Following my recent article on person-centered care (PCC) regulations, a question asked on my thoughts on the challenges of providing PCC considering the staffing challenges facing the industry. There is no doubt that PCC is much more easily provided when there is a sufficient number of consistent staff. PCC is at its core relationship based,Continue reading “Staff Turnover, Person-Centered Care and Regulations”
Tag Archives: Medicare
Emphasis on Person-Centered Care Citations is Underway
Person-centered care is a well-established philosophy of care incorporating the needs and desires of each person. Providing person-centered care is dependent upon “knowing the person” as a unique, one-of-a-kind individual. This philosophy is not new and should not be a foreign concept for anyone working in healthcare, particularly long-term care. Elements were addressed as farContinue reading “Emphasis on Person-Centered Care Citations is Underway”
First Antipsychotics, Now Antianxiety and Hypnotics: Can your Staff Manage Without?
Nursing facilities have been successful in reducing the number of antipsychotics in the past few years, even exceeding the CMS goal. The monitoring of antianxiety and hypnotic medications, while once a discussion, is now a reality, as CMS announced last week that they will now be monitoring antianxiety and hypnotics. While there is not aContinue reading “First Antipsychotics, Now Antianxiety and Hypnotics: Can your Staff Manage Without?”
CMS Regulations, Dementia Care and More: American College of Health Care Administrators Winter Conference
Annual conferences are an opportunity to stay abreast of changes in the industry and creative programs to enhance practice and outcomes in long term care. It is an opportunity to meet other colleagues in the industry who can serve as future resources and mentors. This year’s ACHCA Winter Marketplace will be hosted at Bally’s inContinue reading “CMS Regulations, Dementia Care and More: American College of Health Care Administrators Winter Conference”
CMS Regulations and Person-Centered Dementia Care: Are You Ready?
Change is coming. CMS has introduced multiple changes to nursing home regulations that will impact the industry, especially those facilities providing dementia care. Even though the comment period was extended, organizations need to take these potential changes seriously and begin to implement strategies and programs now. Doing so will not be quick or easy. ItContinue reading “CMS Regulations and Person-Centered Dementia Care: Are You Ready?”
Medication a Difficult Call with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
I have encountered many families and healthcare professionals over the years who question medication use for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Some want no medications – others can’t ask for enough! My latest monthly column for Gannett Newspapers, “Consider quality of life when prescribing medications,” offers some advice for those faced with questions regardingContinue reading “Medication a Difficult Call with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia”
Transitional Care: Focus on Dementia Needed
More and more the literature is indicating that transitional care is beneficial to care and promotes cost savings. In relationship to Medicare and readmission penalties, transitional care has been found to help reduce readmissions with a focus on diagnoses of heart disease, diabetes, etc. And, a recent article in by Health Leaders Media describes researchContinue reading “Transitional Care: Focus on Dementia Needed”
Readmission Penalties, Long-Term Care, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Hospitals are focusing on decreasing readmissions that occur within 30 days, and the resulting, increasing penalties to be incurred in the future. Not surprisingly, the readmission conversation now includes skilled nursing facilities – facilities where up to 80% of their residents have memory impairment, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Hospital are – or should – beContinue reading “Readmission Penalties, Long-Term Care, and Alzheimer’s Disease”
ACE Units Beneficial to Those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
“If ACE Units Are So Great, Why Aren’t They Everywhere?” for HealthLeaders Media is a terrific article by Cheryl Clark. The article clearly outlines why ACE units are beneficial for the geriatric population. Considering that 1 in 8 over 65 have dementia, as do up to 50% of those over 85, ACE units would beContinue reading “ACE Units Beneficial to Those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia”
The Financial Burden of Dementia
By now, many of you have heard that the financial burden of dementia is similar to that of cancer and heart disease. Have you read the article from the New England Journal of Medicine? “Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States” is worth reading, and reviews costs such as out-of-pocket spending, Medicare, formal andContinue reading “The Financial Burden of Dementia”
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 