They ask for the strangest corrections:
1. "Please explain what is meant by persistent non-compliance."
2. "What are the staff expected to do when a resident has a care plan for a seat belt, the seat belt is not used, and the staff are called away?"
I'm afraid I've answered their questions with even more obscure answers than the original POC...
February 16, 2012
February 08, 2012
Great residents are so much better than a great commercial
What I wasn't expecting was this wonderful video montage of the centenarian interviews. I'm so glad that more people are taking the time to utilize technology and document resident stories.
That's Eva Teeters, one of my great neighborhood coordinators, in the picture on the left.
February 05, 2012
Mrs. Brady
Of course, my organization's newest local ad ran during the same Sunday morning commercial break. No Flo, but at least we have the sharpest local ads around, and we use actual residents.
February 03, 2012
Good Pastime
Senior living - also a good pastime.
January 25, 2012
My first real QIS post.
And it's not even going to be that long.
After three days of our first Quality Indicator Survey (QIS), I am enjoying it. It's much more "in the background" and feels pretty procedural - more organized. Manageable. You hear much more from me about my QIS experience in the coming weeks.
But I can't talk about it right now. I've managed a 5:40 a..m rise time three days in a row so far this week, and five straight is my goal. Oh, sweet, sweet Saturday. You cannot come soon enough.
I'll take this final moment to say, "God bless you Coach Paterno, for all you did. You will never be forgotten."
After three days of our first Quality Indicator Survey (QIS), I am enjoying it. It's much more "in the background" and feels pretty procedural - more organized. Manageable. You hear much more from me about my QIS experience in the coming weeks.
But I can't talk about it right now. I've managed a 5:40 a..m rise time three days in a row so far this week, and five straight is my goal. Oh, sweet, sweet Saturday. You cannot come soon enough.
I'll take this final moment to say, "God bless you Coach Paterno, for all you did. You will never be forgotten."
January 23, 2012
Privacy Rule of Thumb
It's good practice to have a "no business in the hallways" approach to resident privacy. It's difficult though - you see the social worker you've been looking for all day outside a resident's room, or you catch nurse Jackie on the way out the door, and its your duty to get them that important message.Why can't we talk about bed management in the lobby?
A lot of healthcare professionals struggle with this, particularly in and around the nurses stations and other naturally congregate areas. So while its easy to ask staff to pull their business conversations behind closed doors and to "keep all patient information confidential," it's a good rule of thumb to more specifically designate phone areas as safe communication spots. By telling staff to keep all patient or business sensitive conversation within arm's reach of a phone, it's an easy way for them to hold themselves accountable to bringing conversations back to that safety zone. By building this expectation into the culture, everyone understands to also avoid those areas when a conversation is happening, as it is likely sensitive information being shared.
Nurses stations and other public work spaces in health care come in a lot of forms nowadays, but most if not all have at least one phone stationed at their core. Teach your staff to gravitate towards offices or other phone/communication stations to avoid resident disruption and protect health information.
A lot of healthcare professionals struggle with this, particularly in and around the nurses stations and other naturally congregate areas. So while its easy to ask staff to pull their business conversations behind closed doors and to "keep all patient information confidential," it's a good rule of thumb to more specifically designate phone areas as safe communication spots. By telling staff to keep all patient or business sensitive conversation within arm's reach of a phone, it's an easy way for them to hold themselves accountable to bringing conversations back to that safety zone. By building this expectation into the culture, everyone understands to also avoid those areas when a conversation is happening, as it is likely sensitive information being shared.
Nurses stations and other public work spaces in health care come in a lot of forms nowadays, but most if not all have at least one phone stationed at their core. Teach your staff to gravitate towards offices or other phone/communication stations to avoid resident disruption and protect health information.
Good thing I made those early morning rounds
My annual state survey walked in this morning, as expected. Our first Quality Indicator survey.
Don't get worked up about my post here - they're at lunch.
Don't get worked up about my post here - they're at lunch.
Things I Discovered on Early Monday Rounds
Early morning rounds for the week. Sound familiar?-Nail polish and acetone kit at nurses station;
-Dead poinsettias nobody else will throw away;
-Trash cans without bags;
-Empty (show) rooms with bare minimum furniture;
-Found out that we denied a new referral because we "didn't have any more electric beds."
Overall my campus presents amazingly, with no odors, great decor and lighting, and pleasant caring staff. That makes it all the more frustrating to go out and find these *classic* issues when rounding.
Happy Monday
January 20, 2012
Friday is Purple Day
-Choose a bathtub for the spa renovation
-Setup arrangements for a high school extern program we are hosting in April
-Editing the final draft of a new QA program for weight loss and other nutritional issues
-Creating the list of vendors to send RFPs for new campus
Yesterday I finished everything on the list expect maintenance rounds. I'm going to go fit that in right now.
January 19, 2012
More Scrabble Stories
From my friend John:
"LOVED the Scrabble playing with the 108 year old. My grandma used to be a nationally ranked player and she still plays every day. I played her at the beach this summer and was sadly crushed. She brutalized and embarrassed me, laughing all the way to victory. Then told me she would play whenever I wanted. SIGH."
Bow Ties Are Cool
Bow ties are cool. Rocking the bow tie here to demonstrate part of our updated dining uniforms. They were wearing neckties, which was wonderful, but had turned into a safety and infection control issue as ties were occasionally getting into food, dishes, etc.I'll never win a James Bond lookalike contest.
Thursday Todo List
Today I'm working on:
- Finalizing the renovation plans for a shower room
- Meeting with activities about organizing and increasing outings
- Setting up the logistics for delivery of goods for our soon-to-open skilled nursing campus
- Reviewing process for tracking lost referrals
- Maintenance rounds
Hopefully some resident interaction sprinkled in.
January 18, 2012
Scrabble versus our eldest resident.
Her secret? "Lots of walking."
Final score: 273-264.
November 06, 2011
Direct Supply Trip
Last month I visited Direct Supply (DS) headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, traveling with an associate to evaluate furniture and equipment options for a new SNF. I delayed this trip for several months despite the encouragement from my DS reps. It turns out that I should have taken their advice sooner. The trip was 25% sales pitch but 75% quality professional education. If you have the opportunity in the future, I encourage you to take it. I learned more on this trip than most seminars and conferences I have attended.
First of all, here's what you can expect in terms of trip logistics:
-It takes two days to fully tour the DS headquarters and product lines;
-Direct Supply is the Google of the LTC industry; they have a fun work environment, awesome benefits, and an inspirational story;
-Take two items: comfortable shoes and a camera; you will walk several miles and want to remember a number of specific products you demo; you will see ten buildings and hundreds of innovative FFE offerings;
-DS paid our hotel, food and beverage; they were very hospitable;
-DS asks you to pay your own travel expenses.
More importantly, we learned about so many products. I've purchased a lot of beds, mattresses, lifts, carts, etc. in my lifetime but never really understood the differences between various products lines and models. I'm part of an independent not-for-profit, so I don't have corporate staff advising me on the latest technology and offerings. One example:
We still use the 1.5" blue mats next to resident beds to reduce injury from out-of-bed falls. Turns out those are practically obsolete. Now they offer 1/4" versions that are more effective, don't have to be moved during day, and look like floor rugs. I honestly had no idea. I've already order some replacements. Sales pitch + education is okay if it benefits your residents.
Here are some of the items we had the chance to test and learn about:
-Electric beds
-Pressure-relieving mattresses
-Clinical monitoring equipment
-Lift equipment and assistive devices
-Wheelchairs
-Floor care equipment
-Housekeeping equipment and carts for all areas
-Kitchen equipment from hoods to teaspoons
-Furniture, including living rooms, dining, and resident rooms
Direct Supply also offers several services, notably TELS. You will learn that their TELS product is a web-based maintenance tracking, life safety code scheduling, and inventory management system. TELS is designed to be the centerpiece of your facilities maintenance program, serving as both a maintenance request system as well as scheduling, tracking and documenting your annual regulatory requirements. Here are the facts:
-$97 per month, per facility for unlimited users
-Designed for all facility staff to use as maintenance request system 12-month scheduling system for LSC, PM
-Requires some Direct Supply input of information
-Has iPhone capability for easy entering and receiving of new maintenance requests (great feature)
Many large for-profit organizations use TELS and when considered as a monthly cost $97 seems reasonable. When comparing to a one-time software purchase, however, the fee may be excessive for your organization. The biggest drawback is the built in dependency for DS to scan and upload your key documents and scheduled annual tasks. We plan to trial the system for a few months and will ask our Director of Facilities to determine if this system is worth the input time and associated maintenance costs.
Overall our trip to Direct Supply was well worth the expense and time. You've seen the catalog, but it's only a small portion of what Direct Supply really offers. DS is an employer of choice in Milwaukee, an expert in long term care, and an advocate for quality and process improvement. I highly recommend you make this trip if it is offered to you and your organization. Even if you are not a direct purchaser, chances are your maintenance, environmental, and nursing departments are buying products from DS. I suggest you educate yourself on the latest products to better serve your residents and employees.
First of all, here's what you can expect in terms of trip logistics:
-It takes two days to fully tour the DS headquarters and product lines;
-Direct Supply is the Google of the LTC industry; they have a fun work environment, awesome benefits, and an inspirational story;
-Take two items: comfortable shoes and a camera; you will walk several miles and want to remember a number of specific products you demo; you will see ten buildings and hundreds of innovative FFE offerings;
-DS paid our hotel, food and beverage; they were very hospitable;
-DS asks you to pay your own travel expenses.
More importantly, we learned about so many products. I've purchased a lot of beds, mattresses, lifts, carts, etc. in my lifetime but never really understood the differences between various products lines and models. I'm part of an independent not-for-profit, so I don't have corporate staff advising me on the latest technology and offerings. One example:
We still use the 1.5" blue mats next to resident beds to reduce injury from out-of-bed falls. Turns out those are practically obsolete. Now they offer 1/4" versions that are more effective, don't have to be moved during day, and look like floor rugs. I honestly had no idea. I've already order some replacements. Sales pitch + education is okay if it benefits your residents.
Here are some of the items we had the chance to test and learn about:
-Electric beds
-Pressure-relieving mattresses
-Clinical monitoring equipment
-Lift equipment and assistive devices
-Wheelchairs
-Floor care equipment
-Housekeeping equipment and carts for all areas
-Kitchen equipment from hoods to teaspoons
-Furniture, including living rooms, dining, and resident rooms
Direct Supply also offers several services, notably TELS. You will learn that their TELS product is a web-based maintenance tracking, life safety code scheduling, and inventory management system. TELS is designed to be the centerpiece of your facilities maintenance program, serving as both a maintenance request system as well as scheduling, tracking and documenting your annual regulatory requirements. Here are the facts:
-$97 per month, per facility for unlimited users
-Designed for all facility staff to use as maintenance request system 12-month scheduling system for LSC, PM
-Requires some Direct Supply input of information
-Has iPhone capability for easy entering and receiving of new maintenance requests (great feature)
Many large for-profit organizations use TELS and when considered as a monthly cost $97 seems reasonable. When comparing to a one-time software purchase, however, the fee may be excessive for your organization. The biggest drawback is the built in dependency for DS to scan and upload your key documents and scheduled annual tasks. We plan to trial the system for a few months and will ask our Director of Facilities to determine if this system is worth the input time and associated maintenance costs.
Overall our trip to Direct Supply was well worth the expense and time. You've seen the catalog, but it's only a small portion of what Direct Supply really offers. DS is an employer of choice in Milwaukee, an expert in long term care, and an advocate for quality and process improvement. I highly recommend you make this trip if it is offered to you and your organization. Even if you are not a direct purchaser, chances are your maintenance, environmental, and nursing departments are buying products from DS. I suggest you educate yourself on the latest products to better serve your residents and employees.
May 16, 2011
Looking for Pet Therapy Resources
I'm getting ready to adopt a border collie - just six months after saying I wouldn't get another dog. I've always dreamed of being the Administrator that brought his dog in everyday for residents to enjoy, and I would love to make an attempt with my new friend.
I have no idea where to start!
If you have any policies, guidelines, stories about bringing your dog into a facility on a routine basis, would you please contact me at matthewmaupin@gmail.com? I want to make sure I do it right. Thanks!
I have no idea where to start!
If you have any policies, guidelines, stories about bringing your dog into a facility on a routine basis, would you please contact me at matthewmaupin@gmail.com? I want to make sure I do it right. Thanks!
May 09, 2011
Happy National Nursing Home Week!
A man's age is something impressive, it sums up his life: maturity reached slowly and against many obstacles, illnesses cured, griefs and despairs overcome, and unconscious risks taken; maturity formed through so many desires, hopes, regrets, forgotten things, loves. A man's age represents a fine cargo of experiences and memories.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wartime Writings 1939-1944, translated from French by Norah Purcell
~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wartime Writings 1939-1944, translated from French by Norah Purcell
April 13, 2011
New competency model will benefit long-term care industry
From healthcarefinancenews.com: The Department of Labor has released a competency model for the long-term care industry that officials hope will solve long-standing issues of low wages and a high staff turnover rate.
“The models are an excellent guide to leaders at the operational level for both employee recruitment and identification of continuing education needs,” said Matthew Maupin, administrator of Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a blogger on the long-term care industry. “Often as leaders we focus solely on technical competencies without consideration of broader foundational principles, leading to increased training costs and ultimately employee turnover. The models support professional development programs geared towards customer service, communication and utilization of technological efficiencies, which is precisely what the long-term care workforce needs for the upcoming influx of Baby Boomers requiring care.”
See the rest of the article here.
“The models are an excellent guide to leaders at the operational level for both employee recruitment and identification of continuing education needs,” said Matthew Maupin, administrator of Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a blogger on the long-term care industry. “Often as leaders we focus solely on technical competencies without consideration of broader foundational principles, leading to increased training costs and ultimately employee turnover. The models support professional development programs geared towards customer service, communication and utilization of technological efficiencies, which is precisely what the long-term care workforce needs for the upcoming influx of Baby Boomers requiring care.”
See the rest of the article here.
April 12, 2011
National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week (April 10-16, 2011) we honor the individuals and groups that support our organizations in a multitude of ways. On our campus, volunteers run the gift shop, push residents to chapel services, repair furniture, and raise tens of thosands of dollars each year, in addition to so many other things. Our volunteers are amazing and truly improve resident quality of life.
Then why do we make it so difficult to volunteer? I had to laugh last night watching this sketch last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It sums up my thoughts on how we drown every good intention in regulation and risk management initiatives. Yes, I acknowledge the operational needs, but Kimmel really hit the nail on the head in a very funny way.
Then why do we make it so difficult to volunteer? I had to laugh last night watching this sketch last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It sums up my thoughts on how we drown every good intention in regulation and risk management initiatives. Yes, I acknowledge the operational needs, but Kimmel really hit the nail on the head in a very funny way.
January 04, 2011
Employee Prayer
Dear Lord,
May we be worthy of the trust that our patients and residents, our administrators, our staff, and our community place in us. May we seek Your wisdom and guidance. Bless each employee; multiply time and energy.
May each and every person here experience Your strength and joy as they complete another day in this journey.
Amen
May we be worthy of the trust that our patients and residents, our administrators, our staff, and our community place in us. May we seek Your wisdom and guidance. Bless each employee; multiply time and energy.
May each and every person here experience Your strength and joy as they complete another day in this journey.
Amen
December 15, 2010
Quality Measures to be Removed from 5-Star Updates Pending MDS 3.0 Data
The individual and overall ratings for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home 5-Star Rating System now are based on the three domains of inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Use of all three domains will change at least temporarily while CMS analyzes the new quality measure data gleaned from the MDS 3.0, implemented on Oct. 1. The last MDS 2.0 quality measure update will be published on the Nursing Home Compare Web site in Jan. 2011. This last update will be based on the last quarter of MDS 2.0 data and it will remain posted until April, 2011. After April, CMS anticipates no public reporting of quality measures on Nursing Home Compare until spring, 2012. Effective April, 2011, the quality measures will not be included in the 5-Star calculation process and facility ratings will be based on the two remaining domains, inspections and staffing.
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