What are the most effective service improvements for long-term care settings?

Long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies, provide essential services for older adults and people with chronic or complex health needs. However, these settings also face many challenges, such as staffing shortages, quality issues, infection risks, and regulatory compliance. To improve the outcomes and experiences of both residents and staff, long-term care providers need to implement effective service improvements that address the specific needs and preferences of their populations. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective service improvements for long-term care settings, based on best practices and evidence-based recommendations.

1 Person-centered care

Person-centered care is an approach that respects and responds to the individual preferences, values, and goals of each resident. It involves engaging residents and their families in care planning and decision making, providing choice and autonomy, and ensuring dignity and respect. Person-centered care can improve the quality of life, satisfaction, and well-being of residents, as well as reduce the use of unnecessary interventions, such as antipsychotic medications, restraints, and hospitalizations. To implement person-centered care, long-term care providers need to train and empower staff, create a supportive culture, and use tools and strategies, such as care mapping, life stories, and personalized activities.

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Rahul Garg (MD, MBA)

Chief of Strategy and Partnerships | Health Tech
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Mr. Thompson, 78, with advanced Parkinson's, resided in a long-term care facility. Initially treated with antipsychotics and restraints for his symptoms, he became withdrawn and agitated. Transitioning to a person-centered care approach, the team: - Discovered his love for classical music and gardening. - Reduced antipsychotics, introducing music therapy. - Moved his room to overlook the garden, allowing hands-on interaction. - Discontinued restraints, opting for soothing interactions during tremors. - Involved his family more in his care. Results: Mr. Thompson's agitation decreased, eliminating the need for antipsychotics. Reintroducing his passions uplifted his spirits, showcasing the transformative power of person-centered care.

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2 Technology integration

Technology integration is the use of digital tools and systems to enhance the delivery and coordination of care in long-term care settings. It can include electronic health records, telehealth, remote monitoring, smart devices, and artificial intelligence. Technology integration can improve the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of care processes, as well as enable better communication and collaboration among staff, residents, and other stakeholders. It can also provide more access to information, education, and resources for residents and their families, and support their engagement and empowerment. To integrate technology effectively, long-term care providers need to assess their needs and capabilities, select appropriate solutions, and provide training and support for staff and residents.

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Michael Jeffrey

CEO Pluss Communities|Retirement Living|Aged Care| Land Lease|Communities|Software|Tech
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Technology is giving families the ability to purchase additional care and lifestyle experiences for their loved one in long term care through community communication apps like Pluss Communities. These apps allow families to book and purchase additional care services, rooms for special family events like birthday parties and even special products. Families have a desire to ensure their loved one is experiencing their best life possible and community communication apps in long term care settings are making it easy for families to purchase additional care and lifestyle experiences.

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3 Staff development

Staff development is the provision of ongoing education, training, and support for staff in long-term care settings. It can include orientation, mentoring, coaching, feedback, recognition, and career advancement opportunities. Staff development can improve the knowledge, skills, and confidence of staff, as well as their motivation, retention, and satisfaction. It can also foster a culture of learning, innovation, and teamwork, and enhance the quality and safety of care. To develop staff effectively, long-term care providers need to identify and address their learning needs and goals, offer flexible and diverse learning options, and evaluate and reward their performance and achievements.

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4 Infection prevention and control

Infection prevention and control is the implementation of policies and practices to prevent and manage the spread of infectious diseases in long-term care settings. It can include screening, testing, isolation, vaccination, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, and outbreak response. Infection prevention and control can protect the health and safety of residents and staff, as well as reduce the costs and complications of infections. It can also enhance the trust and confidence of residents and their families, and comply with the standards and regulations of authorities. To prevent and control infections effectively, long-term care providers need to follow the latest guidelines and recommendations, educate and train staff and residents, and monitor and report their infection rates and outcomes.

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5 Quality improvement

Quality improvement is the systematic and continuous measurement and improvement of the quality of care and services in long-term care settings. It can include collecting and analyzing data, identifying and prioritizing problems, testing and implementing changes, and evaluating and sustaining results. Quality improvement can improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of care, as well as the satisfaction and loyalty of residents and staff. It can also support the accreditation and recognition of long-term care providers, and demonstrate their value and impact to funders and regulators. To improve quality effectively, long-term care providers need to adopt a quality improvement framework, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act, engage and involve staff and residents, and use quality improvement tools and methods, such as audits, surveys, and benchmarks.

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Rahul Garg (MD, MBA)

Chief of Strategy and Partnerships | Health Tech
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Mrs. Patel, an 82-year-old resident with mobility issues, frequently experienced falls in her long-term care facility. Through a quality improvement initiative, the facility analyzed fall data, identifying poorly lit corridors as a key issue. Changes were swiftly implemented: improved lighting, non-slip flooring, and handrails were installed. Post-intervention data showed a 70% reduction in falls. Mrs. Patel's confidence improved, and she actively participated in facility activities. Staff satisfaction surged, and the facility received accreditation recognition. This case exemplifies how systematic quality improvement can enhance care, boost resident and staff morale, and earn external recognition.

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6 Community engagement

Community engagement is the establishment and maintenance of positive and productive relationships with the community members and organizations that are relevant and beneficial to long-term care settings. It can include outreach, partnership, collaboration, advocacy, and participation. Community engagement can improve the access and availability of resources and services for long-term care settings, such as volunteers, donations, referrals, and support. It can also enhance the awareness and reputation of long-term care providers, and increase their social responsibility and accountability. To engage the community effectively, long-term care providers need to identify and understand their community needs and assets, communicate and network with their community stakeholders, and seek and offer opportunities for mutual support and cooperation.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective service improvements for long-term care settings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Person-centered care

2 Technology integration

3 Staff development

4 Infection prevention and control

5 Quality improvement

6 Community engagement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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What are the most effective service improvements for long-term care settings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Person-centered care

2 Technology integration

3 Staff development

4 Infection prevention and control

5 Quality improvement

6 Community engagement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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