Category: Training

MC5 Hybrid Meeting

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April 3, 2024: Care Connection – Opportunities to Create Positive Aging Experiences
Location: First United Methodist Church Celebration Center, Sedalia
Presenters: Wendy Martin, MHA; Rona McNally, Care Connection; Marilyn Gunter, BSW,MSW

Join facilitators from Care Connection who will provide information about their person-centered approach to services. During this presentation it will be shared how Care Connection maintains a person-centered focus in the development and delivery of services. Attendees will learn the importance of family caregiver support for person-centered care and how the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program supports individuals’ rights and choices, serving as advocates and educators. Also, the Missouri SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol), will inform attendees of current Medicare/Medicaid fraud trends and the importance of protecting health care benefits.

HQIN Strategies to Use During Your Nursing Home Stand-Up Meetings (Medication Reconciliation)

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HQIN is presenting an educational series tailored for nursing home stand-up meetings, aimed at decreasing preventable emergency room (ED) visits and hospital readmissions. HQIN is sending out talking points that can be included in daily stand-up meetings to increase staff knowledge on relevant topics like effective communication, adverse drug events and infection prevention. The program is designed to empower nursing home staff with practical knowledge to foster a safer environment.

This week’s strategies include Medication Reconciliation. Below is an overview of information and resources.

  • If a resident’s medication orders reflect the wrong medication, the wrong dose, the wrong time, or the wrong route, adverse drug events are likely. Review which staff reconciles medication on admission. Discuss with the team the policy for admission medication reconciliation.
    • How many times are admission orders reviewed?
    • Is the contacted pharmacy made aware when orders are for a new admission?
    • How are diagnoses, indications and allergies identified?

Are medications reviewed with the previous facility during report?
Review the Interact Medication Reconciliation Worksheet. How does this compare to the facility’s medication reconciliation processes?

  • After admission, every nurse that gives medication is responsible for giving medication correctly. Along with the Five Rights of medication administration (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time), nurses will need to be aware of the indications for medications, any needed lab work or monitoring and possible adverse reactions.
    Discuss the systems in place at your facility to ensure medications are given properly. Review the Five Rights with staff.
  • Doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists should be involved in medication reconciliation.
    Ask your team these questions:
    • When is this review triggered in your facility?
    • If there has been a behavior change, is medication reviewed for possible side effects?
    • Who can you reach out to internally and at the contracted pharmacy if you are unsure if orders or administration are appropriate or with any other questions?
  • Medication reconciliation should not stop at admission. Changes in condition or changes in locations should trigger a medication review.
    Are physicians or pharmacists notified when a resident’s condition changes?
    Are they notified when a resident becomes more or less compliant with medication or diet?
    These changes could result in the need for closer monitoring or changes to medications. Residents with over eight scheduled medications are at higher risk for drug-to-drug interactions. Do you have a process to handle those higher risks?
  • Medication needs to be administered according to company policy. Using a computer system to assist with medication administration helps prevent medication errors. Discuss the drawbacks staff see in using the computer system.
    Do you experience fatigue due to repeated drug interaction alerts? How can those drawbacks be eliminated? Review some lessons learned about implementing and using technology in a clinical setting.

HQIN Strategies to Use During Your Nursing Home Stand-Up Meetings (Opioids)

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HQIN is presenting an educational series tailored for nursing home stand-up meetings, aimed at decreasing preventable emergency room (ED) visits and hospital readmissions. HQIN is sending out talking points that can be included in daily stand-up meetings to increase staff knowledge on relevant topics like effective communication, adverse drug events and infection prevention. The program is designed to empower nursing home staff with practical knowledge to foster a safer environment.

This week’s strategies include Adverse Drug Events – Opioids. Below is an overview of information and resources.

  • Adverse drug events are commonly experienced by people taking opioids as well as anticoagulants. Like anticoagulants, you will want to ensure staff caring for residents know which residents are at risk and what risk factors and sign/symptoms of adverse events may be. Discuss opioid risk factors, adverse event signs/symptoms and interventions using the Opioid Tip Sheet for Frontline Nursing and CMT Staff.
  • Using non-medication pain relief methods can decrease the need for opioids. Communicating with residents and families will help find the most effective pain relief methods for each patient. Sometimes facilities use methods like applying heat/cold, massage, ultrasound, or stretching exercises to help ease pain. Remember to evaluate things like positioning, bed choice and seating choice when you are working to reduce pain.
  • Knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms of adverse drug events, and the best ways to stay safe can prevent them and assist with early identification. Review your policy for medication education and explore Opioid Resources for Patients and Caregivers.
  • Opioids can be useful for controlling pain, but it is important to remember they carry a high risk for adverse events. Review the Opioid Adverse Drug Events Self-Assessment with your team. Use the Plan-Do-Study-Act Worksheet to work toward improvements.
  • Narcan (Naloxone) is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is often discussed for treatment of overdose with illicit drugs but is often needed for people who are prescribed opioids. Every nursing home should have a policy for Narcan use. Review your facility’s policy with staff. Can staff identify where Narcan is kept and when it should be given? Post the Opioid Information Card to educate residents and caregivers.

HQIN Strategies to Use During Your Nursing Home Stand-Up Meetings (Anticoagulants)

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HQIN is presenting an educational series tailored for nursing home stand-up meetings, aimed at decreasing preventable emergency room (ED) visits and hospital readmissions. HQIN is sending out talking points that can be included in daily stand-up meetings to increase staff knowledge on relevant topics like effective communication, adverse drug events and infection prevention. The program is designed to empower nursing home staff with practical knowledge to foster a safer environment.

This week’s strategies include Adverse Drug Events – Anticoagulants. Below is an overview of information and resources.

  • An adverse drug event (ADE) is harm that results from medication use. These events can be due to allergic reactions, side effects, overmedication and medication errors. Anticoagulant medications are necessary for the treatment of some conditions but are also a leading cause of ADEs resulting in ER visits or hospitalization. Review ADE risk factors and sign/symptoms on this Anticoagulant Antithrombotic Tip Sheet.
  • Also, review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Adverse Drug Events in Adults for more safety information.
  • Review your policy for medication education. Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safely provides resources for educating residents and families.
  • Evaluating your facility’s anticoagulant program can assist you with identifying and addressing opportunities for improvement.
  • This Anticoagulant Adverse Drug Events Self-Assessment provides a checklist for anticoagulant programs.

DMH Free Webinars – Tools for Everyone

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March 5, 2024: Registration
March 14, 2024: Registration
March 20, 2024: Registration

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

 

DHSS Antibiotic Stewardship Survey

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The Missouri Antimicrobial Stewardship Educational Collaborative is working with Washington University on an antibiotic stewardship project and are seeking input from Skilled Nursing Facility and other Long Term Care Facilities (Intermediate, Assisted, and Residential Care Facilities), in addition to MO hospitals. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey.

Washington University School of Medicine is performing a survey on behalf of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Hospital Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program.

The survey can be found at the attached link here: Survey Link. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

This survey is intended to evaluate the current state of antimicrobial stewardship activities at Missouri long-term care facilities. Please forwards it to whomever at your facility is most involved with the antimicrobial stewardship and the management of antimicrobial use, or if no such person exists your medical director or pharmacy leadership. We request this survey be completed by March 1, 2024.

For any questions regarding this facility antimicrobial stewardship survey, please submit a new email to mo.stewardship@wustl.edu; use “MO DHSS Antimicrobial Stewardship Survey” in the subject line.

We appreciate the time you take to complete these surveys!

VOYCE’s Upcoming Events

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February 20, 2024: Put the Care in Caregiving

The pressures of caregiving, whether inside or outside the home, can lead to a lack of empathy and several physical symptoms, known as caregiver compassion fatigue or burnout. In the wake of a pandemic that claimed over 5.5 million lives, knowing your limits and what to do when you’ve reached them is essential. Learn the signs of caregiver compassion fatigue to identify them in yourself or others and explore options for relief.

February 29, 2024: Summit to Protect Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

This summit is a conversation with the community, professionals, older adults, and others to learn what needs to be fixed in the adult protection system.

March 18, 2024: Navigating Long-Term Care Choices and Understanding Nursing Home Residents’ Rights

A Professional Care Manager helps to develop care plans while resolving family conflicts. Find out how a care manager can help you to have autonomy in your life. An Ombudsman Professional will be on hand to understand Residents’ Rights in the long-term care facility.

March 19, 2024: Community Education: Driving Yourself Lonely

Loneliness and lack of connection in older adults have recently been reported as a public health crisis in the United States, the consequences of such potentially being an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death. What role does transportation play in exacerbating this problem, and how is this being addressed in St. Louis? Get your questions answered in this webinar!

MC5 Webinar

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March 6, 2024: The Validation Method:  Connect and Communicate with Older Adults
Presenter: Vicki deKlerk, Executive Director, The Validation Institute

Over 37 years ago, when reality orientation was the norm, Naomi Feil, a woman with unique empathy and insight into the world of disoriented elders, created the Validation Method, motivating older adults with cognitive decline to communicate more, relieve stress, and enhance dignity and happiness in their final stage of life.

Today, the validation method is practiced around the world, and her daughter, Vicki deKlerk, continues her work through the Validation Training Institute, providing education, quality standards and easy pathways for learning this evidence-based method.

Through the magic of Zoom, Vicki will join us from the Netherlands, using interactive exercises, she will describe, demonstrate and share 2 key prerequisite skills of the Validation Method. There will be an opportunity to share in conversation and engage in a Q & A with attendees.

MLN Nursing Home Administrator Conference

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May 21-23, 2024: 33rd Annual Nursing Home Administrator Conference
Location: Downstream Casino, Quapaw, OK

Elevate your leadership at the 33rd Annual NHA Conference hosted by the Missouri League for Nursing at Downstream Casino from May 21-23, 2024. Join MLN for a Quad-State Extravaganza that promises unmatched insights, networking, and celebration tailored to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in the realm of nursing home administration.

VOYCE Professional Development Webinar

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March 7, 2024: Climb Out of the Cost Burden: Resources Available for Low-Income Housing Needs

Over 10 million households headed by someone 65 and older are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 1/3 of their income on housing. Service providers encountering clients needing low-income housing must be aware of the available programs and services to ensure smooth transitions. Join VOYCE to understand the current issues in St. Louis regarding low-income housing for older adults and what factors in individuals’ lives impact, and sometimes inhibit, their capacity to live independently in low-income housing. This presentation will explore St. Louis-based aid that can help people mitigate unique barriers to housing and locate their next home, including Show-Me Home, Missouri’s Money Follows the Person program.

DMH Free Webinars – Tools for Everyone

Posted on

February 8, 2024: Registration
February 13, 2024: Registration
February 21, 2024: Registration
February 29, 2024: Registration

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

Regulation Summation Monthly Webinar Series 2024

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January 31-December 18, 2024: Regulation Summation Monthly Webinar Series 2024

LeadingAge Missouri in conjunction with LeadingAge Iowa is pleased to provide a monthly webinar series throughout 2024 reviewing the regulations contained in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual. The Regulation Summation will provide attendees with a detailed review of the regulations including the regulatory language, interpretative guidance, examples of noncompliance, and strategies to maintain compliance.

VOYCE Professional Development Webinar

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February 1, 2024: Assisting with Addiction: The Growing Threat of Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults

Substance use disorder is a significant issue in Missouri, but its impact on older adults is often overlooked. Join us for an insightful conversation in which we will explore the trends in substance use and mental health among older Missourians and discuss the steps that healthcare providers can take to develop effective interventions and provide equitable treatment for individuals. Presented by VOYCE and led by Dr. Julie Gary, Ph.D., MPH, St. Louis City Department of Health.

Recreation and Activity Professionals Webinar Series

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February 5-8, 2024: Recreation and Activity Professionals Webinar Series

Hear talks about the industry by nationally-renowned speakers and recreation and activities experts and come up to speed on best practices in programming and resident care– all information and ideas you can immediately put into practice! This is a DON’T MISS event if you seek to enhance your knowledge, elevate your residents’ and clients’ experiences, and improve your programs.

VOYCE’s Upcoming Events

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January 23, 2024: Nutrition and Dietary Changes as We Age: Feed Your Soul

Discover the essential elements to guarantee that you or your friends and relatives receive assistance with making healthy choices and access to resources for ongoing support. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, and learn about how nutritional needs, dietary deficiencies, and appetite levels change throughout life.

 

February 5, 2024: Prepare Your Family: Will Your Wishes Be Honored?

Have the uncomfortable conversations now to ensure your wishes are carried out. The benefits of having these documents in place: Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, Advanced Directives, Guardianship, DNR, and Out-of-hospital DNR.

 

February 20, 2024: Put the Care in Caregiving

The pressures of caregiving, whether inside or outside the home, can lead to a lack of empathy and several physical symptoms, known as caregiver compassion fatigue or burnout. In the wake of a pandemic that claimed over 5.5 million lives, knowing your limits and what to do when you’ve reached them is essential. Learn the signs of caregiver compassion fatigue to identify them in yourself or others and explore options for relief.

 

February 29, 2024: Summit to Protect Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

This summit is a conversation with the community, professionals, older adults, and others to learn what needs to be fixed in the adult protection system.

MC5 Route 71 Region

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January 25, 2024: You’re Not Special: Navigating Staffing in the Me Culture
Presenters: Wendy Boren, BSN, RN, QIPMO, University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing and Nicky Martin, MPA, BS, LNHA, CDPQIPMO, Sinclair School of Nursing

Staffing is a constant battle, but the current culture makes staffing healthcare a different kind of challenge than we’ve ever faced before. Recruiting and retaining staff in the “me” culture requires ingenuity, patience, compromise, and a new spin on professionalism. This program will highlight those challenges through interactive discussion and give participants real tools to creative winning strategies that may just take them from “me” to “we.”

MALA & DSDS Sessions for RCF/ALF

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March 6-13, 2024: Various Locations

The Missouri Assisted Living Association (MALA) and Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) have scheduled sessions to share new resources, upcoming initiatives and clarify information related to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Residential Care Facilities (RCF) and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF). Please see the attached for additional information and for the locations, dates and time.