Nursing homes are residential facilities for people with healthcare needs. Most residents are elderly and require varying levels of assistance with daily living tasks.
As of 2016, the United States had over 15,000 nursing homes with 1.7 million licensed beds. Nursing homes are certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State health departments oversee nursing home licensing implement regulations to ensure facilities offer an acceptable standard of care. Patient-centered nursing homes prioritize social and emotional needs, as well as their clients’ physical needs. Use these tips to establish a successful patient-centered nursing home.
Create patient care teams.
Comprehensive patient care teams include the client’s personal care physician (PCP) and other health care providers, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists. The care team may also include mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counselors. A care coordinator may also work with care teams, ensuring their clients receive the best possible care.
Care teams develop individual care plans. The care coordinator can serve as a bridge between different service providers. For example, individuals who had community care before moving to an assisted living community may have personal caregivers who take them on community outings or provide companionship. Care teams ensure clients continue to receive vital services to ensure they receive the best care.
Partner with other senior care experts to expand opportunities for clients.
Senior adults who need extra help benefit from home care services. In-home service providers offer a free senior care consultation, ensuring potential clients understand the services offered. Enabling the clients at your nursing home to seek additional services ensures they can choose team members to work with and secure the services of their choosing. It isn’t always possible to expand your nursing home staff team to offer every type of service available, but collaborating with reputable community service providers ensures you expand the options for your clients.
One benefit of collaborating with other agencies is that they may employ staff who speak different languages. Clients whose native language isn’t English benefit because staff fluent in other languages can help them interact with other nursing home residents and staff with the help of a translator.
Offer the best resources to your clients.
Invest in the best resources for your clients. With reputable bottled water services, you won’t have to worry about running out of purified spring water for your clients. Tap water can contain harmful substances, such as lead or mercury, contributing to health issues. Purchasing bottled water from a water delivery service ensures you eliminate hazardous toxins from your facility’s drinking water.
You should also invest in on-site sanitation, ensuring staff clean facilities thoroughly. Clients’ family members will appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones live in a professional facility that provides residents with a clean, safe environment.
Your nursing home will also benefit from employing a nutritionist who works with clients’ care teams, ensuring clients receive healthy meals that meet their nutritional needs.
Emphasize social opportunities.
Patient-centered nursing homes prioritize the social and emotional needs of their clients. Hire recreational therapists to customize and implement a range of programming options for your residents. For example, some of your clients may enjoy physical recreation activities, such as dancing or swimming. Others may enjoy creative pursuits, such as drama, music, or arts and crafts.
You may also have older adult residents who enjoy outings. Your recreational therapists can plan community activities, such as picnics or shopping trips.
Your staff can also work with clients and help them maintain contact with friends and family members outside your facilities. Provide transportation for social engagements with friends and family members or provide on-site facilities where residents can host guests for a holiday meal or special event. For example, a resident may benefit emotionally and socially by planning a birthday party for their grandchild or a close friend.
Running a successful patient-centered nursing home involves putting patients’ needs first. Prioritize their social and emotional concerns while working with all health care providers to ensure they receive optimal care. Working with other service providers and investing in the best resources will ensure you maintain a reputable patient-centered facility.