June, 2023

article thumbnail

How Hospice Eligibility Criteria Can Adversely Affect Dementia Patients

Hospice News

A growing number of patients with various dementia-related conditions will need end-of-life care in coming years. Hospices preparing for rising demand are facing compliance challenges, as these patients often require longer hospice stays. Patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurological degenerative disorders have health trajectories that are difficult to project, especially as they approach the end of life, according to Dr.

Hospice 363
article thumbnail

Hospice in Prison Part 1: An interview with Michele DiTomas and Keith Knauf

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary In the early 1990’s, California Medical Facility (CMF) created one of the nation’s first licensed hospice units inside a prison. This 17-bed unit serves inmates from all over the state who are approaching the end of their lives. A few are let out early on compassionate release. Many are there until they die. Today’s podcast is part one of a two-part podcast where we spend a day at CMF, a medium security prison located about halfway between San Francisco and Sacram

Chaplain 293
professionals

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Best practices for automating processes to enhance risk management

AlayaCare

When it comes to providing quality care in the home care industry, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients is of paramount importance. Effective risk management plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. However, manual and paper-based processes can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and challenging to track consistently. That’s where the power of automation comes into play.

article thumbnail

How does dementia feel? A new training builds understanding & empathy

HopeHealth

It’s one thing to witness dementia in someone you care for. It’s another to experience it, even briefly, for yourself. That’s where the Virtual Dementia Tour comes in. The post How does dementia feel? A new training builds understanding & empathy appeared first on HopeHealth.

Blog 243
article thumbnail

3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.

article thumbnail

Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living

Aging Life Care Association

Do you have a senior loved one who needs more resources, time, and care with daily activities than you alone can provide? Are you considering moving them to an assisted living community? These are designed to provide care and assistance with daily activities, while ensuring their residents some level of independence. However, moving to an … Continue reading Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living → The post Tips for Helping a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living appea

article thumbnail

It’s Ok and Be Kind to Yourself About it.

Caregiver Warrior

No matter what you are feeling during your caregiving journey, it's ok and you must be kind to yourself about it. The post It’s Ok and Be Kind to Yourself About it. appeared first on Caregiver Warrior.

Caregiver 181

More Trending

article thumbnail

Hospice in Prison Part 2: An interview with the Pastoral Care Workers

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary I don’t know ’bout religion I only know what I see And in the end when I hold their hand It’s both of us set free These are the ending lyrics to Bonnie Raitt’s song “Down the Hall”, an ode to the Pastoral Care Workers who care for their fellow inmates in the hospice unit at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California.

Hospice 195
article thumbnail

Overcoming labor cost challenges in home care through automation

AlayaCare

The home care industry in the United States plays a crucial role in supporting individuals who require assistance with daily activities while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. However, home care faces its fair share of challenges like any industry. One significant challenge that home care agencies must navigate is managing labor costs effectively.

Home care 244
article thumbnail

Caregiver Employee Empowerment

Sustainable Caregiving

Are you an employee who feels unsupported in the workplace as a caregiver? Are you an employer who would like to support the caregivers on your team? You may be wondering why caregiver empowerment is essential. Family caregiving responsibilities can be demanding and time-consuming. Supporting family caregivers in the workplace can positively impact their overall … Caregiver Employee Empowerment Read More » The post Caregiver Employee Empowerment appeared first on Sustainable Caregiving™.

Caregiver 130
article thumbnail

Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat

Aging Life Care Association

Summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere. Weather extremes are increasing, with hotter temps a concern for large swathes of the U.S. At the same time, the U.S. population is older than ever before and there are safety measures to keep in mind when we venture outdoors. It’s important to take precautions when … Continue reading Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat → The post Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.

Caregiver 189
article thumbnail

Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

article thumbnail

Unlocking communication: The role of physical, occupational and speech therapy in aphasia

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

Aphasia, noun apha·​sia ə-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə Medical: loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage (as from a stroke, head injury, or infection) Aphasia, the cruel illness resulting from a stroke, allowed Jean to understand what was said to her but prevented her from clearly replying. — Robert Giroux The National Aphasia Association has declared June as National Aphasia Awareness Month.

article thumbnail

CMMI Analysis: Palliative Care Reduces Medicare Costs, Improve Patient Satisfaction

Hospice News

When deployed at scale, palliative care can help achieve many of the health care systems current goals, including reduced costs, improved patient satisfaction and quality of life. Despite this potential, existing programs hit barriers created by misconceptions about palliative care among referring physicians, as well as health equity concerns, among others, according to an analysts of four payment model demonstrations carried out by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation.

Medicare 317
article thumbnail

Artificial Intelligence: Charlotta Lindvall, Matt DeCamp, Sei Lee

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has tremendous potential. We talk on this podcast about potential uses of AI in geriatrics and palliative care with natural language processing guru Charlotta Lindvall from DFCI, bioethicists and internist Matt DeCamp from University of Colorado, and prognosis wizard Sei Lee from UCSF. Social companions to address the epidemic of loneliness among older adults Augmenting ability of clinicians by taking notes Searching the electronic heal

article thumbnail

6 Ways EHR systems impact home care agencies 

AlayaCare

Tech advancements continue to revolutionize how client data is stored, accessed, and utilized in the home care industry. Electronic Health Records (EHR) have emerged as a game-changer, streamlining operations and improving client outcomes. In this blog, we explore how EHR systems can empower home care agencies, unleashing a wave of operational efficiency and enhancing the quality of care provided to clients in the comfort of their homes. 1.

article thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

article thumbnail

25 Wellness Tips for Nurses to Boost Happiness and Well-being

Daily Nurse

Being a nurse is incredibly rewarding yet demanding, but caring for others and ensuring their well-being can sometimes take a toll on your happiness and overall wellness. That’s why nurses must prioritize self-care and find ways to boost their happiness! Importance of a Nurse’s Well-being This blog post will discuss 25 wellness tips specifically tailored for nurses to increase their happiness and overall well-being.

Nursing 116
article thumbnail

Juneteenth Celebration Ideas for Seniors | Caring Senior Service

Caring Senior Service

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an important celebration that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. There are many activities that senior can participate in to honor this momentous occasion. Let's explore some engaging activities and dive into the history of Juneteenth.

article thumbnail

Meet the Author of Journal of a Black Queer Nurse

Minority Nurse

Britney Daniels, RN, MSN, is a Black queer ER nurse from Chicago who is passionate about social justice and healthcare equity. She’s also the author of Journal of a Black Queer Nurse , a memoir about her experiences navigating the inequities she faced as an ER nurse on the front lines of COVID-19. Minority Nurse spoke with Daniels to learn more about her memoir and what she hopes readers can learn about what nurses of color experience at work.

Books 105
article thumbnail

How Gender-Affirming Care Bans Could Impact Hospice Access, Utilization

Hospice News

Hospice providers are growing increasingly concerned about how state laws related to transgender rights may impede access to their services among LGBTQ+ communities. A rash of states have recently passed legislation to ban the delivery of gender-affirming health care, including Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, among others. What’s happening in these states has caused mounting concern around access to quality hospice care for LGBTQ+ individuals, according to Kimberly Acquaviva, social w

Hospice 317
article thumbnail

Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.

article thumbnail

Diabetes in Late Life: Nadine Carter, Tamryn Gray, Alex Lee

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary Diabetes is common. When I’m on nursing home call, the most common page I receive is for a blood sugar value. When I’m on palliative care consults and attending in our hospice unit we have to counsel patients about deprescribing and de-intensifying diabetes medications. Given how frequent monitoring and prescribing issues arise in the care of patients with diabetes in late life, including the end of life, Eric and I were excited when Tamryn Gray emailed us requesting

article thumbnail

Big data: How does it affect my home care agency?

AlayaCare

Technology is continuously evolving, and new tools are presented to help advance various industries and improve processes. One of the most used technology buzzword affecting the healthcare industry today is “Big Data.” Big data is being talked about more and is all the rage in the technology world, but what does it mean for home healthcare? Healthcare providers are adapting to new technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), which allow them to gather these “extremely large data sets”

article thumbnail

Compassionate Care: 4 Ways Nurses Can Improve Patient Care

Daily Nurse

Compassion is a common trait among health professionals, and compassionate care ensures that patients feel respected and well-cared for during their stay and can even speed up recovery. However, compassion is often misunderstood in the medical world. Compassion is more than being kind to patients or checking in regularly with folks with acute illnesses.

article thumbnail

The Hidden Crisis: Unveiling the Mental Health Struggles of Teen Boys

AJN Off the Charts

In today’s world, teenage boys are facing a crisis that often goes unnoticed: their mental health. Anxiety, depression, despair, and even suicidal thoughts plague young boys and young men alike. Shockingly, teenage boys and young men in the United States are more than twice as likely, and sometimes up to four times as likely , to die by suicide compared to their female counterparts.

Nursing 103
article thumbnail

The Essential Guide to HIPAA-Compliant Messaging for Home Care Teams

Explore the risks posed by non-compliant consumer apps like Instagram and WhatsApp in healthcare settings. Learn about potential HIPAA penalties and use a self-evaluation flowchart to determine your organization's need for HIPAA-compliant messaging. Discover straightforward steps to implement secure communication solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data effectively.

article thumbnail

LGBTQIA+ Community Nursing Representation Is Essential

Minority Nurse

As LGBTQIA+ nurses celebrate June’s Pride Month, they continue to advocate for accessible and safe care for the LGBTQIA+ community and for a nursing workforce that represents the populations they serve. Jeff Day, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, CNEcl, who is chair of the nursing section of GLMA and a medical provider at Callen-Lorde a New York City-based community health center and a global leader in LGBTQIA+ healthcare, says a diverse nursing workforce is essential to good patient care, but it also make

Nursing 105
article thumbnail

Hospices Seek Congressional Action on Staffing Constraints

Hospice News

Years after it was first introduced, hospice leaders are calling on Congress to move forward legislation that would bolster their dwindling workforce. The most significant bill in recent years is the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act (PCHETA), which has come before Congress time and again but has not yet been passed. The bill’s most recent go around was last May, reintroduced by Sens.

Hospice 298
article thumbnail

The Caregiver’s Journey

Chicago Caregiving

Take your turn in our first-ever caregiving game, and learn everything you need for each step of the way Your child has a disabling accident. Your spouse falls ill with terminal cancer. Your aging parents need help with daily living. These are just a few reasons why you may abruptly find yourself in a caregiver role — facing what can seem like an overwhelming and confusing path ahead.

article thumbnail

Increase efficiency and save time: onboarding staff on software training in home care

AlayaCare

In the home care industry, efficient software training is crucial for onboarding staff members and ensuring they can provide the highest quality care to clients. Traditional training methods often involve repetitive tasks and consume significant amounts of time. Fortunately, technological advancements and the availability of on-demand e-learning solutions have paved the way for increased efficiency and time savings in software training.

Home care 222
article thumbnail

The Cost of Inefficient Communication in Home Care & Beyond

This eBook explores the critical issues of using consumer-grade messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and SMS in healthcare, especially home care. It highlights the negative impacts on patient care quality, data security, and HIPAA compliance and provides practical solutions to enhance communication efficiency! You will learn how to: Consolidate Messaging Platforms: Streamline communication by reducing the use of multiple apps, improving efficiency in patient care.

article thumbnail

Healthy Work Environments Are Essential

Daily Nurse

It is well known that many U.S. healthcare organizations face a significant nurse staffing challenge, and as leaders and administrators seek solutions, we must emphasize an essential element of nurse recruitment and retention — establishing and sustaining healthy work environments (HWEs). The most recent “ National Nurse Work Environments” study , conducted in 2021 by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), shows that the health of nurse work environments across the country has

2018 105
article thumbnail

Communicating with Seniors who Have Dementia

Caring Senior Service

Effective communication is essential in maintaining meaningful relationships with seniors living with Alzheimer's or related dementias. As your loved one's cognitive abilities decline, connecting with them can become increasingly challenging. However, by employing the right strategies and approaches, you can create an atmosphere of understanding, support, and connection.

98
article thumbnail

HRH The Princess of Wales supports Children’s Hospice Week

Together for Short Lives

“I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the truly extraordinary teamwork that goes into providing this incredible care” – Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales shares a personal message to mark Children’s Hospice Week. The Princess of Wales has written of the “truly extraordinary teamwork” that underpins children’s hospices across the UK. Her Royal […] The post HRH The Princess of Wales supports Children’s Hospice Week appeared first on Together for Short Lives.

Hospice 98
article thumbnail

Lawmakers, Providers Seek Collaboration to Strengthen Hospice Program Integrity

Hospice News

Hospice leaders and lawmakers are meeting on Capitol Hill today to address the pressing issue of program integrity, among other policy priorities. Driving these conversations are the multiple reports of unethical or illegal practices among hundreds of newly licensed hospices, particularly among new companies popping up in California, Texas, Nevada and Arizona.

Hospice 298
article thumbnail

The Secret to Supercharging Your Organizations Communications

Effective collaboration among all care team members is critical to delivering better patient outcomes. A key element to achieving effective collaboration is through the implementation of a clinical communication and collaboration platform. In a fast-paced, high-stress and critical environment, people tend to do whatever gets the job done. Therefore will scramble and use the systems, people, or processes around them to get an outcome more quickly - which can often be at the expense of quality.