Author: Joe Eaton

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