Since passage of healthcare reforms in OBRA 1987, the incidence rate of resident restraints has dropped considerably, to less than 5%, with a mantra to lower it further.
How to do it… Choosing hand sanitizers
By
John Hall
Feb 04, 2016
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have long been widely accepted by leading healthcare organizations as an effective method for disinfection. Experts here tell how to ensure staff members understand how and...
How to do it… Design that appeals to family members
By
John Hall
Dec 04, 2015
More and more, families are having greater influence on deciding where their loved ones will stay. And the things they’re looking for are rooted in comfort and familiarity. Experts advise how to...
How to do it… EMR and billing integration
By
John Hall
Sep 04, 2015
Over the years, providers have tried every trick in the book to get electronic medical records and billing systems to mesh. This is not a project for the faint of heart. But diligent homework and a reliable...
How to do it … antipsychotics management
By
John Hall
Jun 05, 2015
Start with root cause analysis, says Denise Wassenaar, RN, MS, LNHA, MatrixCare. Remember that antipsychotics are not FDA- approved for behavioral symptoms in dementia.
How to do it … Furnishing outdoors
Jan 01, 2015
Many facilities and communities may be overlooking an invaluable annex right under their noses — outdoor spaces that can provide a welcome and inviting place for residents to relax, reflect and commune...
How to do it … lighting
Dec 01, 2014
Lighting is an overlooked design element in many long-term care environments. Good quality illumination will make a big difference in your residents’ quality of life, and in many ways that you might...
How to do it … Mortgage financing
May 01, 2013
FHA-backed mortgages are becoming popular with long-term care facilities as conventional banks are increasingly uncertain about the impact healthcare reform and financing will have on providers’...
How to do it… Information Technology
Sep 01, 2012
In the stark daylight of healthcare reform, information technology systems are practically useless if all they do is collect bytes of information. When accompanied by good business relationships, they...
How to do it… Resident security
Aug 01, 2012
Few things are more important to long-term care providers than their residents’ safety. There’s far more to security than just wandering alarms and locked doors. Today’s security systems...