As we have previously discussed, hospitals are focusing on decreasing readmissions that occur within 30 days, and the resulting, increasing penalties to be incurred in the future. An important area of focus includes nursing facilities. In a prior blog, we discuss the importance of developing partnerships to assist in the care coordination and transitions toContinue reading “Long-Term Care and Hospital Readmission Rates”
Tag Archives: transitional care
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”
Alzheimer’s Disease: Increasing Numbers and Costs for the Future, and How We Can Help
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is once again in the news this week, with a new study in the journal Neurology estimating that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is anticipated to reach 13.8 million by 2050. In turn, the costs in caring for the population will skyrocket. A great deal of focus is nowContinue reading “Alzheimer’s Disease: Increasing Numbers and Costs for the Future, and How We Can Help”
The Holiday Season…not always merry and bright
Those of us who work in healthcare dedicate ourselves to serving others – patients, colleagues, staff, and families. For years we have observed – and experienced – the stress that December and the holidays bring to those with whom we work. Outside of work, there is often so much to do, and so little time.Continue reading “The Holiday Season…not always merry and bright”
Reasons to Address Dementia when Exploring Readmission Penalties
Found an interesting article by Kevin Shrake entitled, “Hospital CFOs contemplate ‘play or pay’ with readmission rates.” CMS hospital readmission penalties are currently 1%, and will increase to 3% over the next two years. Much debate exists as to whether the penalties are small enough that hospitals will not be overly concerned with losing aContinue reading “Reasons to Address Dementia when Exploring Readmission Penalties”
Readmissions and Dementia – Why Wait?
One sure think about healthcare – it is sure to change. While CMS is currently focusing on hospital readmission penalties for 3 diagnoses, we know additional diagnoses will be identified in the future. And while we know the penalties will increase gradually to 3% over the next two years, these rates may increase as well.Continue reading “Readmissions and Dementia – Why Wait?”
Tips for Hospitalization for People with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Loss
A visit to the emergency room or an extended hospital stay for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or early memory loss will result in confusion, fear, fatigue and possibly agitation, aggression, or delusions – or all of the above! A recent post on DementiaToday’s website (www.dementiatoday.com) shared a nice brochure entitled, “Hospitalization Happens: AContinue reading “Tips for Hospitalization for People with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Loss”
Hospital Experiences for People with Dementia: We Can Do Better
I recently spent a few days in the hospital caring for a relative who had surgery. I could not help but reflect on the impact that the impersonal, noisy, hectic environment would have on an older person with dementia. Just a few of our experiences: • A lot of “hurry and wait” episodes before andContinue reading “Hospital Experiences for People with Dementia: We Can Do Better”
Hospitalization Expensive and Likely to Result in Readmission for Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A recent Annals of Internal Medicine study indicated that hospitalization for those with Alzheimer’s disease greatly increases their risk of adverse outcomes. This certainly validates our experience over the past 25 years. Hospitals, insurers and physicians should consider that those age 65 and older with dementia are hospitalized three times more than their peers –Continue reading “Hospitalization Expensive and Likely to Result in Readmission for Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia”
Susan Gilster in the News…
Susan Gilster was recently featured in an article in the Cincinnati Business Courier as she announced the formation of The Gilster Group. The Gilster Group is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of dementia experts – physicians, pharmacists, nursing and others – to consult and guide health care leaders and professionals to improve the care andContinue reading “Susan Gilster in the News…”
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 