|
May 2012 Examining how nursing staff time was allocated on the dementia unit of a skilled nursing facility in New Milford, Conn.––and wondering if a reallocation would benefit the residents and enhance the job satisfaction of those who care for them––has led to a dramatic drop in the average number of medications per resident: from 9.2 to 5.5. The national average is 9.7.
The breakthrough can best be attributed to a partnership between the facility’s administrator, medical personnel, fellow nurses, and dietary staff, who were all encouraged to question traditional practices and consider change.
|
|
May 2012 As medications that could be cut back or eliminated were identified, heading the hit list were proton pump inhibitors, multivitamins, iron supplements, calcium supplements, statins, and vitamin D. Multivitamins were an especially salient example of a medication that should not escape scrutiny because they are often prescribed automatically and because a priority on preparing nutrient-dense foods can make them relatively superfluous.
|
|
|
May 2012 As medications that could be cut back or eliminated were identified, heading the hit list were proton pump inhibitors, multivitamins, iron supplements, calcium supplements, statins, and vitamin D. Multivitamins were an especially salient example of a medication that should not escape scrutiny because they are often prescribed automatically and because a priority on preparing nutrient-dense foods can make them relatively superfluous. April 2012 This case study helps to illustrate some of the complex and important issues identified regarding the use of the MDS 3.0 assessment tool, particularly around the psychosocial sections. In this case study, Mr. S, age 80, was admitted as a Medicare SNF-stay resident after hip surgery because of a fall at his group home. April 2012 The graying of America is in full force, and the long term care facility workforce is not exempt. Instead of seeking a fountain of youth for staff, facilities are finding innovative ways to employ the experience and knowledge of older staff while keeping them safe and healthy, and they are encouraging intergenerational relationships that enhance quality care and teamwork. And in the process, they are finding that caring is ageless. April 2012 In October 2010, the minimum data set (MDS) 3.0 changed the way in which nursing home residents’ needs were assessed. It created new psychosocial requirements, including direct resident interviews for cognition, mood, customary routine and preferences, pain, and return to the community. March 2012 After a hard week at work, many adults look forward to a quiet dinner at a restaurant with a close friend or loved one. However, a peaceful evening can sometimes be interrupted by the crying of a child. Most anyone would be annoyed by this and ask, “Who would bring a child out at this hour of the night to a restaurant like this; it’s not like this is a ‘family restaurant’ where you would expect small children to accompany their parents, this is a formal restaurant!” March 2012 This approach would be more equitable, innovative, and care-focused than simply cutting provider rates through Medicare bad debt and other potential payment reductions, AHCA says. March 2012 The national theme for the 2012 National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) is “Celebrating the Journey,” and for this year’s event it all starts on Mother’s Day, May 13, and continues through May 19. February 2012 A new website is dedicated to patients who have terminal illnesses as a place where they can post their words, both private and public. February 2012 Reducing hospital readmissions from nursing centers starts with analyzing the continuum of care—from the hospital setting to the nursing facility transfer, through any events and decisions that may lead to readmission. January 2012 In New Jersey, transferring patients across the continuum of care has seen its share of problems regarding continuity and relaying accurate patient information. Developing and implementing a common transfer form to alleviate these issues was sorely needed to improve quality of care and reduce medical errors.
|
|
|
|