With the right training, process, and resources, long term caregivers can confidently treat residents with opioid use disorder, chronic mental health challenges, and traumatic brain injuries.
Category: Provider Magazine
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
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.
Read more by going to https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Distinguish-Quality-Measure-Exclusions-from-Clinical-Standards-in-Long-Term-Care.aspx
Health Care’s Value Revolution Focusing on Quality Over Quantity
Provider financial returns have long been driven by the quantity of services provided, not the outcomes that were achieved. However, as we journey deeper into the 21st century, it’s becoming clear that this volume-driven approach is no longer sustainable, nor beneficial to patients.
Are Robots the Solution to Senior Care Staffing Shortages?
The challenges we face as senior care executives are as multifaceted as they are pressing. Among the most formidable is the persistent staffing shortage that plagues our industry.
While the worst staffing shortages occurred during the pandemic, its reverberations continue to ripple through our operations. COVID-19 laid bare the vulnerabilities inherent in our current model of senior care staffing, exposing the precarious balance upon which our ability to deliver essential services rests. The sudden onset of the pandemic exacerbated an already tenuous situation, with many health care workers forced to grapple with increased workloads, heightened health risks, and unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. Even today, 94 percent of senior care facilities find recruitment difficult, with 67 percent reporting it’s due to a lack of interested or qualified candidates.
Read more at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Are-Robots-the-Solution-to-Senior-Care-Staffing-Shortages.aspx
Top High-Tech Trends in Long Term Care
New technology in long term care is exciting and promises to deliver many new functionalities as long as the purchase and implementation work for the facility, providers, and residents.
Read the article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Issues/2024/Summer/Pages/Top-High-Tech-Trends-in-Long-Term-Care.aspx
Cybersecurity Safety is Patient Safety!
Post-acute care facilities play a unique and critical role in the health care ecosystem. However, with this specialized focus comes distinct challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. Additionally, the recent staffing mandates announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as of April 22, 2024, pose further hurdles, potentially straining resources and complicating cybersecurity efforts.
Find out more by going to https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Cybersecurity-Safety-Is-Patient-Safety.aspx
Improving Outcomes Through Better Communication
Communication is key when providing quality care to residents because those living in long term care environments experience increased vulnerability. Good communication can often be likened to a dance. When synchronized, it is beautiful to watch. However, one misstep can lead to injury or hurt feelings. Lack of communication can result in missed appointments, medication errors, adverse events, rehospitalization, and even death. This article offers tips to facility leadership on how to improve communication with residents and their families, staff, and outside partners.
Navigating Medicare Advantage
Skilled nursing and post-acute care providers must carefully navigate Medicare Advantage plans while calling for more accountability, oversight, and transparency from regulators.
https://www.providermagazine.com/Issues/2024/Spring/Pages/Navigating-Medicare-Advantage-.aspx
Innovative Approaches in Dementia Care
Caregivers are embracing a person-centered approach that focuses on individuals’ remaining abilities, meaningful engagement, and effective communication.