Computer-Mediated Cognitive-Communicative Intervention for Residents with Dementia in a Special Care Unit: An Exploratory Investigation

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 68-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whitney Anne Postman
Keyword(s):  
Leading Edge ◽  
Special Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Special Care Unit ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Negative Behaviors ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Exploratory Investigation

Residents of “lockdown” dementia units, also referred to as “Special Care Units” of skilled nursing facilities, constitute a population of rapidly escalating needs. These entail rising demands for speech-language pathology services to treat and manage symptoms of dementia. This article recounts an exploratory investigation of rehabilitation sessions with an elderly resident of a Special Care Unit, using a new computer-based program targeting cognitive-communicative capacities. Preliminary results suggest that this resident with moderate dementia achieved a higher degree of functional recovery and superior quality of life than would have been possible with more traditional therapeutic approaches alone. An iPad-based software platform was used to administer tasks to train attention, working memory, and executive functions. The resident demonstrated significant gains in task performance that were coupled with increased independence and safety, enhanced participation in non-computerized therapeutic tasks, adaptation to surroundings, and reduction of negative behaviors. The resident's improved cognitive-communicative performance was sufficient to warrant a transfer to a long-term care wing within the same facility. This proof of concept demonstration invites formulation of testable hypotheses, which should be pursued in future research on optimizing interventions for institutionalized people with dementia using leading-edge computerized therapies.

scholarly journals REDUCING AVOIDABLE FACILITY TRANSFERS: THE RAFT MODEL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S769-S770
Author(s):  
Daniel Stadler
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Nursing Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Life Sustaining Treatment ◽  
Acute Care Facilities ◽  
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical

Abstract Reducing Avoidable Facility Transfers (RAFT) is a Dartmouth-developed program that identifies and honors “what matters most” to patients residing in skilled nursing facilities in a value-based, sustainable way. RAFT aims to reduce avoidable facility transfers of older adults from long-term care and post-acute care facilities to emergency departments (ED). Key components of RAFT presently include (1) systematically eliciting goals of care for all skilled nursing facility residents, (2) translating these goals into orders using the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, (3) documenting patient wishes about hospitalization, and (4) ensuring that these wishes inform decision-making during acute crises. Data from a pilot program, begun in 2016 with three rural skilled nursing facilities in collaboration with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center geriatric practice, showed a 35% reduction in monthly ED transfers, a 30.5% reduction in monthly hospitalizations, and a 50.7% reduction in monthly ED and hospitalization-related charges.

scholarly journals 2045. GAIN (Generating Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiatives in Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities) Collaborative Survey Results: CDC Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship Compliance Assessment in 27 Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S687-S688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy P Hanson ◽  
Massimo Pacilli ◽  
Shannon N Xydis ◽  
Kelly Walblay ◽  
Stephanie R Black
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Treatment Guideline ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
Director Of Nursing ◽  
Minimum Criteria

Abstract Background Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in long-term care facilities is a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirement as of 2017. The CDC recommends that ASPs in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) fulfill 7 Core Elements: leadership commitment, accountability, drug expertise, action, tracking, reporting and education. Methods An electronic survey utilizing REDCap was sent to the 76 Chicago SNFs representatives (Administrator, Director of Nursing, and/or Assistant Director of Nursing). Survey questions were adopted from the CDC Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Nursing Homes Checklist. Results Twenty-seven (36%) of Chicago SNFs responded. Bed size ranged from 36 – 307 (median 150). Although 93% of facilities had a written statement of leadership support for antimicrobial stewardship, only 22% cited any budgeted financial support for antimicrobial stewardship activities. While Pharmacist Consultants visited all SNFs (most visiting monthly), only 33% of SNFs had an Infectious Disease Provider that consulted on-site. Dedicated time for antimicrobial stewardship activities was less than 10 hours per week in 78% of facilities, with half of all respondents reporting less than 5 hours per week. Treatment guidelines were in place for 63% of SNFs, 56% had an antibiogram, and only 7% utilized the Loeb criteria to guide appropriate antibiotic prescribing. Many facilities tracked antimicrobial stewardship metrics (93%) and reported out to staff (70%). Annual nursing training on antimicrobial stewardship occurs more frequently (85%) than prescriber education (56%). The top 3 barriers identified in implementing ASPs were financial limitations (33%), lack of clinical expertise (33%), and provider opposition (30%). Facilities’ compliance in all seven core elements varied from partially compliant (65%), majority compliant (19%), and majority non-compliant (16%). Conclusion Data from this baseline survey informed focused antimicrobial stewardship initiatives for the GAIN Collaborative. Targeted areas to incorporate into facility action plans include treatment guideline development, antibiograms, annual staff antimicrobial stewardship education, and adoption of the Loeb minimum criteria for antibiotic prescribing into clinical practice. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals USING A UNIVERSAL SATISFACTION SCORE IN LONG-TERM CARE SETTINGS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S744-S744
Author(s):  
Nicholas Castle ◽  
Lindsay Schwartz ◽  
David Gifford
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Pay For Performance ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Satisfaction Score ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
National Quality

Abstract The CoreQ (not an acronym) consists of a limited number of satisfaction items (3-4 items, depending on setting) that are used to create an overall satisfaction score for long-term care facilities. This measure has been used in assisted living (AL) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and has been endorsed by the National Quality Forum (NQF). Briefly, the development and psychometric testing of the CoreQ will be described, including the rationale for producing an overall satisfaction score and correlation with important quality indicators like Five-Star. Using data collected over the past 3 years, comprising more than 100,000 respondents, the use of the CoreQ measure will be described. For example, the CoreQ scores are used in MA to allow providers to benchmark their performance. The use of the scores in this way will be discussed including how providers have used the scores for quality improvement. Some states have elected to use CoreQ in pay for performance and other state initiatives. A case study of how New Jersey uses CoreQ with SNFs will be presented, including distribution of scores and addressing data collection challenges. CoreQ can be utilized as a short customer satisfaction measure to allow providers to benchmark their performance, residents and families in decision-making, and states and others to use for accountability.

A Stimulation-Retreat Special Care Unit for Elders With Dementing Illness

1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Powell Lawton ◽  
Kimberly Van Haitsma ◽  
Jennifer Klapper ◽  
Morton H. Kleban ◽  
Ira R. Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Unit ◽  
Special Care ◽  
Special Care Unit ◽  
Negative Behaviors ◽  
Positive Behaviors ◽  
Control Units ◽  
Dementing Illness ◽  
And Control ◽  
Negative Attributes ◽  
Additional Stimulation

Two equivalent special care nursing home units for elders with dementing illness were randomly designated as experimental and control units for an intervention called the “stimulation-retreat” model. This model introduced a set of staffing and program changes whose purpose was to diagnose, prescribe, and apply a package of care according to individual needs for additional stimulation or relief from stimulation (“retreat”). A total of 49 experimental and 48 control unit residents completed 12 months of care and were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. It was hypothesized that the intervention would not affect the basic disability (cognitive and activities of daily living functions), would improve negative behaviors and observed affects, and would have maximum impact in increasing positive behaviors and affects. Over time, most functions worsened, including negative attributes and affects. Lesser decline in positive affect and increases in external engagement, however, led to the conclusion that the intervention showed a marginally significant and selective effect on positive behaviors and affect.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Across the Landscape of Long-Term Care in Alameda County: Heterogeneity and Disparities

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 233372142110734
Author(s):  
Terry E. Hill ◽  
David J. Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Care Facilities

Throughout the pandemic, public health and long-term care professionals in our urban California county have linked local and state COVID-19 data and performed observational exploratory analyses of the impacts among our diverse long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Case counts from LTCFs through March 2021 included 4309 (65%) in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), 1667 (25%) in residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), and 273 (4%) in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). These cases led to 582 COVID-19 resident deaths and 12 staff deaths based on death certificates. Data on decedents’ age, race, education, and country of birth reflected a hierarchy of wealth and socioeconomic status from CCRCs to RCFEs to SNFs. Mortality rates within SNFs were higher for non-Whites than Whites. Staff accounted for 42% of LTCF-associated COVID-19 cases, and over 75% of these staff were unlicensed. For all COVID-19 deaths in our jurisdiction, both LTCF and community, 82% of decedents were age 65 or over. Taking a comprehensive, population-based approach across our heterogenous LTCF landscape, we found socioeconomic disparities within COVID-19 cases and deaths of residents and staff. An improved data infrastructure linking public health and delivery systems would advance our understanding and potentiate life-saving interventions within this vulnerable ecosystem.

scholarly journals Mechanisms Of Impact And Contextual Aspects of A Care Concept From A Dementia Special Care Unit In Long-Term Care: Process Evaluation As Part of A Theory-Driven Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Adlbrecht ◽  
Sabine Bartholomeyczik ◽  
Hanna Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Special Care ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Special Care Unit ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Background: In long-term care, persons with dementia are often cared for in specialised facilities, which are rather heterogeneous in regard to their design and care concepts. Little information is available on how these facilities and care concepts bring about changes in the targeted outcomes. Such knowledge is needed to understand the effects of care concepts and to consciously shape further developments. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of impact of a specific care concept from a dementia special care unit and the contextual aspects that influence its implementation or outcomes.Methods: Using a qualitative approach to process evaluation of complex interventions, we conducted participating observations and focus groups with nurses and single interviews with ward and nursing home managers. Data were collected from two identical dementia special care units to enhance the contrasts in the analysis of two non-specialised nursing homes. We analysed the data thematically. We conducted 16 observations, three group interviews and eleven individual interviews.Results: We identified seven themes in three domains related to mechanisms that lead to outcomes regarding residents’ and nurses’ behaviour and well-being. The development of nurses' skills and knowledge changes team-level competence and leads to an altered understanding of nursing. The promotion of a positive work climate reduces distress and promotes the long-term implementation of the care concept. Adjusted spatial structures and personnel strategies facilitate the implementation of interventions for residents and promote the fulfilment of their needs. Personalised psychosocial interventions promote residents' relaxation, engagement in activities and social interaction and thereby empower them to become part of the social community, to spend their time purposefully, to have positive experiences and to experience belonging and affection. The implementation and outcomes of the care concept are influenced by contextual aspects relating to the (target) population and cultural, organisational and financial features.Conclusions: The care concept of the dementia special care unit results in higher levels of relaxation, activities, and social interaction of residents. Its implementation highly depends on the shared understanding of nursing and the skills of the nursing team. Changes in residents’ characteristics result in altered effects of the concept.Trial registration: DRKS00011513

A Comparison of Emergency Preparedness Policies by Long-Term Care Setting Type in Ohio: Assisted Living Settings Lag Behind Nursing Homes in Key Areas

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482090201
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Kennedy ◽  
Cassandra L. Hua ◽  
Ian Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Care Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have received regulatory attention in relation to their emergency preparedness. Yet, assisted living settings (ALs) have not experienced such interest due to their classification as a state-regulated, home- and community-based service. However, the growth in the number of ALs and increased resident acuity levels suggest that existing disaster preparedness policies, and therefore, plans, lag behind those of SNFs. We examined differences in emergency preparedness policies between Ohio’s SNFs and ALs. Data were drawn from the 2015 wave of the Ohio Biennial Survey of Long-Term Care Facilities. Across setting types, most aspects of preparedness were similar, such as written plans, specifications for evacuation, emergency drills, communication procedures, and preparations for expected hazards. Despite these similarities, we found SNFs were more prepared than large ALs in some key areas, most notably being more likely to have a backup generator and 7 days of pharmacy stocks and generator fuel.

scholarly journals MANAGING MANAGED CARE: PERSPECTIVES FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S498-S499
Author(s):  
Andrea E Daddato ◽  
Cynthia Drake ◽  
Edward A Miller ◽  
Pamela Nadash ◽  
Denise Tyler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Managed Care ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract In recent years, Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollment has increased, a trend that is expected to continue. Many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) rely on MA managed care insurer referrals to maintain their census in a market with high competition for post-acute care patients. This study used semi-structured interviews to describe the relationship between MA plans and SNFs from the perspective of key decision-makers in SNFs. Twenty-three interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from 11 Denver Metropolitan area SNFs. A combined purposive-snowball sampling approach was used to identify and recruit select staff from the participating facilities. Interviews focused on the relationship between MA plans and SNFs, including mechanisms of control, power dynamics, and preferences for MA versus Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare patients. Key findings included: 1) challenges SNF staff had navigating MA plans’ case management processes, a key mechanism used by MA plans to influence the behavior of SNF decision-makers; 2) MA plans exercising power over beneficiaries’ length of stay, potentially leading to early discharge and heightened risk for rehospitalization; 3) SNF preference for admitting Medicare FFS over MA patients due to higher rates of Medicare FFS reimbursement and greater control over patient care. SNFs are increasingly reliant on MA plans for patient referrals and revenue. The themes suggest that this growing reliance may place SNFs at odds with MA plans on how best to manage overall patient care. It is therefore important that future research investigate how MA plans’ influence over care affects patient outcomes in SNFs and other post-acute settings.

scholarly journals Measuring social integration among residents in a dementia special care unit versus traditional nursing home: A pilot study

Dementia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M Abbott ◽  
Justine S Sefcik ◽  
Kimberly Van Haitsma
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Special Care ◽  
Special Care Unit ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Staff Interactions

The physical and mental health of older adults with dementia is affected by levels of social integration. The development of dementia special care units (D-SCU) arose, in part, to facilitate more meaningful social interactions among residents implying greater social integration of D-SCU residents as compared to residents in a traditional nursing home (TNH). But, it is unknown whether D-SCU residents are receiving equal or greater benefits from living on a segregated unit intended to enhance their social environment and integration through both design and staff involvement. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a comprehensive objective assessment to measure social integration among nursing home residents with dementia and to compare levels of integration of residents living on a D-SCU to those living in a TNH. A total of 29 residents participated (15 D-SCU and 14 TNH) and data were gathered from medical charts, visitor logs, and through direct observations. Over 1700 interactions were recorded during 143 h of observation. Specifically, the location, context, type, quantity, and quality of residents’ interactions were recorded. Overall, the majority of resident interactions were verbal and initiated by staff. Interactions were social in context, and occurred in public areas, such as the common room with a large screen TV. Average interactions lasted less than 1 min and did not change the resident’s affect. Residents spent between 10% and 17% of their time interacting with other people on average. D-SCU staff were significantly more likely to initiate interactions with residents than TNH staff. D-SCU residents also experienced more interactions in the afternoons and expressed more pleasure and anxiety than residents in the TNH. This study helps to lay the groundwork necessary to comprehensively and objectively measure social integration among people with dementia in order to evaluate care environments.

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