This week we celebrated National Nurses Week.
Expert advises to be thorough on evaluating ADLs (McKnight’s LTCN).
Abbott Labs promoted anti-seizure drug, Depakote, for uses not approved by FDA (Long Term Living).
Skilled nursing facilities in California receive tens of thousands of respirators (McKnight’s LTCN).
Affluent Americans underestimate retirement expenses (ALFA).
Social media plays a major role in our society today. From Twitter to blogs, LinkedIn to Facebook, social media is a thread that holds much of our world’s communication together. While once viewed as a new way for young people to stay in touch, social media is expanding its reach.
So, how do social media and senior care work together? In recent years, we have seen substantial growth of senior care’s social media presence. Social media aids in connecting those in the senior care arena to each other and helps in promoting discussion.
Senior care workers are using mediums like LinkedIn and Twitter to facilitate discussions about elder care. The Twitter chat, #ElderCareChat, is a way for those involved in senior care to share ideas and information on important topics concerning senior care. Michelle Seitzer, a daily blogger for senior care, organizes these discussions. ElderCareChat has also expanded to a group on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. The chat and group are an especially rich resource for family caregivers who are navigating the decision process for their loved one’s care.
Another chat on Twitter that is becoming more popular is #TalkAlz, which is a discussion on trends in Alzheimer’s and caring for those with Alzheimer’s. Not only are these chats helpful for sharing information and tips about senior care, they also afford an opportunity to meet others involved in the senior care. Silverchair regularly sees Craig Fukushima, Kathy Birkett, and Denise M. Brown during these Twitter chats.
Not only is Twitter a good source for discussion among senior care workers, it also allows us to connect with many associations and publications. ALFA, LeadingAge, and AHCA, have Twitter accounts that we follow to stay up-to-date on their recent news, and we follow several of our state association partners as well. Senior care industry publications such as McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, Long-Term Living, ADVANCE for Long-Term Care Management, and Provider also have their own Twitter feeds so you can keep up with the latest in senior care.
We know these are just a few of the many great social media resources for senior care! Who do you follow on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn? Share your comments below.
Connect with Silverchair Learning Systems through social media today! Follow our Twitter, LinkedIn page, and blog.
Silverchair Learning Systems Receives LTC LINK Elite Supplier Award.
Nursing homes could see an increase in admissions because of respite care cuts (McKnight’s LTCN).
CMS announces they will cover new valve replacement technology (Long Term Living).
Pennsylvania initiative cuts infection rates in nursing homes (McKnight’s LTCN).
A study finds that nursing home culture of safety is improved with voluntary accreditation (McKnight’s LTCN).
A recent survey looks at the financial well-being of senior living residents (ALFA).
CMS predicts near-term Medicare funding stability and long-term insolvency (Long-Term Living).
Life expectancy around the country: study reports on life expectancy findings (Huffington Post).
A bipartisan group of Congress introduced resolutions for Alzheimer’s treatment this week (McKnight’s LTCN).
Wondering what the senior care process may be like for you and your loved one? Welcome to the first post in our Family POV series covering the caregiving process from the family’s perspective, written by Silverchair partner Dr. Mary Evans, MD, CMD. Dr. Evans has worked with Silverchair to develop the best resources for families in our Silverchair For Families communication and education system.
Dr. Evans practices medicine full-time in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Charlottesville, VA with her husband, Dr. Jonathan Evans. She specializes in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which focuses on symptom management and emphasis on quality of life for patients with a limited life expectancy. She also serves as Medical Director for skilled nursing facilities, and is the President of the Virginia Medical Directors Association.
You’ve come to visit your mom, but she’s in therapy now. You sit down in her room, get comfortable and decide to read the paper until your mom is ready to visit. You notice the staff coming in seems to have easy camaraderie with your mother’s roommate as they smile and call her by name. You wonder how your mom can develop these warm, easy relationships with the staff at our facility. Now that you and your mom are becoming accustomed to the new surroundings and schedule, let’s take some time to get to know the caregivers who will be touching your loved one’s life.
The caregivers who will be spending the most time face to face with your mom are probably the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Most senior care communities have a team of CNAs who are dedicated to a small group of residents. Take the time to learn their names and get to know them a bit. Building a personal connection to your parent’s caregivers will help you feel more secure when you are back at home. You and your parent will also interact with the nurses, therapists, dietary aides, and other care professionals on a daily basis. You may also encounter housekeepers, business office workers, dieticians, and other allied professionals at the facility. If you take a moment each day to acknowledge and greet these staffers, you will go a long ways toward helping to build a pleasant atmosphere for your loved one.
As in any relationship, you may encounter misunderstandings or communication difficulties. If you encounter a problem with one of your parent’s caregivers, try to resolve the question or issue directly with the person involved. Most of the time a misunderstanding can be straightened out with a simple conversation. Of course, approaching the care staff in a mutually respectful manner will be more likely to help foster a trusting and caring relationship with the caregivers. If addressing the issue directly with the person involved doesn’t seem to solve the problem, you can ask to speak with a manager or administrator about your concern. We want to know if you are unhappy or have questions so we can address them and put you at ease.
If you have been caring for your parent at home, you may find it difficult to relinquish your caregiving role to someone else. In fact, it could be expected to have some anxiety and worry about having someone new care for your loved one. You are the expert on your parent’s day-to-day needs. You understand how your mom likes her coffee, the best way to bathe her and get her dressed, and what her favorite bedtime routine is. You can help your parent adjust to a new living environment by sharing your knowledge of your parent’s favorite routines with direct caregivers. The care staff will appreciate your help in understanding your parent’s wishes.
When Mom returns from therapy, take a moment to say hello to her therapist, and when the aide comes to answer her call bell, ask her where she’s from. You can help your parent have a productive, enjoyable stay at the skilled nursing facility by learning about our caring community!
The House passes a 20% tax cut for businesses with less than 500 employees; could be a boost for small senior care providers (McKnight’s LTCN).
Silverchair and AIS expand on MDS April Update in ADVANCE.
Slow but steady recovery for senior housing market in first quarter (McKnight’s LTCN).
Nursing homes found to be lacking in preparation efforts for natural disasters (McKnight’s LTCN).
Residential Care Data Released by Government (ALFA).
Study shows that hearing loss may be a risk factor for falls (ADVANCE).
A new wireless call pendant for seniors introduced (Long-Term Living).
Silverchair Learning Systems announced its partnership with DermaRite Industries.
A scan test by Eli Lilly Co. makes Alzheimer diagnosis possible (The Wall Street Journal).
Study finds that even small increases in summer heat can be deadly (McKnight’s LTCN).
A report from World Health Organization calls dementia a global public health crisis (Long-Term Living).
The Obama Administration sets a new compliance date for ICD-10 diagnosing codes (McKnight’s LTCN).
Report states that more senior living communities are needed (ALFA).
Silverchair Learning Systems announced that they are a Sponsor Partner for the 2012 LTC 100 Leadership & Strategy Conference.
Majority of Medicare bad debt funding cuts to be absorbed by ten states (McKnight’s LTCN).
CMS released a memo that clarifies the April 1 MDS 3.0 changes (Long-Term Living).
The proposed independent pharmacist regulation no longer applies to nursing homes (McKnight’s LTCN).
A recent study shows that bilingualism can ward off symptoms of dementia (Long-Term Living).
The number of people wanting nursing degrees is rising, but many are being turned away (McKnight’s LTCN).
Study finds that hospitalization could contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly (Long-Term Living).
Good news for nursing home care: Perceptions of care are improving (McKnight’s LTCN).
Elderly drivers could benefit from a navigation tool that uses a vibrating steering wheel (CNN.com).
Outlook gradually improving for senior living operators (McKnight’s LTCN).
The long-term care industry generated $259 billion in revenue in 2011 (Long-Term Living).
Expert warns: failure to prepare for MDS updates could be costly (McKnight’s LTCN). Silverchair and AIS can help! Take a new FREE course to catch up!
Changes in Medicare RAC record request: auditors can now request twice as many SNF medical records (McKnight’s LTCN).
Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) released its annual list of the Largest Senior Living Providers.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule on Medicaid expansion (Long-Term Living).
ADVANCE for Long-Term Care Management recommends ways to foster a bully-free work environment.
Researchers find a link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes (Long-Term Living).
ALFA also looks into developing the senior living sector in India.
Common drugs could be risky for seniors (Long-Term Living).
