Author: Joe Eaton

Memory loss is an outcome resulting from acquired brain disease and characterized by progressive deterioration in the domains of language, judgment, abstract thinking, and executive functioning. Typical progression begins with noted decline in cognitive domains and progresses to affect activities of daily living. In order to effectively promote abilities with individuals who have memory loss,… Continue reading Focus on Memory Program

The purpose of this program is to identify residents who may be at risk for re-hospitalization secondary to cardiac conditions such as heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. These residents may benefit from a comprehensive cardiac program including education, optimization of medical therapy, exercise training, psychosocial support, and continuing care programs in order to reduce… Continue reading Focus on Heart Health Program

The purpose of this program is to identify residents with wounds who may benefit from alternative therapy approaches to assist in the management of wounds. Nonhealing wounds can lead to further complications such as systemic infections, sepsis, gangrene, nerve damage, organ damage, loss of function in the area of the wound, or even an amputation.… Continue reading Focus on Wounds Program

The purpose of this program is to identify residents with bowel and bladder incontinence that may benefit from alternative therapy approaches to assist in the management of incontinence. Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Incontinence frequently occurs due to weakness in the muscles that control the flow of urine and/or bowel… Continue reading Focus on Continence Improvement Program

The purpose of this program is to identify residents with signs and symptoms of pain and/or discomfort that may benefit from alternative therapy approaches to assist in the management of pain. Pain can bring about other physical symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. It can cause emotional effects like depression, mood swings, anger,… Continue reading Focus on Pain Program

Unintentional weight loss is a common problem among nursing home residents and one that is associated with adverse costly clinical outcomes including increases in hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality. A clinically significant weight loss episode is defined for residents by the Minimum Data Set (MDS) as a loss equal or greater to 5% within a 30-day… Continue reading Focus on Weight Loss Program

The purpose of this program is to identify residents who are at an increased risk for falls and may benefit from fall prevention interventions. Falls are often the result of impaired balance and mobility, loss of muscle mass, visual limitations, medication side-effects, and/or cognitive impairments. Physical and Occupational therapists can assist residents to regain muscle… Continue reading Focus on Falls and Balance Program

The purpose of this program is to ensure resident needs are met throughout the facility and that various systems are in place to identify resident needs for therapy services. Those systems include a systematic approach to patient identification, screening, Casper analysis, walking rounds, and routine provision of education on therapy services to facility staff to… Continue reading Focus on Patient Identification and Screening Program