Unnecessary Medications (survey tag F329) is a top ten regulatory citation in skilled nursing facilities. With antipsychotic use still high, pressure is on facilities to reduce their medications, particularly psychotropic medications. One solution is to partner with a psychiatric provider to monitor medications and reduce behaviors. Encounter’s providers specialize in medication management and continuously...
We found Dr. Robert Figlerski’s list of challenges and strategies in treating psychiatric patients in a long-term care setting, originally published in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, enlightening. Challenges: Demographic shifts—when staff training doesn’t keep up with patient needs. Confusion over how to properly use psychotropic medications (such as antipsychotics.) Confusion and misinformation about non-drug...
Telehealth has grown rapidly over the past few years. 76% of health systems are expected to have implemented telehealth by the end of 2018, according to a survey held by Teladoc. However, many misconceptions have grown up around telehealth. In a February 26 webcast, Roy Schoenberg, MD, president, CEO and co-founder of American Well,...
Caring for a chronically ill family member can be taxing; not only physically, but emotionally. No matter how much you love the person you are caring for, you still may find yourself feeling exhausted, stressed, or alone. You may not sleep well any more, or find yourself snapping at people over the most insignificant...
The Kentucky State Senate passed SB 112 February 26 and was recently signed into law by Gov. Matt Bevin; this bill will allow doctors anywhere in the world to see patients in Kentucky, as long as the doctor is licensed in Kentucky. This bill was designed to encourage adoption of telehealth technologies, particularly for...
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds recently signed a bill that will require health insurance to cover telehealth services to the same extent as comparable services not offered by telehealth into law. The law takes effect January 1, 2019 and will affect any insurance policy delivered, issued or reissued after that date. Since this law (passed...
We’ve all heard the potential mental health effects that meditation can bring to the table. Whether you’re worried about concentration or relaxation, it’s time to weigh the benefits to see if meditation is a good fit for your life. Does it Really Work? It’s the question everyone asks, but it depends on if...
Our brains are constantly recording memories. This makes recalling memories much more challenging over time. Fortunately, we found some quick fixes to helping recall memories more easily. Retraining your memory can do incredible things to improve focus, concentration and overall mental health. We have been highlighted some simple ways to get better at remembering:...
On January 18, Governor Hickenlooper of Colorado and Governor Martinez of New Mexico signed the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) bills, one day prior to their implementation. This brings the total of eNLC states to 29. What is eNLC? eNLC allows nurses licensed under eNLC to provide care to patients in any eNLC...
For committed gardeners, going outside and putting on gloves in preparation to dig can be enough to make their spirits rise. However, research suggests it’s more than just joy to work in your garden again that can offer a mood boost. What is Horticultural Therapy? The Therapeutic Landscapes Network defines horticultural therapy as...
