Much of the responsibility of developing a risk management program falls on the nursing home administrator. All staff members should be aware of the best industry practices for minimizing and mitigating risk in the long-term care environment.

Risk management Guidelines and Implementation

Here are some general tips on managing risks in a nursing home:

Designate a qualified staff member to oversee risk management.

 This person will be in charge of implementing and managing the facility’s risk management program. Additionally, they will also be part of the Risk Management and Quality Assurance Committee, which should meet at least once a month. 

Access Resident Care Policies and Procedures

Periodic assessment and reviews of care practices will help identify problem areas and critical areas for improvement. Likewise, it is best to examine the nursing home’s quality indicators thoroughly.

Investigate and Analyze Adverse Incidents

All incidents involving resident injuries need investigation. Also, reports should include the frequency and causes of these events.

Analyze Resident Complaints

Nursing home officials must make a concerted effort to analyze all grievances related to care and service quality. Then, they can access the situation and determine if the grievance holds weight.

Implement Abuse Prevention Measures

There should be a company-wide policy for preventing resident abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Thus, it would help everyone understand what not to do.

Develop Measures to Minimize Harm

The risk management officer should oversee the development of procedures that reduce the risk of harm or injury to residents. Then, he should analyze them and the employees to ensure that they are following them.

Evaluate Risk Prevention Measures

Risk prevention and loss control strategies should be subject to periodic review and evaluation to determine their effectiveness. Likewise, it can help everyone, old and new, understand the rules and regulations.

Establish Evidence Preservation Protocols

The risk management officer should devise a strategy for preserving evidence related to resident injuries and accidents. Then, the team could communicate the methods for executing this plan.

Design an Action Plan

The nursing home should have a definitive plan to improve and revise problem areas related to risk management and resident care. Thus, it could reduce areas of concern and build proper strategies.

Implement Up-To-Date Strategies

The risk management team should develop an innovative approach to reducing injuries and accidents and minimizing the severity of these incidents. Then, they could reduce incidents and prevent bad things from happening.

Implement Risk Management Training

There should be training and refresher courses on risk management for non-physician staff at least once every year. Also, there should be a test so that employees understand the courses and can execute the methods.

Ensuring Customer Satisfaction

Ensuring customer satisfaction can be an effective strategy for minimizing the risk of lawsuits and claims. Likewise, the nursing home should make a concerted effort to determine the expectations of residents and their family members. There here should be a discussion about the steps involved in aging, as well as the progression of any diseases. Likewise, having a discussion with families members can help them understand the resident’s expected decline.

Customer Complaints

Nursing home personnel are often required to field complaints from residents and families. They should train employees to handle complaints effectively. Additionally, they should provide nursing care staff with example situations involving common grievances.

Ensuring proper communications can be valuable for minimizing risks and providing better care. Getting feedback also helps nursing home personnel address potential problems.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Fall Response in Nursing Homes

In some cases, the injured may file a lawsuit in addition to the insurance claim. Significantly, nursing homes should have a fall response plan, considering their responsibility in preventing accidents.

Nursing home insurance can also help in these cases, covering the costs associated with the incident. Moreover, such plans could benefit policyholders, including dividends, tailored loss prevention, lower claims costs, and fast claims resolutions. 

How Slips and Falls Happen

Care facilities such as nursing homes should provide all residents with a safe environment. Anything that could cause injuries or accidents should not exist. Facilities must remove anything that could prove remotely dangerous. Failing to do this could result in grave injuries or even death.

Falls in nursing homes often happen due to the structure and design of the facility. Shortcomings in supervision duties could also cause similar incidents. 

Reasons for Falls

Here are some other reasons why slips and falls may occur in nursing homes:

1. Wet pavement and floors
2. Absence of rubber tractions that prevent slipping.
3. Improperly installed hard rails and bars attached to ramps and walkways.
4. Unattended items and other obstructions.
5. Dangling or unsecured electrical wires.
6. Lack of restraints on wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
7. Inadequate lighting in walkways and common areas.

Negligence by caregivers could also result in accidents. Thus, the entire facility may be liable for injuries and damages in such cases.

Common Slip and Fall Nursing Home Injuries

Hip fractures are among the common and severe injuries from slips and falls. Older adults are prone to injuries because of their decreased bone strength and density.

Some injuries that may result from slips and falls are:

1. Blunt force head trauma and brain injuries.
2. Back and spinal cord fractures.
3. Internal bleeding and hemorrhaging.
4. Fractured hands and arms.

Fall Care Plan

Nursing home administrators should consider implementing a fall care plan to protect residents from slips and falls. Such a plan should protect residents from accidents and develop necessary measures to achieve that goal.

Nursing home staff should also conduct interventions and medical assessments to minimize the risk of falls and slip-related injuries. Here are some of the interventions that nursing homes could do:

1. Review of residents’ medications, particularly those that could increase fall risk
2. Illuminate and declutter halls, rooms, and common areas
3. Install bed and chair alarms to alert staff about unexpected movements
4. Communicate and coordinate with families of high-risk residents
5. Train and instruct staff on fall prevention and mitigation procedures

Nursing homes should also consider establishing a multidisciplinary team to analyze potential risks and identify appropriate solutions. Likewise, this team should facilitate routine evaluation and training to prepare and equip staff to manage accident risks in their respective facilities. And if accidents continue to occur, the team should be ready to re-evaluate and revise existing interventions and the fall care plan.

All interventions should benefit nursing home residents without compromising their safety, mobility, and convenience. Primary care physicians are the only ones that should direct physical or chemistry restraints.

Medical Assessments  

Finally, the fall care plan should include medical assessments explicitly focused on health conditions that commonly affect seniors. In particular, it is advisable to check residents for medical conditions that increase their risk for injury after falls, such as osteoporosis. If feasible, the primary care physician should conduct bone density assessments upon the approval of the residents and their families. 

Nursing home staff can take steps to minimize the risks. Developing a comprehensive fall care plan is an excellent step toward avoiding critical injuries and deaths resulting from slips and falls. Just as importantly, it could protect the nursing home from litigation and costly claims.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Nursing Home Caregivers and the Residents

Of course, any death is a traumatic occurrence for family members and people who have gotten close to the deceased. Caregivers aren’t spared from its effects and many experiences considerable distress and emotional upheaval when a nursing home resident dies.

While nursing home insurance can help facilities deal with the legal consequences of a resident’s death, what of the caregivers and other workers in the facility? How do these deaths affect them, especially when they have cared for them for many years? 

Because deaths are such common occurrences in nursing homes, it is worth considering how they affect people exposed to them. In particular, staff administrators should pay attention to caregivers’ experiences and feelings about death, especially involving long-term care individuals.

How Caregivers Are Affected by Death

A study conducted by Rickerson et al. revealed that 72% of long-term care personnel experienced one or more grief symptoms in the month before the survey. Furthermore, they experienced more symptoms every time someone new died. 

The study also showed that deaths affected caregivers’ relationships with other people. More than 36% of care personnel interviewed reported significant changes in their dealings with other nursing home residents.

The Complexity of “Complex Grief”

It is an interesting dynamic about how caregivers’ feelings of grief progressed over time. In general, people tend to feel less and less troubled in the months and years after the death of someone they know.

But many of the nursing assistants interviewed experienced “complicated grief,” which does not improve significantly, even with time. For many, this prolonged grief manifests in varying degrees of depersonalization of nursing home residents. Consequently, many feel emotionally distant and impersonal toward the people they care for.

But the effects of death in nursing homes aren’t all adverse. Some nursing assistants experience a sense of personal accomplishment after going through a short grieving period. Some even consider such events as significant factors in their personal growth. These instances suggest that deaths in nursing homes can positively and negatively affect caregivers. 

Caregiver Roles After Resident Deaths

It is crucial to examine how the deaths of long-term care residents affect caregivers, remarkably certified nurse assistants (CNAs). These professionals tend to spend more time with other nursing care staff and provide more direct care. Consequently, they are much more likely to form personal bonds.  

CNAs do not get more attention despite how residents’ deaths affects them. After all, they are among the most exposed to these incidents in nursing home environments.

Staff rarely speak about a resident’s death in most scenarios. Thus, this highlights the shortcomings of bereavement support for nursing home workers. 

More importantly, CNAs often serve crucial roles immediately after residents pass away. They deal with postmortem care, and some are even responsible for informing family members about the death of their loved ones.

Again, this responsibility has an upside for some caregivers. Many nurses and nurse assistants feel that postmortem care allows them to say goodbye to the deceased person they used to care for. Some even take the opportunity to express their regard for the resident.

Handling the death of a resident is an intensely personal subject that could affect caregivers in different ways. Regardless of how nursing home staff perceive these events and act on them, examining the effects and practices is warranted.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

While many nursing homes cater to the elderly, some facilities care for younger patients. Also, these patients often are transitioning back into society after an extended hospital stay. Some might have chronic conditions but don’t require constant care.

Code of Ethics

Regardless of the patient population, all nursing homes must adhere to a strict code of ethics. Subsequently, there are some essential points that insurance agents need to know about nursing home ethics.

What is the Nursing Home Code of Ethics?

At its core, the nursing home code of ethics upholds the values and standards of quality care for elderly patients. Additionally, this code guides nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals working in long-term care facilities. It outlines the ethical and professional standards that they must uphold.

The guidelines of this code rely on a set of fundamental principles, including:

1. compassion and empathy
2. respect for patient autonomy
3. commitment for effective communication
4. non-discrimination
5. professionalism in all aspects of practice

Keeping these values in mind is essential for ensuring high-quality care for residents in nursing homes. Then, this code helps in providing care to the elderly population.

Ultimately, this code serves as a critical guide for delivering comprehensive health services with integrity and compassion. It is also helpful for insurance agents.

Why do insurance agents need to be familiar with it?

Every state has its own unique code for nursing home facilities. Likewise, these codes define the minimum standards that every nursing home must meet to operate legally.

Remember, the Nursing Home Code of Ethics ensures that nursing home residents receive the care, respect, and dignity that they deserve. It highlights how nursing home residents have rights. The code also includes the responsibilities of the staff responsible for their care. 

Thus, insurance agents who work with nursing homes need to be familiar with these codes to ensure that their clients comply. Failure to comply with the regulation can result in heavy fines and even the loss of a facility’s license.

Some insurance companies do not want to provide coverage for facilities that do not meet the code requirements. By familiarizing yourself with the nursing home code, you can help your clients avoid these potential problems. As a result, you can provide appropriate advice that will cover any future damages, and liabilities, among other things.

How can you use the code to help your clients?

It is essential to understand that the nursing home industry can be highly complex. There are regulations, and many government bodies are involved. 

For an insurance agent to succeed in the nursing home business, you must be knowledgeable in the industry. This knowledge allows you to help your clients maximize profitability and achieve growth.

Insurance agents committed to providing excellent customer service can help clients with any issues. Some of these issues can include injuries on the job or claims filed by patients. 

Moreover, you can use the code of ethics to help your clients by ensuring they comply with all rules, regulations, and standards set forth by regulatory agencies.

By being familiar with the different aspects of the nursing home business, you can help your clients avoid potential legal issues. Additionally, it can limit problems with regulatory and licensing agencies.

What’s the impact if a nursing home facility violates the code?

Nursing homes can be notoriously difficult places to work. Long hours, low pay, and complex patients can take a toll on even the most dedicated nurse. As a result, it’s not uncommon for nursing homes to violate the insurance provider’s code of ethics.

An insurance provider can deny a faculty a claim if they find out that a nursing home does not adhere to a code of ethics. Additionally, it can have serious financial repercussions for the nursing home, so facilities must do everything they can to comply with the code of ethics.

Ultimately, it’s up to the nursing home to ensure they provide adequate care for their patients and adhere to the insurance provider’s code of ethics.

What are some specific points in the code that you should know?

As an insurance agent, it’s essential to be familiar with the nursing home code. Thus, this code sets forth the standards that nursing homes must meet to be licensed and certified. Some of the critical points in the code include:

1. A qualifed administrator must over see all operations of the facility.
2. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or certified nurse aides must provide 24 hour on-the-clock service.
3. There needs to be a written policy on infection control.
4. A written policy on quality assurance must exist.
5. Nursing homes must comply with fire safety standards set by the state or local authority.

Familiarity with the nursing home code of ethics will help you better understand the coverage options available to your clients. Consequently, it lets you identify any potential red flags that may indicate a problem at a particular facility.

Conclusion

The nursing home code of ethics is a vital document that all insurance agents should be familiar with. Then, by understanding the specific points in the code, you can help your clients make informed decisions about their insurance coverage. Finally, knowing the fundamentals of this code will help you protect your clients from potential legal issues down the road. Are there any specific points in the nursing home code of ethics that you are still unsure about? Tell us your concerns, and we would love to help clear them up for you.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

President Biden caught thousands of long-term care facilities by surprise when he called for minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes all over the country. Furthermore, he neglected to involve Congress in his decision. 

The current understaffing problem of nursing homes is a big issue that has placed a tremendous strain on nursing home insurance. Also, the Labor Department has reported that nursing homes have been down over 240,000 employees since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Most nursing facilities are grappling with challenges posed by unfilled positions. 

Unfortunately, the federal government’s staffing requirements under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act are somewhat vague. With Biden’s ruling, nursing home facilities that don’t meet staff requirements won’t be able to operate and would ultimately be forced to close down. 

The nursing home insurance industry is facing a potential crisis is an understatement. For insurance agents, the burning question is how to mitigate the risks posed by this new ruling on nursing home clients. Subsequently, here are some strategies that could help ease the transition:

Provide Access to Improved Employee Screening

Perhaps the best thing insurance agents can do to assist their nursing home clientele is to provide access to improved employee screening. The right insurance policy can help you. 

Effective employee screening helps determine whether the people hired to work with residents are qualified for such a stressful job. Consequently, if the employees in question fail to perform their duties, the facility risks potential lawsuits and compensation payouts.

Solving this issue could involve having nursing home insurance covering RTW SelectRite Pre-hire Screening. Next, you can minimize the legal consequences of hiring the wrong person by offering this service to your clients.

Pre-employment screening can help provide nursing homes with the best employees. However, it doesn’t ensure that they will be effective at their jobs.

It is necessary to encourage nursing homes to invest in training programs. In-house and off-site training courses can guarantee that nurses, doctors, and other medical practitioners can effectively deliver caregiving services.  

Reduce Employee Turnover

The turnover rate of nursing home care facilities is higher than in any other industry in the country. If you want your clients to meet the new federal requirements, the best way to do it is by reducing your employee turnover rates.

High employee turnover is one of the most pressing problems in the long-term care industry. It can leave nursing homes severely understaffed and unable to fill critical positions. 

Reducing turnovers leads to a better quality of life for residents in the facility. It also saves the nursing home the cost of hiring and training new employees.

Review Insurance Policies

As the insurance industry rules continue to change, it is essential to keep a close eye on your client’s current policies. The best way to protect your clients from risks inherent in the industry is to encourage them to update their insurance policies. Additionally, you should inform them about the benefits of investing in comprehensive plans. Long-term care facilities can cover themselves from threats with the right policies. 

Prioritize Worker’s Compensation Plan

Having a worker’s compensation plan is crucial for your nursing home clients. It can protect them from any liability that may arise from an employee’s injuries. Suppose a person could prove that the injuries happened due to work. In that case, a worker’s compensation insurance plan can cover the necessary medical expenses and other expenses, thereby preventing claims from financially crippling the business.

Easily Identify Riskier Claims

The list of potential risks to the nursing home industry is substantial. But it isn’t enough to be aware of them.

High-risk claims can significantly affect a nursing home’s finances because it requires them to handle the reimbursement of medical expenses. Also, it puts nursing homes on the hook for compensation payouts, among other costs. Insurance agents must undertake the task of identifying high-risk claims and mitigating their legal consequences.

By closely analyzing high-risk claims, you can provide your clients with the information they need to prepare themselves for the future.

Key Takeaway

Federal government involvement in the long-term care industry is understandably controversial. But this shouldn’t stop insurance agents from performing their duty to help prepare clients for any eventuality by providing them with appropriate insurance coverage.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Procedural errors and omissions are inevitable, given the lack of qualified nurses in many sectors. Thus, injuries, accidents, and malpractice claims become more common. However, it also places a significant burden on nursing home insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded matters. More than two years after COVID made headlines, it is still a significant healthcare concern that burdens the medical care industry. Therefore, it also drives the high demand for nursing professionals.

Training New Certified Nurse Aides (CNA)

One possible solution to ease the pressure is to renew efforts to train new nursing assistants. Arnot Health is at the forefront of such initiatives, having partnered with Corning Community College to develop a new free nurses training program. Consequently, the goal is to train new Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) to meet the constantly growing demand.

According to Arnot Health, this isn’t just like any other nurses’ training program. Candidates who attend will earn money. In addition to that, they have the opportunity to work with the environmental services team at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital (IDMH). 

The training program is scheduled over five weeks and will occur at Corning’s Health Education Center. At the end of the training, attendees will take a certification exam. When they complete the exam, it will serve as their qualification to work in IDMH as CNAs. 

CNA Roles and Responsibilities 

CNAs or Certified Nurse Aides assist primary caregivers in caring for nursing home residents. They perform a variety of duties, including:

1. Helping with food and medicine
2. Transporting residents
3. Cleaning and tidying residents’ rooms
4. Organizing panties, utilities and equipment  

Becoming a CNA is an excellent start to a rewarding career as a nurse or other healthcare worker. Elizabeth Weir (MSN, RN) is the Director of Nursing Services at Unity Health System. She noted that CNAs have numerous opportunities for advancement. Additionally, Weir highlighted that they are on the fast track to master bedside care.

Training recommendations for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have a significant role in training new nursing home assistants. Following these suggestions could help ensure the availability of better-qualified care personnel:

Reevaluate Existing Training Programs

Existing nurses’ assistant training programs tend to vary considerably. While some require only 75 hours of pre-certification training, others need as much as 150 hours. Therefore, performing an evaluation will help determine the effectiveness of these programs. 

Increase Training Hours for CNAs

CNA training programs generally require more extended hours to be more beneficial. Many trainers and providers suggest that candidates undergo at least 160 hours of initial training. Consequently, this is important because it helps them learn the essential skills necessary to handle their profession’s physical and emotional requirements.

Training Recommendations for Nursing Facilities

Nursing homes and care facilities should also ensure the availability of qualified new nursing home assistants to meet the growing demand.

Develop Stronger Connections Between Nursing Homes and Community-Based Trainers

Enhancing the relationship between care facilities and local training centers will benefit all stakeholders. Accordingly, effective strategies include providing access to nursing homes, community colleges, the Red Cross, and other community-based training organizations.

Include Local Providers in the Process

Training programs held outside nursing care facilities should include local trainers. Outside providers should contribute to the design and implementation of the program and monitor its progress.

Adopt the “Pioneer” Training Method

The Pioneer Network is currently at the forefront of initiatives to improve the aging culture in the United States. Forthwith, by emphasizing the value of individuals and their relationships, the national organization hopes to instill a culture of retention in the nurses’ training sector.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Of course, not all such incidents can be prevented. In understaffed facilities, residents may trip or slip without anyone knowing it. Even with the risk protection afforded by nursing home insurance, administrators and caregivers should have a comprehensive fall response strategy to handle such events.

What is “fall response”?

Accidental falls are the leading cause of injuries in nursing homes. Residents are at risk of falling if the facility isn’t maintained or cleaned regularly. Falls are more likely to occur with these factors:

• Slippery floors
• Inadequate lighting
• Improper patient handling after operations during illnesses
• Equipment or clutter in common pathways

“Fall response” refers to the procedures performed by nursing home staff immediately after an incident. The objective is to alleviate pain and discomfort and prevent injuries from worsening or causing long-term problems.

How to respond to a fall incident in the nursing home

Nurses need to act quickly and efficiently after a fall. All staff members should be trained and instructed on the proper protocol for handling injured residents.

Some of the procedures below should be done immediately after an incident. Others constitute part of a long-term fall prevention strategy.

Immediately after the incident

These steps should be done immediately after a fall:

1. Observe and evaluate the resident

Nurses should evaluate the residents immediately after a fall and up to 72 hours afterward. They should provide immediate treatment and record the injuries in detail. Attending nurses should review the record with every shift change and note the therapy provided and changes in symptoms.

2. Investigate the circumstances of the fall

It’s crucial to investigate the circumstances of the fall straight away. Otherwise, it will be difficult to piece together the incident and determine the risk factors present at the time. Nursing staff could use their knowledge and experience to make educated guesses about the incident even if no witnesses were present.

3. Document circumstances, resident outcome, and the response of the staff

The following information should be included in the incident report:

• The date, time, and location of the incident
• Type of fall
• Cause of the fall
• Activity at the time of the fall
• Staff present
• Type of footwear

Reports should also include details on the equipment, environment, and staff activity relevant to the incident.

4. Notify the primary care provider

Nursing staff should notify the primary care provider through a FAX alert. The FAX alert informs physicians, assistants, and nurse practitioners of the resident’s most recent fall and the total number of falls within the past 180 days.

5. Implement immediate intervention within 24 hours

Immediate response is crucial for reducing fall risks among residents. Attending nurses should perform quick intervention procedures, including the following:

• Pain management
• Behavior management strategies
• Switching to a lower mat or bed
• Implementing the use of protective equipment such as hip protectors, helmets, and wrist guards
• Increased monitoring using sensor devices or alarms
• Increased assistance, particularly during high-risk periods

Long-term fall prevention

These steps are essential for the development of a long-term fall prevention strategy: 

1. Complete falls assessment

Falls management programs include falls assessment, which helps identify and analyze fall risk. The most common risk factors for falls are:

1. Unsafe behavior
2. Medication
3. Impaired mobility
4. Poor vision
5. Orthostatic hypotension

2. Formulation of a care plan

Data gathered during fall assessment is useful for developing a falls care plan. This, in turn, can be used by the assigned falls nurse coordinator to document interventions performed on the injured resident.

3. Monitoring staff compliance and resident response

Facility administrators should monitor nurses’ compliance with the fall care plan. This is crucial for reducing falls and ensuring the success of the care plan program.

The resident’s response should also be recorded after an intervention is performed. Changes or alterations to the intervention should only be implemented after a thorough assessment of the resident and only upon the approval of family members.

Conclusion

Every nursing home staff member should be aware of the standard protocols for fall response. Developing comprehensive care plans and interventions can be useful for ensuring optimal fall response, but only if the nursing staff can implement the necessary procedures.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Nurses and caregivers, in particular, need sufficient training and support to deal with these difficult cases. Residents nearing the end of their lives should also be given the proper care and attention to minimize the difficulties they already face.

Key areas of dealing with nursing home deaths

The effective management of resident deaths in nursing homes centers on three main aspects:

1. Identifying and understanding the role of nurses
2. Awareness of the phases and symptoms of the impending demise
3. Training in nursing interventions that minimize difficulties and facilitate a more favorable experience

Understanding the dying process

One of the most important things for nurses and caregivers to understand is that dying is a process rather than a single isolated incident. Many events lead up to the end of life, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects.

What many refer to as the ‘dying process’ is a series of events that characterize the transition that every person undergoes at the end of life, ultimately ending in their death. As caregivers, it is up to your clients to ensure the dying person’s comfort and peace of mind during these stages and events.

It is just as important to note that the process is different for each person. Dying is a very individualized and personal experience, and the effects on each individual can be drastically different. Some may experience terror and extreme depression at the thought of dying, while others may be calm, resigned, and even eager to leave this world.

Providing care and support to end-of-life residents

Whatever the dying person’s behavior or outlook may be, caregivers should be supportive and sympathetic to them. Attending to the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the nursing home resident doesn’t end until the person is deceased, so caregivers should continue to perform the duties with which they have been charged.

Some people express their dying wishes in clear and unambiguous terms, particularly with regard to where and how they want to spend their final time before the end. Medical professionals are generally the most vocal advocates for acquiescing to patients’ dying wishes, and caregivers should be the same with the residents in their care.

Of course, it isn’t always possible or practical to adhere to the dying person’s wishes. In cases involving advanced terminal illnesses in particular, it can be extremely difficult to ensure that everything goes smoothly according to plan. Furthermore, a specific approach that works for one individual may not work for another, even if they suffer the same condition.

Even so, nurses and caregivers are responsible for helping ensure that dying residents get the care and attention they need during this crucial period. And if there is any way they can ease the person’s pain, suffering, and mental anguish, they should do so with grace and compassion. 

In more practical terms, what caregivers can do is be aware of the processes and procedures of managing the various symptoms of the dying process. Facility owners and administrators should provide adequate training and instruction on identifying these symptoms and how to manage them to the benefit of the resident in question. Knowledge of the best nursing care practices for dying residents is crucial for facilitating a ‘good’ death with as few negative incidents as possible.

The role of caregivers after the resident’s death

The role of the nurse and caregiver doesn’t end with the resident’s death. More often than not, they will also be tasked with coordinating with the family and providing necessary assistance.

In some facilities, nurses may even contact the next of kin and initiate funeral proceedings by contacting primary care physicians, other caregivers, and medical examiners. They may even assist in preparing the deceased for transfer to the funeral home by removing tubes or catheters and even bathing them.

Nurses typically offer condolences and interact respectfully and sympathetically with bereaved family members. They will be expected to carry out these duties with grace and compassion and help maintain the dignity and respect for the deceased individual.

About Caitlin Morgan Captive Services

Caitlin Morgan Captive Services provides clients with captive insurance solutions supported by years of experience in establishing the successful formation and implementation of a wide range of captives. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us at (855) 975-4949.

However, nursing homes can also be a source of indignity for their residents if they are not properly managed. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways for nursing homes to uphold residents’ dignity.

You can use this information to assess and provide your clients with comprehensive nursing home insurance, which could also be a way to uphold dignity. So, let’s get started.

Respect Resident’s Needs for Proper Care

In today’s world, nursing homes are an increasingly common type of care facility for the elderly. While they can provide a much-needed level of care and support, it is important to respect the care needs of residents.

Nursing home residents are often vulnerable and may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The residents may also be at risk for health problems such as falls and pressure sores.

Thus, it is important to follow the care instructions as required by the residents. This includes respecting the residents’ privacy, providing assistance when needed, and being aware of potential health hazards.

Communicate and Listen with Respect

To communicate effectively it is important to use clear and concise language, pay attention to residents, and respect their privacy.  A nursing home’s residents will receive the care they deserve if it communicates effectively with them.

When speaking with residents, it is important to use language that they understand. This includes avoiding jargon and explaining concepts in simple terms.

Nursing homes should also pay attention to residents’ preferences and needs. By providing these services, you will help your clients meet the needs and desires of the residents.

Finally, while communicating with respect, remember the importance of privacy. Respecting privacy helps residents feel comfortable and respected. By following these tips, nursing homes can ensure that they are providing quality care to their residents.

Provide an Amazing Dining Experience

Maintaining a dignified dining experience for residents in long-term care facilities is important. First, mealtimes are often a highlight of the day for residents. Dining together is a social occasion that fosters a sense of community.

In addition, the quality of the food and service play a role in residents’ overall satisfaction with the living situation. The dining experience should also include providing nutritious meals, accommodation of dietary restrictions, and offering of different meal options.

Nutritious meals help residents stay healthy and feel good about themselves. When your nursing facility clients plan nutritious meals, they should accommodate dietary restrictions for the residents because every resident has unique taste buds.

Secure Living Spaces

Nursing homes must offer a secure unit for residents with dementia or cognitive impairment. Nursing homes should show their residents that they care about their safety and well-being by doing this.

Secured living spaces also assure families that their loved ones will be in good hands and that they will receive the best possible care. Having a secured unit provides peace of mind for everyone involved.

Allow Participation in Activities

Nursing homes are often seen as places where people go to experience the end of their lives. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Your client’s nursing homes can be lively places where residents can socialize and participate in activities.

Allowing residents to participate in activities can improve their quality of life and make their time in a nursing home more enjoyable.

There are many different types of activities that residents can participate in. For example, they can play games, read, listen to music, or even go on outings.

These activities provide a chance for residents to interact with each other and make new friends. They can also help to reduce boredom and provide a sense of purpose.

Value Personal Space

When moving into a nursing home, residents leave the comfort of their own homes and everything familiar to them. Staff and family members must do everything possible to respect the resident’s room and personal space.

In this environment, the resident may feel comfortable and in control.  Allowing the resident to personalize their space will help them feel more at home.

Family members should consider bringing in photos and other items that will remind the resident of their life outside the nursing home. Staff should also be sure to knock before entering a resident’s room. They should respect the resident’s privacy when dressing or using the restroom.

Conclusion

Upholding the dignity of nursing home residents is important for many reasons. It can improve the quality of life, make these residents feel more comfortable, and foster a sense of community. By doing these six ways, nursing homes can make a big difference in the lives of their residents.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.

Effects of a Poor Onboarding Process

Onboarding is orienting and acclimating new employees to their job, workplace, and company culture. Healthcare organizations, as well as other industries, often overlook or rush this step. A poor onboarding process can lead to the following:

Frustrated and Stressed Staff

The onboarding process is crucial for any organization, but it is especially important in a nursing home. Nursing home employees are responsible for the health and wellbeing of the residents.

Thus, they must be properly trained and prepared for their duties. Unfortunately, many nursing homes have a poor onboarding process, leading to frustrated and stressed staff members.

High Employee Turnover

Poor onboarding can have several consequences for nursing homes, including increased costs. One of the biggest expenses for nursing homes is turnover.

One reason for high turnover is dissatisfaction among healthcare staff. This dissatisfaction or disengaged state originates from poor onboarding. Employees who are rushed during the onboarding process often feel overwhelmed.
When employees don’t feel comfortable in their new role or are not given the proper training, they’re more likely to leave. This turnover can be costly, both in terms of money and time.

Nursing homes are continuously forced to train new employees due to high turnover. The training costs increase as a result.

Errors and Accidents

Healthcare is a complex and high-risk industry. The stakes are high because employees are dealing with health. A small mistake can have serious consequences.
So, new employees should receive comprehensive training. This training includes updated information on new technologies and treatments.
Poor onboarding procedures can lead to new employees making mistakes or being injured. Mistakes could jeopardize a patient’s safety. The worst thing is to cost the precious lives of the residents.

Remember, the healthcare environment is constantly changing. By ensuring that new employees are properly onboarded, healthcare organizations can reduce errors and improve patient safety.

Poor Quality of Care

Patients will be helped a great deal if new employees are onboarded well. Nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on this process more than any other business.

If the onboarding process is well-organized and informative, the new employee can quickly adapt to their surroundings. They become comfortable with their new role. As a result, they will be more likely to provide high-quality care.

However, if the onboarding process is chaotic or ineffective, it can lead to confusion and frustration on the part of the employee. This confusion can ultimately impact the quality of care that they can provide.

How to Improve Poor Onboarding Processes

The onboarding process should provide new staff members with all the information they need to know about the nursing home, including its policies and procedures. It should also allow them to ask questions and get clarification on anything they are unsure about.
When new employees are given a thorough understanding of the company’s mission and values, they are more likely to approach their work with a patient-centered focus. Of course, nursing homes should provide proper training.

Give the new employee plenty of time to adjust to the new position. This should include a gradual introduction to the new job duties and a timeline for completing all required training.

Insurance Agent’s Role in the Onboarding Process

Now, you have a clear understanding of how poor onboarding processes can lead to increased costs for the healthcare industry. What is your role as an insurance agent?

It’s your job to offer risk management services, including providing information about nursing home insurance. Insurance can benefit healthcare facilities because of the risky nature of their job.

Helping healthcare facilities set up effective onboarding programs can help reduce the risk of costly mistakes and improve the quality of patient care.

Conclusion

Onboarding at a nursing home should be viewed as an investment and not an expense. By providing a comprehensive orientation program for new hires, nursing homes can reduce employee turnover, save on training costs, and improve the quality of care for residents.

About Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.