Focus on Continence Improvement 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

Focus on Pain 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

Focus on Weight Loss 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

Focus on Falls and Balance 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

Focus on Patient Identification and Screening 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

The Importance of Health Literacy in Nursing Homes

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, vice president of education and certification strategy for AAPACN, and Joel VanEaton, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, executive vice president of PAC regulatory affairs and education for Broad River Rehab and an AAPACN Master Teacher, talk about health literacy and its importance in nursing homes… Continue reading The Importance of Health Literacy in Nursing Homes