable services they offer.

Have a fun week, and don’t forget to share photos and videos of your celebrations on social media using #NALW.

Distinguish Quality Measure Exclusions from Clinical Standards in Long Term Care

In the long term care profession, understanding the differences between Quality Measure (QM) exclusions outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and clinical standards of practice can be challenging.