Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
The senior care and senior living fields face many challenges, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. Issues include decreased quality in management and staffing, reduced adherence to resident selection and retention criteria, increases in state survey deficiency citations, and rising medical malpractice claims. A particularly alarming concern is the growing number of younger adults with behavioral health disorders (e.g., psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders) that are admitted to various types of senior care facilities.
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Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Co-mingling of younger residents who have behavioral health disorders with older adult residents suffering from dementia and/or behavioral health disorders is increasingly common in senior care settings, but it also presents risks.
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Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Admission and discharge criteria are a critical aspect of ensuring safety in senior care settings. Every type of senior care setting should have well-defined resident admission and discharge criteria and strictly adhere to implementing these standards. The foundation for the criteria is the organization’s business goals and mission. Fundamentally, who does your organization intend to serve and what level of care is within your capacity?
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Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
One of the most influential contributing factors in senior care medical malpractice claims is inadequate staffing — and not only in quantity of staff but also in dedication, knowledge, experience, and skills. Competent, committed, and compassionate staff members are invaluable. Simply hiring someone to fill a position is not sufficient. The role of the direct caregiver requires delivery of high-quality and consistent care rooted in evidence-based practice along with empathetic customer service.
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Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
People reside in senior care settings not only for care and assistance with activities of daily living, but also for socialization and life-enrichment opportunities. Connection and interaction are vital aspects of well-being; yet residents who have behavioral health disorders and/or dementia might feel disconnected or isolated.
Read moreSusan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Environmental safety is of paramount importance in senior care facilities because of the vulnerable nature of resident populations. Advancing age and medical conditions might make individuals more likely to trip, fall, get trapped or entangled in furniture, burn themselves, and so on.
Read moreSusan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Much like workers in other high-risk industries — such as mining, construction, and transportation — staff working in senior care organizations need to incorporate safety measures while providing care, especially when working with residents who have behavioral health disorders and/or dementia. Yet, various commonplace practices can jeopardize safety, such as:
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Analysis of MedPro claims data reveals that allegations related to surgical treatment represent the highest malpractice case volume for gynecology providers. These allegations also account for more than half of all dollars paid for expense and indemnity costs associated with gynecology claims.1
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