Influenza: How to Prevent or Minimize Outbreaks

Through Oct. 13, influenza activity remained low across the United States. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects flu outbreaks to increase in the coming months. Avoiding and minimizing flu outbreaks not only protects residents and staff, it protects the facility as well given the laser focus …

Section GG Prior Function and Admission Performance Tool

When completing section GG the interdisciplinary team is required to complete an assessment of every day activity function and device use prior to the current illness or injury. The team will also need to work with the resident, family, and direct care staff to determine the resident’s usual performance in …

SNF Uses AHRQ Toolkit to Boost Residents’ Health Literacy Skills

Patient Safety, Prevention and Care Management August 2018 Occupational therapists (OTs) at Greenwich Woods Rehabilitation and Health Care Center improved their ability to assess and implement health literacy interventions for patients by 36 percent after a 6-week workshop that featured AHRQ’s Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit. The workshop was administered to …

2018 AADNS Annual Conference Takeaways from a DON in Rural Michigan

Attending the annual conference for the American Association of Directors of Nursing Services in National Harbor, MD was nothing but a dream. As a director of nursing in a small rural town like Menominee, MI (pronounced Men-ah-many), I never imagined having the opportunity to be shoulder-to-shoulder with so many experienced, …

Trauma-Informed Care Infographic (7/18)

The CDC is working with SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC) to integrate a trauma-informed approach to public health emergencies. The infographic they developed for the approach may be useful in understanding trauma-informed care: https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm

Potential Candidates for Restorative Program Tool

Identifying which residents are appropriate candidates for restorative nursing programs is key to helping residents attain and maintain their highest function. Use AAPACN’s Potential Candidates for Restorative Program Tool to quickly identify key triggers and prevent further decline. Interested in more restorative resources? Check out AAPACN’s Guide to a Successful …