scholarly journals A Stakeholder-Based Study Improving Resident and Family Engagement in the Safety of Assisted Living

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 345-345
Author(s):  
Anna Beeber ◽  
Ruth Anderson ◽  
Lindsay Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Federally Funded ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Engagement Strategies

Abstract Assisted living (AL), is a long-term care service that provides housing and care for over 800,000 older adults in 30,000 residences. AL culture and operations have been transforming to enhance resident personhood and increase autonomy, however, these practices are balanced with the need to minimize safety issues (e.g., medication errors, infections, falls, and in cases of dementia, elopement and injuries). In this stakeholder-based study, we are translating existing strategies for improving patient safety to AL residences and developing an evidence-based tool for implementing these engagement strategies in AL. This symposium presents the methods and findings from a federally-funded mixed methods study including qualitative interviews with 105 AL residents, staff and family caregivers, and a series of focus groups with an AL stakeholder group to develop a toolkit to improve resident and family engagement in AL safety. The first paper outlines our methodological approach, including our efforts to work with stakeholders throughout the research process. The second paper reports findings from a scoping review of existing tools to support resident and family engagement in the safety of AL. The third paper presents the findings from our interviews with AL residents, families and staff exploring their safety priorities, and how they differ across stakeholder groups. The fourth paper presents the findings from our qualitative interviews exploring the challenges and promising practice to resident and family engagement in AL safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. All four presentations in this symposium illustrate important issues for future practice, policy, and research.

scholarly journals Understanding Resident, Family, and Staff Safety Priorities to Guide Development of an Engagement Toolkit

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 346-346
Author(s):  
Victoria Bartoldus ◽  
Cloie Chiong ◽  
Tabitha Linville ◽  
Stephanie Palmertree ◽  
Anna Beeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Stakeholder Group ◽  
Physical Hazards ◽  
Chemical Agents ◽  
Specific Safety

Abstract Resident and family engagement (the desire, ability, and activation as a partner in care) is a necessary component of keeping assisted living (AL) residents safe. Barriers to engagement include differing priorities between the resident/family and staff. This presentation outlines the results of a content analysis of qualitative interviews with 105 AL staff, residents, and family members, in which we examined AL stakeholder priorities for safety. Qualitative interviews were analyzed to first identify safety priorities by stakeholder type (staff, resident, and families), and then compared across stakeholder group. Stakeholder-specific safety priorities were identified, including infection management (COVID-19 and others), medications errors, falls, elopement, lack of AL resources/staffing, conflict, adverse events, nutrition, physical hazards, building security, chemical agents, fire/natural disasters, and abuse/neglect – the importance of these priorities vary by stakeholder type. Presentation discussion will include implications for future intervention to address the top safety problems in AL.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Impact of Music & Memory’s Personalized Music and Tablet Engagement Program in Wisconsin Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H Ford II ◽  
Debby Dodds ◽  
Julie Hyland ◽  
Michael Potteiger
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND Individuals with Alzheimer disease or related dementia represent a significant and growing segment of the older adult (aged 65 years and above) population. In addition to physical health concerns, including comorbid medical conditions, these individuals often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The presence of BPSD in long-term care residential facilities can disrupt resident’s care and impact staff. Nonpharmacological interventions such as personalized music and tablet engagement maintain cognitive function, improve quality of life (QOL), and mitigate BPSD for older adults with dementia. Evidence of the impact of such interventions in assisted living communities (ALCs) is needed for widespread adoption and sustainment of these technologies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Music & Memory’s personalized music and tablet engagement (PMATE) program on QOL, agitation, and medication use for residents living in 6 Wisconsin ALCs. METHODS The data collected were on the utilization of iPods and iPads by the residents. Residents’ outcomes were assessed using the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale, the Quality of Life in Late Stage Dementia scale, and self-reported medication use. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to examine the impact of the PMATE program on these outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A paired t test explored changes in residents’ QOL. A 1-way analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes in resident’s agitation and QOL based on the resident’s utilization of the PMATE program. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the individuals responsible for PMATE implementation in the ALC. Residents excluded from the analysis were those who passed away, were discharged, or refused to participate. RESULTS A total of 5 apps, based on average times used by residents, were identified. In all, 4 of the 5 apps were rated as being useful to promote residents’ engagement. PMATE utilization was not associated with changes in the residents’ agitation levels or antipsychotic medication use over time. Over a 3-month period, the change in residents’ QOL was significant (P=.047), and the differences across ALCs were also significant (F25=3.76, P=.02). High utilizers of the PMATE program (>2500 min over 3 months) showed greater improvements in QOL as compared with low utilizers (a change of −5.90 points vs an increase of 0.43 points). The difference was significant (P=.03). Similar significant findings were found between the high- and midutilizers. CONCLUSIONS The study is one of the first to explore the impact of Music & Memory’s PMATE program on residents living in ALCs. Findings suggest that higher utilization over time improves residents’ QOL. However, a more comprehensive study with improved data collection efforts across multiple ALCs is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Leadership Perceptions and Practices of Hospitality in Senior Care

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482092390
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Johs-Artisensi ◽  
Kevin E. Hansen ◽  
Douglas M. Olson ◽  
Lindsey J. G. Creapeau
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Leadership Perceptions ◽  
Provider Type ◽  
Term Care

Senior care providers are increasingly focused on hospitality to distinguish themselves from competitors. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine perceptions of hospitality from leadership (i.e., administrators of nursing homes and assisted living facilities) and use of hospitality practices across settings and lines of service. Results indicated that hospitality practices readily exist in senior care settings (i.e., nursing homes, assisted living facilities), but may be referred to by names other than hospitality. There also appear to be more similarities than differences in practices across long-term care service lines (i.e., short- and long-stay nursing home residents, assisted living), suggesting that, regardless of provider type, hospitality in senior care is becoming part of the expected culture and cadre of services for residents. Overall, findings suggest hospitality practices are related to providers’ census, payer mix, and organizational performance.

scholarly journals Assisted Living Administrators’ Mental and Emotional Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1033-1033
Author(s):  
Jaclyn Winfree ◽  
Ozcan Tunalilar ◽  
Jason Kyler-Yano ◽  
Serena Hasworth ◽  
Paula Carder
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
First Year ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Staff Morale ◽  
Global Pandemic

Abstract Little is known about assisted living (AL) administrators’ mental and emotional health, particularly during a global pandemic in which most of their residents are highly vulnerable to infection, hospitalization, and death. Considering that administrator turnover and burnout have been associated with negative outcomes such as decreased quality of resident care, low staff morale, and reduced financial solvency, this study examined how AL administrators described their mental and emotional state throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using thematic analysis, our team coded 18 qualitative interviews conducted from May-August 2021. The themes included declining physical health due to stress, feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, and increased burnout. Many administrators described increased staffing challenges as directly impacting their daily stress levels. Some administrators described feeling guilty and doubting their interpretation or implementation of regulations, particularly in incidents that further distanced residents from peers and loved ones. A few administrators described their disposition or personality changing due to what they experienced during the pandemic. One administrator stated, “I'm not an anxiety person, but I feel anxiety about a lot of things. In fact, my doctor has talked to me about starting some medications to help with that.” Multiple administrators made comments such as, “I don't know that there could be a more stressful position than executive director of assisted living…the COVID pandemic reinforced that. This is rough.” Understanding AL administrators’ mental and emotional health during a public health crisis allows for understanding, supporting, and retaining critical leaders in long-term care communities.

scholarly journals Tools to Enhance Resident and Family Engagement in Assisted Living Safety: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 345-346
Author(s):  
Jennifer Leeman ◽  
Marianne Baernholdt ◽  
Christine Kistler ◽  
Elizabeth Moreton ◽  
Terri Ottosen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Care Health

Abstract This presentation reports the results of a scoping review which identified and evaluated existing engagement strategies, tools, and interventions for their fit with assisted living (AL). Using the PRISMA criteria, we evaluated 54 empirical studies in assisted living/residential care or nursing homes (NH) for how they engaged families and residents, promoted person-centered and/or safety in AL/NH care, and assessed relevant outcomes (safety, experience, service use, satisfaction with care, health behaviors, and quality of life). The strategies, tools, and interventions aimed to improve residents’ activities of daily living, function, and quality of life. Studies also targeted staff and family caregivers to increase knowledge, improve relationships, and decrease caregiving stress. Overall, the studies reported statistically significant changes in resident quality of life, agitation, antipsychotic use, staff knowledge and job satisfaction. Results from this systematic review will inform the development of a testable toolkit to increase engagement and improve safety in AL.

scholarly journals Disaster Vulnerability in Long-Term Care: The Importance of Social and Organizational Connections

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 202-202
Author(s):  
Debra Dobbs ◽  
Joseph June ◽  
David Dosa ◽  
Kathryn Hyer ◽  
Lindsay Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Disaster Vulnerability ◽  
Major Disaster

Abstract The risks to older adults in nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living communities (ALCs) exposed to disasters are evident in prior research. However, little research has been conducted to understand the factors related to facilities’ vulnerability. This research examined NH and ALC experiences during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives of facilities (N=100), transcripts were analyzed using Atlas.ti version 8. Team members met to reach consensus on codes and major themes and subthemes, which they analyzed using a conceptual model designed to identify factors related to the disaster vulnerability in long-term care (LTC). We found physical factors (e.g. location, physical characteristics) are important, but physical strength is not enough. Multiple social/organizational factors are critical. Results indicate managing a major disaster and protecting LTC residents involve social and organizational connections across a range of groups from staff and family members to emergency mangers and neighborhood associations.

scholarly journals Challenges, Barriers, Strategies Implementing an Oral Hygiene Program in Assisted Living Facilities Post COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 935-935
Author(s):  
Kim Attanasi ◽  
Victoria Raveis
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Health Program ◽  
Dental Hygiene ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
New York University ◽  
Term Care

Abstract [Objective] Almost 8% of the U.S. population, 65 and older, reside in long term care facilities with limited delivery of essential dental care to prevent and manage oral health disease. By 2050, this population is expected to increase by 1.6 billion. Multiple bi-directional connections exist between oral disease and overall health. [Methods] Faculty from the Dental Hygiene Department, New York University College of Dentistry conducted an extensive outreach effort and randomly selected assisted living facilities. Facilities were offered the opportunity to receive at no-cost, a dental hygiene-led, educational, preventive oral health program delivered virtually to their residents as a community service. Incentives discussed. [Results] Twenty-one facilities were contacted, 17 (94.4%) had no oral healthcare program; one had an oral health component. In 13 (72%), the concierge functioned as gatekeeper, unwilling to transfer calls or deliver messages. In five (28%), calls were directed to the activity coordinator. Feasibility concerns and uncertainty about oral health service necessity and resident safety were voiced. Two facilities mentioned familiarity with dental hygiene professionals. Strategic changes in outreach resulted in successfully engaging with facility administrators. Strategies included identifying directors with familiarity or experience with dental hygiene profession, establishing a portfolio and utilizing technology that facilitate incorporating COVID-19 protocols. [Conclusions] Efforts to initiate a dental hygiene-led virtual oral health program encountered gatekeeper challenges. Although facility activity coordinators acknowledged benefits for their population, they were not final decision-makers. It was necessary to implement strategies that facilitated discussing the virtual oral hygiene program directly with the facility’s executive leadership.

scholarly journals Vulnerable Older Adults in Disasters: Effects of Hurricane Irma on Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 733-734
Author(s):  
Lindsay Peterson ◽  
David Dosa ◽  
Patricia D’Antonio
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Face ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Hurricane Irma

Abstract Preparedness of residents in long-term care (LTC) in the face of hurricane emergencies is a contested and largely unanswered question. Our prior work involving the U.S. Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005-08 showed that exposure to various storms on nursing home (NH) residents resulted in significantly more deaths than reported by health care officials. This work also highlighted that evacuation of NH residents, compared to sheltering in place, was independently associated with morbidity and mortality. Hurricane Irma struck Florida on Sept. 10, 2017, prompting the evacuation of thousands of NH and assisted living community (ALC) residents. This symposium will discuss the effects of Hurricane Irma on vulnerable older adults residing in NHs and ALCs using mixed quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The first presentation will discuss morbidity and mortality of NH residents exposed to Hurricane Irma and will stratify by long stay/short stay status and hospice enrollment. The second presentation will discuss improvements and continued barriers to NH preparedness based on interviews with 30 administrators following Hurricane Irma. Using a novel methodology to identify residents of ALCs using secondary data sources, the third presentation will document AL resident morbidity and mortality risk following Hurricane Irma. The final presentation will highlight results of interviews with 70 stakeholders from small and large ALCs concerning the hurricane experiences of residents, including those with dementia. This symposium offers a multi-faceted view of a disaster’s effects on LTC residents across Florida, including novel data from the NH environment and lesser-examined ALCs.

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