| How AI Can Help Differentiate Between a UTI or Dementia | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/dr_ipad.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:200px;" />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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Another often overlooked challenge when it comes to proper diagnosis is staff not having enough time with a resident to rule out other health factors. Of course, the faster a UTI is ruled out, the more expedient treatment can be, enabling a resident to resume their regular routine. Conversely, the longer a misdiagnosis lingers, the more detrimental it is for the resident. This includes unnecessary treatments while the underlying infection worsens, longer hospital stays with rising health care costs, and overprescribing antibiotics, along with anxiety.</p><p>A helpful way to help differentiate between a UTI and dementia is to understand that dementia, with few exceptions, is often a progressive condition signified by a gradual decline. However, if staff don’t have the ability to spend enough time with residents, progressive declines are harder to spot.<br></p><h3>The Role of Technology in Supporting Senior Care Administrators</h3><p>The common UTI and dementia misdiagnosis is where innovations in technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), help provide insight to augment medical expertise. Technology is now enabling care professionals to spot subtle changes in behavior that may signal a longer-term issue such as a UTI well before a test is necessary.</p><p>Sensors that combine AI and body-heat-sensing technology can understand subtle movements in a room or a hallway without requiring the use of cameras or other devices that compromise privacy. The sensors can help staff recognize an increase in frequency when it comes to a resident’s bathroom habits. This can signal a UTI. Similarly, they can also be alerted to wandering incidents, which can signal cognitive decline.</p><p>The associated data from the sensors provides a benchmark for an individual room. Based on these early indicators, outliers can be more easily detected and often before an infection gets too far along.</p><p>Since the data is anonymized, it can contribute to greater industry learnings. Imagine being able to pool data from a larger population of older adults, or across a national care community. Data analysis based on vast amounts of anonymized behavior data can have many benefits.</p><p>It can lead to more proactive health planning. It can also help administrators plan for future needs of residents as well as their facilities. Also, the data can shape how they recruit and staff communities.</p><p>From a technological point of view, the insights can be used to support the training of data models to analyze actions such as sleep, activities, and social engagement. These additional dimensions of insight provide even more benchmarks across a wider population to better understand the aging process and immediate changes that may need attention.</p><p>Taking this even further, the combination of individual and empirical data to better identify the correlations between symptoms will improve diagnostic accuracy.</p><p>On a more immediate level, this insight can also help close gaps, especially when it comes to noticing subtle changes in residents that often aren’t detected until much later. This insight helps schedulers know where to allocate staff based on the resident needs as opposed to scheduled physical check-ins.<br></p><h3>Weaving Technology into the Senior Care Community</h3><p>For most senior care administrators, this type of benchmark data is critical. Yet many are concerned that the burden of gathering data and analyzing it adds more to their already overextended schedule. The good news is that the emergence of new technologies for senior care and longevity and making serious inroads in addressing these issues. A closer look at The Gerentechnologist’s <a href="https://thegerontechnologist.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Age Tech Market Map</a> provides great insight into the current state of all the emerging technologies being developed specifically to support senior care communities.</p><p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2024/Honghao-Deng.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:115px;height:157px;" />As the population ages, with one in six adults being over the age of 60 by the year 2030, there will be increased challenges for the entire industry. Innovations in technology, especially AI, are making significant strides in helping administrators plan more efficiently and respond more proactively to changes.<br> <br><em>Honghao Deng is a computational designer and entrepreneur, and the CEO and co-founder of <a href="https://www.butlr.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Butlr</a>. In his previous role, he was a researcher at City Science Group, MIT Media Lab. He earned a Master of Design Technology with Distinction at Harvard University.  </em><br></p> | 2024-10-10T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/dr_ipad.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Technology;Dementia | Honghao Deng | Staff, administrators, and medical professionals in senior care communities are acutely aware of the increased frequency of UTIs among older adults and how often they are misdiagnosed as signs of dementia. |
| 2024 NCAL Day Offers Inspiration and Diverse Education | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/24NCALDay.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:200px;" /></p><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"></span></span><span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"></span></span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">Hundreds of assisted living providers and professionals came together for NCAL Day on Sunday, October 6, making it the biggest NCAL Day since its inception. While AHCA/NCAL was forced to cancel Delivering Solutions 24 late Saturday due to impending Hurricane Milton, Sunday’s programming including NCAL Day was able to go on as planned.    </span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">Mark Maxfield, an independent owner/operator of several assisted living communities in Idaho and NCAL Board Chair, served as emcee. His welcome remarks included a focus on his passion for delivering high quality care and why his work is personal.</span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">“I’ve worked in assisted living for more than 23 years. My grandfather, with whom I was very close, needed assisted living care that wasn’t available where he lived,” said Maxfield. “After working as a caregiver and seeing what it takes to really do this work, I knew without a doubt that this was my calling.”</span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">This year’s event featured two keynote speakers. Licensed health care facility administrator and executive coach Jerald Cosey kicked off the morning with an inspiring session on reigniting purpose. Maja Kazazic, a Bosnian genocide survivor, businesswoman, and motivational speaker, continued to inspire by sharing her amazing story of survival, success, and empathy.</span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">“NCAL Day continues to get better and better every year, and it is exciting to see the value it delivers for assisted living providers reflected in the growing attendance,” said NCAL executive director LaShuan Bethea. “The work these providers do is one of love and passion. I’m honored to be part of this day where we can help reignite their passion and provide resources to support the tremendous work that happens in assisted living every day.”</span></p><p><span><span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2024/IMG_8965%20NCAL%20Day.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:232px;" /></span></span></span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">NCAL Day also included breakout sessions for attendees, all focused on various issues impacting assisted living--from building trust and retaining people to exploring the next steps in the AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards journey. </span></p><p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">The day wrapped up with a fireside chat that included NCAL director of quality improvement Pam Truscott, NCAL director of policy and regulatory affairs Jill Schewe, immediate past NCAL board chair Gerald Hamilton, and NCAL executive director LaShuan Bethea. They discussed the future of assisted living, with a focus on important quality, regulatory, and impactful strategies to help ensure the profession’s future remains bright.  </span></p></div> | 2024-10-08T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/NCALDay2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Assisted Living | | Hundreds of assisted living providers and professionals came together for NCAL Day on Sunday, October 6, making it the biggest NCAL Day since its inception. |
| Mandatory Provider Enrollment Off-Cycle Revalidation for ALL SNFs | <p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued an announcement in the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-09-19-mlnc?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-09-19-mlnc%23_Toc177552986#_Toc177552986" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">MLN Connects newsletter</a> that all skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers will receive off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation notices from their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to collect additional data on ownership, managerial, and related party information not previously required. This information is to be submitted in a new Appendix on the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Form CMS-855A</a> (09/24) version.   <br></p><h3>WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW </h3><ol><li>Be on the lookout for a letter from your MAC from October through December 2024 regarding a mandatory off-cycle revalidation. Approximately one-third of SNFs will receive these notices each month.  </li><li>Providers will have 90 days from the date of the letter to respond and submit the newly required information into the <a href="https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do%23headingLv1#headingLv1" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS)</a> system to keep their provider enrollment status active. </li><li>The requested information is quite complex and affects every SNF, regardless of size or ownership characteristics. </li><li>SNF providers no longer report in Sections 5 and 6 of the provider enrollment form, but in a new SNF-specific Appendix. Instructions for the new SNF Appendix are <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidance-snf-attachment-855a.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidance-snf-attachment-855a.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>.  </li><li>In addition to SNF revalidation timeline discussed above, the new <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Form CMS-855A</a> must be used for all of the following provider enrollment transactions effective October 1, 2024:</li></ol><p>                    a. Initial Enrollment</p><p><span>                    </span>b. Revalidations </p><p><span>                    </span>c. Reactivations </p><p><span>                    </span>d. CHOW </p><p><strong>Note:</strong> If the status of any SNF transaction for a-d above prior to October 1 is “pending” in PECOS as of October 1, the MAC will request the new Appendix be completed by the SNF provider.  </p><h3>WHAT YOU NEED TO DO</h3><ol><li>Review the new <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855a.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Form CMS-855A</a> and the new <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidance-snf-attachment-855a.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mandatory+Provider+Enrollment+Off-Cycle+Revalidation+for+ALL+SNFs&utm_content=https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidance-snf-attachment-855a.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">GUIDANCE FOR SNF ATTACHMENT ON FORM CMS-855A</a>. </li><li>CMS and AHCA/NCAL suggest providers seek counsel from an attorney to help interpret the new SNF reporting requirements.  </li><li>Begin compiling the new information that will be required to be reported ASAP. </li><li>Be on the lookout for an upcoming AHCA webinar on this new SNF provider enrollment reporting requirements.   </li></ol><p>Please contact <a href="mailto:dciolek@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Dan Ciolek</a> or <a href="mailto:mallen@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Martin Allen</a> at AHCA/NCAL with questions. </p> | 2024-09-24T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/0120_News1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Medicare | | All SNF providers will receive off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation notices from their Medicare Administrative Contractor to collect additional data on ownership, managerial, and related party information not previously required. |
| Balancing Technology and Humanity in Long Term Care | <p><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/telehealth2.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:200px;" />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.</p><p>This proactive approach to long term care not only improves patient outcomes but also alleviates the stress and anxiety often experienced by families, knowing that their loved ones are under constant, attentive care. Technology's impact will be significant on the efficiency of care delivery, but also in upholding the dignity and preferences of those at the end of their life, making the journey as peaceful and respectful as possible.</p><h3>Revolutionizing Patient Monitoring and Care Delivery</h3><p>Wearable devices and remote monitoring systems enable the continuous tracking of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, providing health care providers with real-time data that can be crucial in detecting early signs of distress or deterioration. This level of constant vigilance allows for timely interventions, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life. For instance, a sudden drop in oxygen levels can be immediately addressed with supplemental oxygen or medication adjustments, preventing further complications and ensuring the patient's comfort.</p><p>Telehealth has also emerged as a game-changer in long term care, particularly in reaching patients in remote or underserved areas. Through virtual consultations, patients can access specialized care without needing stressful and often difficult travel. This not only provides them with the best possible medical advice but also ensures that they remain in the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth platforms enable continuous communication between patients, families, and health care teams, keeping everyone aligned and informed about the patient's condition and care plan.</p><h3>Enhancing Pain Management and Comfort</h3><p>Innovations such as smart drug delivery systems, which can administer precise doses of pain medication based on real-time assessments, are transforming traditional approaches to pain relief. These systems can adjust dosages automatically, responding to fluctuations in a patient’s pain levels without the need for constant manual intervention by health care providers. This ensures that patients receive the right amount of medication at the right time, minimizing pain while reducing the risk of overmedication and its associated side effects. </p><p>AI and machine learning algorithms are also being employed to predict and manage pain more effectively. By analyzing data from various sources, AI can identify patterns and anticipate pain episodes before they become severe. This proactive approach allows for preemptive adjustments in pain management strategies, ensuring that patients remain comfortable, and their pain is controlled. Additionally, virtual reality and other immersive technologies are being used to provide patients with non-pharmacological methods of pain relief and relaxation.</p><h3>Personalizing Long term Care through Data and AI</h3><p>The utilization of data analytics and artificial intelligence in long term care is paving the way for highly personalized and effective treatment plans. By harnessing vast amounts of patient data—from medical histories and genetic information to real-time health metrics—AI algorithms can identify unique patterns and trends that inform individualized care strategies. These insights enable health care providers to tailor interventions precisely to the needs and conditions of each patient, ensuring that care is not only more effective but also more respectful of the patient's personal preferences and medical history. For example, predictive analytics can help identify patients who may benefit from early palliative care interventions, thus enhancing their quality of life sooner rather than later.</p><p>AI-driven decision-support tools are also revolutionizing how care plans are developed and adjusted over time. These tools can process complex data sets to generate recommendations for symptom management, medication adjustments, and other critical aspects of care. They provide health care professionals with actionable insights that go beyond traditional clinical guidelines, allowing for more nuanced and responsive care. This level of personalization ensures that long term care is dynamic and adaptable, meeting the evolving needs of patients as their conditions change. Additionally, data-driven approaches can facilitate more meaningful conversations between health care providers, patients, and families about treatment options, ultimately supporting more informed and compassionate decision-making.</p><h3>Ensuring Ethical and Compassionate Care</h3><p>Incorporating technology into long term care necessitates a strong commitment to ethical standards and compassion. While technological advancements offer tremendous benefits, it is crucial to ensure that they are used in ways that uphold the dignity and autonomy of patients. Consent and privacy must be prioritized when collecting and utilizing patient data. Clear, transparent communication about how data will be used and the potential benefits is essential in building trust with patients and their families. Additionally, ethical frameworks must guide the development and implementation of AI and other advanced technologies to prevent biases and ensure equitable care for all patients, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.<br><span><img src="/Articles/PublishingImages/2023/MelissaPowell.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Melissa Powell" style="margin:5px;" /></span></p><p>Compassion must remain at the heart of long term care, even as we embrace technological tools. Technology should enhance, not replace, the human touch that is so vital during this sensitive time. Health care providers must continue to engage with patients and families personally, offering empathy, understanding, and emotional support. Technologies like telehealth can facilitate these connections by enabling more frequent and meaningful interactions. Still, the essence of compassionate care lies in genuine concern and respect for the patient's experiences and wishes. Balancing technological efficiency with ethical considerations and compassionate practices ensures that long term care remains holistic, humane, and centered on the patient's well-being.</p><p>As we continue to navigate this evolving landscape, our ultimate goal must be to provide care that is not only technologically advanced but also profoundly humane.<br></p><p><em>Melissa Powell is </em><em>president and COO of The Allure Group.</em><br></p> | 2024-09-12T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Articles/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/telehealth2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Technology;Management | Melissa Powell | 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. |