tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38031895368093691872024-03-13T01:56:27.213-04:00Waugh ConsultingRecognized experts in Long Term Care who help your loved ones through better facility management.Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-75779577348741999792013-05-14T16:12:00.000-04:002013-05-14T16:12:10.210-04:00ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND DEMENTIA<br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Diana believes that the key to behavior management lies in the ability to determine the resident's motivation for their actions, i.e. striking out at staff. Only when healthcare providers understand that motivation and then see their role as assisting the resident to reach their goal will success in reducing challenging behaviors, <a href="http://waughconsulting.info/products.aspx" target="_blank">without the use of antipsychotics</a>, be realized.</span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Diana offers many practical and immediately useable tips for behavior management of individuals with dementia.</span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Although each recommendation is priceless (just ask Diana!) here are a few that Diana would suggest that you commit to memory:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">ALL BEHAVIOR IS MOTIVATED. </b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">1. Freedom from the use of antipsychotic medications to manage a resident behavior will occur only when facility staff are empowered to look at the person's motivation for their actions. </b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Unless and until the staff address the person's motivation for their actions, managing challenging behaviors will continue to be seen as a failure to staff members. Although it is a well-known fact that antipsychotics are not indicated for use with individuals with dementia, lack of alternative interventions continues to plague long term care professionals. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">HOW WOULD YOU MANAGE THESE BEHAVIORS?</b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">1. The resident strikes out at caregivers. </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">This is one of the "reasons" we used to support the use of antipsychotics. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Diana suggests </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">often the behavior is motivated by the staff's approach and conversation. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Learning what the striking out behavior means coupled with appropriate communication techniques will lead to determining the root cause and providing vital information on how the staff can alter their approach. This results in a successful outcome for both the person and the staff member. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">2. A resident likes to sit on the floor instead of sitting in a chair.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">There is a faction at the facility that believes she should not sit on the floor and have instituted restraining shoulder harnesses to keep her sitting in a chair instead.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Diana suggests </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">let her sit on the floor! Care plan it. Have a Physical Therapist perform an assessment on her ability to get on the floor and then get back up to determine where she will need help. Then outline a plan to help her to meet her goal successfully.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">3. A resident gets very upset when we try to bath her.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Currently we have quite a "battle" with her. Not only is it challenging for her, it is very challenging for staff.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Diana suggests </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">several alternatives</span><b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">. </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Consider rinse-less soap; changing the words you use from "shower" to "bath"; reducing bathing from a total bath to washing body areas that cause odors such as hair and perineum; involving her is an activity where she gets "dirty" such as kneading bread or replanting a plant.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; min-height: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>RESOURCES</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; min-height: 12px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">1. The five hundred pound gorilla in the room is the percentage of residents in a facility with </b><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/FAQs.aspx" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Cognitive Loss</b></span></a><b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">. </b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; min-height: 12px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The national average is approximately 80%. There is no diagnosis, syndrome or symptom that affects any where near that many residents. Long term care staff members must become dementia experts if care is to meet the unique needs of this population.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">2. Knowing a resident’s cognitive functional age is vital.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Two standardized and validated tests are: ALLEN COGNITIVE LEVELS </span><a href="http://www.allen-cognitive-network.org/" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">www.allen-cognitive-network.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> and RCCT </span><a href="http://%20www.clocktestrcct.com/" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">www.clocktestrcct.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">. For more information on these tests, please visit these two websites.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Want to ask Diana a specific question? Visit her <a href="http://waughconsulting.info/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Contact Us</span></a> page and ask away!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-85540953023690282562013-04-22T16:01:00.000-04:002013-04-24T09:37:47.902-04:00WHAT DO I SAY? - I’m good for nothing!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A family member recently asked me how in the world to respond to this comment made by her loved one with memory loss: </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>“I’M GOOD FOR NOTHING ANYMORE.”</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Comments such as this are troublesome and very frustrating for both of you.</span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The initial, and normal, reaction is to disagree with them with a response such as “Oh no, that’s not true.</span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">You’re still valuable to me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Unfortunately that doesn’t sit well! It sounds like you are denying their feelings at best or arguing with them at worst. The reaction often is increased frustration for all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">There </span><b style="font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0px;">IS </b><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">a more successful approach.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Begin by meeting them where they are and showing you understand their feelings. Remember with me a time in your life when you offered information to someone and they immediately told you that you were wrong. Didn’t feel good I’ll bet. Now add the dimension of memory loss. The individual already feels a loss and a reply that doesn’t acknowledge that their information had value quickly heads the conversation south!</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Sometimes your body language speaks louder than your words and will tell them you disagree with them. Try using a caring, warm facial expression coupled with leaning toward them to demonstrate you heard them and do care what they are saying.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The next step is to make a comment such as “That must make you feel sad”; or “That’s got to frustrate you.”; or “Sounds like you are feeling really down.” No need to rush, simply allow your concern to show. Many times they will tell you more of what they are thinking.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know you then want to say something. Try a comment such as “I was thinking of the time you taught me to make perfect pie crust,” or “I was thinking how you held my hand when I was learning how to fish.” Sit quietly and allow them to “feel” your support.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Your goal of course is calm, enjoyable conversations and going where they are is often the key.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-60860747566002706652012-11-26T16:13:00.000-05:002012-11-26T16:13:25.424-05:00THE PERFECT GIFT<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">We all want the time we spend with our loved ones to be fun and rewarding.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">With just a few alterations we can make the time spent with a person with memory loss truly fun for all.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Consider smaller get togethers of 1-4 people at a time</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Individuals with memory loss are often overwhelmed by large crowds. Often it is difficult if not impossible for them to interact with large numbers of people at the same time and they simply shut down and withdraw from the activity. We often see them sitting on the sidelines looking lost. When these feelings persist they often ask to leave shortly after have arrived.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Consider short visits of 30 minutes at a time</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It takes a lot of energy for the person with memory loss to “stay in the moment”. They will get tired very quickly as they strain to understand and be a part of the conversation. Again, the unwanted result is often their insistence on leaving.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Be prepared with topics from their past for conversation starters</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Conversations about current events often leave the person with memory loss “out of the loop”. Their short term memory loss makes it difficult if not impossible for them to understand and stay with a conversation that is focused on recent topics. Prepare prior to the visit by thinking of old stories or events from their past. Manage the conversation by bringing up a story that has potential meaning for them. If they remember the story they can join in. If they don’t remember the story, it was your story not theirs. The approach doesn’t frustrate them and allows them to maintain their dignity.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Refrain from the use of the words “No” and “Do you remember?”</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Often the person with memory loss will offer information that isn’t accurate. Telling them “No, that isn’t right” or correcting them will only make them feel inadequate and frustrate everyone. Learning to go with the flow will make the conversation much more pleasant. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Saying “Do You Remember”, when they are challenged by memory loss, often increases their feelings of inadequacy. You can bring up the same topic with a simple “I was thinking..." followed by the topic you want to address allows them to join in if they remember and keeps the pressure to remember off of their shoulders.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The gift of a rewarding conversation is indeed priceless!</span></span><br />
<div>
<h2>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
</h2>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-37601314331788847612012-08-20T11:57:00.002-04:002012-08-20T12:06:12.102-04:00DEMENTIA CARE - A TEAM APPROACH<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>I asked a colleague of mine if occupational therapy could be utilized to improve the lives of residents with dementia, she quickly and loudly answered “YES!” Lynn Dennie, COTA, was kind enough to provide the following description of the vital role therapy can play in managing the care of dementia clients at the same time addressing the potential of increased revenue through therapy. Following are her thoughts....</b></span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How many times has it been heard: “John is being treated...but he has dementia.”? What is being said when this statement is made? When a statement is made is there limitations made in client care and the revenue that can be generated as well? As the awareness of dementia grows, so does the cost in caring for clients with dementias, but are we leaving health care dollars on the table?</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The <b>Risk Factors</b> involved with dementia care are falls, skin integrity, dehydration/malnutrition and decreased socialization/interaction with others just to mention a few. These risk factors can all add up to added health care costs for all involved whether in nursing facilities, assisted living environment, or in a client’s home.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The costs related to care for the client with dementia can become a burden for all involved, causing us to work “harder instead of smarter”. With increased risk factors, the cost of care for dementia clients also increases. For example, risk factors lead to increased risk documentation (incident reports), increased need for safety equipment, increased use of medications (as warranted through documentation), and can ultimately increase the need for more staff to monitor the dementia clients safety, producing a feeling at times of “chasing the tail”. Not only do cost accelerate, but slowly the approach of staff/care givers become reactionary instead of proactive. This can lead to loss of staff retention due to “burn out”, and costs associated with proper replacement of staff.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So the question remains, what can be done? It begins with accurate assessment of the individual with dementia. Therapy can be utilized to assist in decreasing associated risk factors, such as falls; thereby strengthening the components associated with therapeutic interventions with set protocols, and staff/family education. Decreasing risk factors has the potential, then, to decrease healthcare costs.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>What is the result of Instituting Dementia Interventions?</b> Through consistent dementia assessment and programming, there can be a decrease in cost factors, a staff focused on being proactive, increased client/family satisfaction which will lead to increased in overall reputation and as an end result enhances census development. Finally, a facility’s financial performance is enhanced by revenues obtained by therapy. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Tahoma; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So are we leaving those health care dollars on the table? We are when we do not meet the needs of the dementia client. However, when therapeutic interventions address risk factors as well as when specialized dementia programming is implemented, a facility’s revenues can be enhanced and in turn operational costs reduced.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-22040341320512076182012-04-30T16:03:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:03:38.824-04:00<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MAKE PHYSICIAN CALLS PRODUCTIVE</span></h2>
I want to tell you about another great tool to assist you in assuring that the information you share with physicians is accurate and valuable. In a previous blog I told you able the KNOW IT ALL BEFORE YOU CALL tool from AMDA. <br />
<br />
They now have a companion piece called KNOW IT ALL WHEN YOU'RE CALLED. This excellent tool contains the same questions you will be answering enabling the physician to follow you and get all of the information you are sharing. Take a look at both tools at <a href="http://amda.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://amda.com</span></a>. <br />
<br />
These tools will empower both the nurses and the physicians to communicate effectively with the desired goal of addressing the clinical needs of the individual without rehospitalization.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-58986522219659185052011-09-07T12:47:00.007-04:002011-09-08T09:00:16.044-04:00Long Term Care: THEN AND NOW<p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Ever said, “Just give me back the good old days”? Let’s take a look at what was good about those old days.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">The year is 1990. The “new” OBRA regulations had just gone into effect. Our world of long term care was reeling and we were very busy trying to get our hands around what were the items the surveyors would be asking. Sure, we had regulations, but we were pretty comfortable with them and had learned how to work with surveyors successfully.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">We were giving good care with the knowledge we had at that time. Most of the elderly folks presented with physical limitations. Those limitations were in ambulation, transferring and eating and we knew how to help them.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Many nursing homes were small and family owned where everyone knew the residents and their families from their community. Often the owner and the staff were personal friends with the folks from the community. The care was truly focused on the person.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Times have changed...or have they?<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;"><span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/ContactUs.aspx"><b style="font-size: large; ">Contact us today to receive a </b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">complimentary</span></b></i><b style="font-size: large; "> copy of Long Term Care practices still used today! Clearing out my VHS tapes and would like to see them used if you still have a VHS player!</b></a></span><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">REGULATIONS: The laws governing nursing homes haven’t changed since 1990. We have learned how to meet those requirements. We have learned how to support our practice with evidence-based information. I often hear caregivers agree that the regulations speak to the kind of care they want for themselves when and if they become “residents”. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">KNOWLEDGE: Sure there are new techniques and new approaches that we have learned. But we now have computers where we can find information with the click of a key. We have education available from a much wider variety of sources to keep us “up to date”.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">STAFF: As I travel the country I continue to find the vast majority of staff members do care deeply for those entrusted to their care. Yes, the facilities are now owned by big companies, but the staff are still from the community they serve; they still know the folks as the people from their community. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">RESIDENTS: Sure, the physical acuity of our residents has increased drastically. The number of residents with cognitive loss has compounded the challenges we are now asked to meet. But they are still folks from our community. They still are seeking to be known as individuals. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">WHAT HASN’T CHANGED? We are still people caring for people. The residents are still looking for someone to know them and provide care that meets their needs. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">The “good” we talk about from the “old days” is the same now as it was back then. I believe if we focus on our service to the people we will find the exact things that were important “back then” are still the things that make the difference. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">In the final analysis it’s not about focusing on meeting regulations but on meeting the needs of people. That focus worked back in 1990 and it works today.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:verdana;"><a style="font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/ContactUs.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Clearing out my stock of VHS tapes - so contact us today to receive a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">complimentary</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> copy of Long Term Care practices still in use today</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">.</span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-55293107208731478552011-04-06T10:49:00.005-04:002011-04-06T11:42:04.635-04:00KNOW IT ALL BEFORE YOU CALLThe time to "know it all" before you consider readmitting a resident to the hospital is here. <div><br /></div><div>I want to share with you a wonderful tool that will empower your nursing staff to effectively communicate with the physician regarding the resident's condition prior to the consideration of readmission.</div><div><br /></div><div>A review of the new publication from AMDA entitled <a href="http://www.amda.com/resources/print.cfm#KIAC">KNOW IT ALL BEFORE YOU CALL</a> reveals a step by step approach to gathering the vital information the physician needs to determine their course of action. It provides an easy to follow list of data that needs to be provided during the nurse-physician collaboration. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I ran the world (always keep hoping!) I would highly recommend a copy of this dynamic tool be available on every nursing station. As a fellow nurse, I appreciate the need to share appropriate, to the point resident information with the physician. It can reduce "call backs", frustration and most importantly decreases the time needed to explain the resident's medical status. </div><div><br /></div><div>Simply click on the tile of this blog to be connected to the AMDA products page for this publication.</div><div><br /></div><div>Knowledge is power and sharing it is rewarding to nurses, physicians and the resident.</div><div><br /></div><div>Get your copy now!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-91299831342044997282011-03-22T08:34:00.007-04:002011-03-23T10:13:03.185-04:00ANOTHER CASE AGAINST ALARMS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am very concerned about the increase in the use of personal and bed alarms in long term care facilities. In my opinion, we have exchanged physical restraints for psychological restraints in the form of devices that emit an annoying noise when the resident moves. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We say they are valuable to "alert" us. That seems to fall in the category of staff convenience at best as the alarm serves as a means of notification of an incident rather than prevention of an incident. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What about the effect of the alarm on the resident? If it works at all to stop an action it does so by psychological intimidation. An archaic approach at best. Actually an approach that is not sanctioned even when working with possible criminals. Since we never use alarms on alert oriented residents, the problem is simply compounded by the resident's dementia. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So the bottom line is we take a person who already is having problems understanding their environment and make them buzz when they move. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Recently there was an interesting article discussing ALARM FATIGUE for hospital staff members. Take a moment to review the video and the article and then please consider the rampant use of these devices in the care of the elderly.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Simply </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">click on the title of this blog</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to read the Boston Globe article on ALARM FATIGUE IN HOSPITALS.</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-5990384902111226452010-11-10T12:37:00.003-05:002010-11-10T12:55:20.460-05:00FAMILY CAREGIVERS SEMINAR11/9/10 Diana was honored to be a part of a dynamic seminar hosted by <a href="http://www.seniorindependence.org/">Senior Independence Home Health & Hospice, Toledo, Ohio</a>. Caring for a loved one with cognitive loss is demanding and often offers frustration to the caregivers. The family caregivers attending the seminar were pleased to learn a wide variety of techniques to increase the value of their conversations including 1) Never say "NO" and 2) Capture stories from the person's past that are enjoyable. Each participant received a copy of Diana's book I WAS THINKING and began completing it during the seminar.<br /><br />Diana shared that knowing how to begin conversations makes all the difference in the outcome. Family members shared that although they had made some of the common mistakes in the past, such as starting a conversation with a short-term memory question, they felt ready to try a new approach. They left the seminar empowered to "give it another try."<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-17938316312662698022010-10-11T17:21:00.008-04:002011-04-06T11:29:20.888-04:00TALK TO ME!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana has presented this dynamic and fun seminar across the USA to scores of long term care professionals. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As expected, Diana offered many practical and immediately useable tips to assist staff members in talking with each other. When communication is effective the </span></span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">quality of the resident care</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> skyrockets! The basis of person-centered care is grounded in successful staff to staff communication.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Although each recommendation is priceless (just ask Diana!), here are a few that Diana would suggest you commit to memory:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. When you see a behavior, don't play amateur psychologist.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Your first thought needs to be "I don't know what they are thinking". Then stating the behavior you see allows the other person to tell you what they are thinking.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. Success in dealing with a negative co-worker requires the implementation of a simple 5 step approach. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. Talking behind a co-workers back is acceptable ONLY AFTER you have first told the person that you plan to talk behind their back!</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. Be a role model for the negative person, by eliminating negative talk in your communication.</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5. When giving another person directions, assure they got your message by stating "Could you please repeat back to me what I told you to make sure I GOT IT RIGHT." Not "to see if YOU got it right."</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What would you do if....</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. A co-worker says "We never have enough linen."</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana suggests</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that you assist the person in gathering facts to support their position prior to taking the issue forward to the person who can truly assist you.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. A co-worker gives you information and requests your assistance.</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana suggests</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that you follow-up after the issue is solved you value their involvement and to demonstrate that you cared about their efforts.<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana's DVD </span></span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/seemeinaction.aspx#talk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">TALK TO ME!</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> is entertaining but oh so valuable in teaching additional simple and effective communication techniques.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Want to ask Diana a specific question? Visit her </span></span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/contactus.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CONTACT US</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> page and ask away!</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-90590258095621881762010-10-11T14:56:00.014-04:002011-04-06T11:47:40.049-04:00VISITS WITH VALUE!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana Waugh has presented the VISITS WITH VAUE program more than 35 times to over 3000 enthusiastic long term care providers in 13 states.</span></span></p></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One of her rewarding events was when she traveled with the </span></span><a href="http://www.alz.org/greatplains"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> speaking at four locations across Nebraska and Wyoming to over 150 family members and 240 long term care healthcare professionals. </span></span></p></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; "><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; "><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She was also interviewed by Cathy Blythe of KFOR in Lincoln, NE. It was energetic and helpful. Here's the link to listen to a </span></span><a href="http://podcast.kfor1240.com/kfor2/2586450.mp3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">portion of that interview</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><b><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><b><b><b><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><b><b><b><b><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b></div></b></b></b></b></b></b></div></b></b></b></b></b></div></b></b></b></b></b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As expected, Diana offered many practical and immediately useable tips to assist staff members in teaching residents' families and friends how to have successful conversations with their loved one with cognitive loss. Maintaining a calm contented atmosphere during visits leads to </span></span><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/families.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">increased resident and family satisfaction.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><p></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; "><b><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></b></b></p><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Although each recommendation is priceless (just ask Diana!) here are a few that Diana would suggest that you commit to memory:</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. Empower families by explaining that short-term memory questions often lead to increased anxiety for the resident.</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. Encourage families to refrain from the use of the words "NO" and "DO YOU REMEMBER?"</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. Help families explore the remaining strengths their loved one possesses. Often the focus is on what's missing not on what strengths the resident still exhibits.</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. Teach families through demonstration of successful conversation techniques utilizing the resident's long term memories.</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Assist family members with their homework to capture the stories and likes of their loved one.</span></span></b></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What Would You Do if....</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. A resident continues to ask for their husband who is deceased.</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana would suggest</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you teach them to say "Tell me the neatest thing about your husband." Reminiscing with good memories about their loved one will fill their five minute concentration span with pleasant memories while the hope is they will leave the topic contented.</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. A family is distressed because their mother doesn't remember the new grand child.</span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana suggests</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that you use the phrase "I was thinking about my new grand child, Tommy." If their mother recalls the child they will join in the conversation. If not, the story belongs to the family member and does not demand that their mother "remember." </span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana's </span></span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/seemeinaction.aspx#visits"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DVD VISITS WITH VALUE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> gives additional tips as you demonstrate your knowledge as a dementia expert with family members.</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Want to ask Diana a specific question? Visit her </span></span><a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info/contactus.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CONTACT US </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">page and ask away!</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-156515286807781272010-10-05T11:26:00.026-04:002011-04-06T11:48:29.629-04:00HEY HELP ME HERE!<p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:15.8333px;"><b></b></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana believes that the key to behavior and falls management lies in the ability to determine the resident's motivation for their actions. Only when healthcare providers understand that motivation and then see their role as assisting the resident to reach their goal will success in reducing challenging behaviors be realized.</span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; "><b><b><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></b></b></b></p><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As expected, Diana offered many practical and immediately useable tips for behavior management as it relates to </span></span><span style="color:#3300ff;"><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/Home.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">quality care for residents in long term care facilities</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; "><b><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></b></b></p><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Although each recommendation is priceless (just ask Diana!) here are a few that Diana would suggest that you commit to memory:</span></span></p></b></b></b></b><b><p></p></b><p></p><b><p></p><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. ALL BEHAVIOR IS MOTIVATED.</span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. A fall is nothing more than the result of a motivated behavior. </span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. Unless and until the staff focus in on "Why they are getting up", managing falls and challenging behaviors will continue to be seen as a failure to staff members.</span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><b><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></b></b></b></p><b><b><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p></b></b></b></b></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; min-height: 11px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></b></p><b><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. The five hundred pound gorilla in the room is the percentage of residents in a facility with </span></span></b><span style="color:#3300ff;"><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/FAQs.aspx"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cognitive Loss</span></span></b></a></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The national average is approximately 80%. There is no diagnosis, syndrome or symptom that affects any where near that many residents. Long term care staff members must become dementia experts if care is to meet the unique needs of this population.</span></span></p></b></b></b></b></b><b><b><p></p></b></b><b><p></p></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p></p></b><p></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; min-height: 11px; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5. Knowing a resident’s cognitive functional age is vital.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Two standardized and validated tests are: ALLEN COGNITIVE LEVELS </span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><a href="http://www.allen-cognitive-network.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.allen-cognitive-network.org</span></span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and RCCT </span></span><a href="http:// www.clocktestrcct.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><span style="text-decoration: underline ; "><a href="http:// www.clocktestrcct.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.clocktestrcct.com</span></span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. For more information on these tests, please visit these two websites.</span></span></p></b></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6. Freedom from the use of both physical and psychological restraints as devices to manage a resident behavior will occur only when there is a facility policy in place requiring that these devices are not utilized</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. By having such a policy in place a precident will be set to focus on the resident's need rather than using external devices to change an internal motivation.</span></span></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7. With the "no devices" policy in place, the staff must determine the resident's motivation for moving and then HELP THEM REACH THEIR GOAL, not to stop them - which has been the practice.</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What Would You Do For These Residents?</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. A resident likes to sit on the floor instead of sitting in a chair. She does not have cognitive loss.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> There is a faction at the facility that believes she should not sit on the floor and have instituted restraining shoulder harnesses to keep her sitting in a chair instead. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; color:#3300ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana suggests </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">let her sit on the floor! Care plan it. Have a Physical Therapist perform an assessment on her ability to get on the floor and then get back up to determine where she will need help. Then outline a plan to help her to meet her goal successfully.</span></span></p></b></b><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana's DVD </span></span><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/SeeMeInAction.aspx#help"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HEY HELP ME HERE!</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> will provide you with other alternatives.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. A resident gets very upset when we try to bath her.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Currently we have quite a "battle" with her. Not only is it challenging for her, it is very challenging for staff. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana suggests </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">several alternatives</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Consider rinse-less soap; changing the words you use from "shower" to "bath"; reducing bathing from a total bath to washing body areas that cause odors such as hair and perineum; involving her is an activity where she gets "dirty" such as kneading bread or replanting a plant.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Diana's DVD </span></span><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/SeeMeInAction.aspx#bathing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BATHING MADE EASY</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> can give you additional possible interventions.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Want to ask Diana a specific question? Visit her </span></span><a href="http://waughconsulting.info/ContactUs.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Contact Us</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> page and ask away!</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:20px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Arial; min-height: 11.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><b></b><br /></p></b><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-30789314186445494032010-08-16T16:42:00.006-04:002010-10-11T15:31:09.959-04:00Falls in Nursing Home Residents<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The single biggest challenge facing nursing home staff is the <a href="http://www.waughconsulting.info">management of resident falls</a>. Over the years we have tried using restraints to STOP residents from moving. It didn't work--they fought to get out of the restraint, fell and often suffered serious injuries. Injuries that we were trying to prevent through the use of the restraint. We are currently trying to make them "buzz when they move" with the use of personal alarms - it's not working! We erroneously think that we can manage their behavior with the addition of an external, negative stimulus when they move. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It is true that CMS has taken a very firm stand against the use of physical restraints. The use of restraints is captured on the MDS and reviewed by CMS with the resulting emphasis on reducing restraint use to less than 3% nationally by 2011. You will see data stating that that national goal has been met. It is true that the use of physical restraints has been reduced.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, the use of alarms is sky rocketing. Unfortunately their use is NOT captured on any government document and therefore has not surfaced as a national "area of concern". The negative effects FOR THE RESIDENT as a psychological restraint are just starting to be discussed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think the saddest aspect of this approach is these devices are used with residents who already have lost some or all of their cognitive functionality. Not only have they lose their ability to think clearly but their dignity is drastically reduced with this attempt to "help" them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The answer to mitigating falls lies in understanding the person's motivation for moving. After all, if they didn't move, they wouldn't fall! Unless and until we focus on determining the person's reason for moving AND then use our skills to help them meet their need, not STOP them as we have done in the past, we will continue to be unsuccessful in managing falls.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My approach is truly centered on the person. I work with caregivers across our nation to increase assessments that focus on WHO the person is as a social being. Only when we know who they are, not simply their medical challenges, will we be able to address the motivation that prompted the behaviors that lead to a fall. However, once the person is put into the picture, we have more tools than we can ever imagine to capture their attention, redirect their attention, manage (not control) their behaviors and begin to realize success in reducing falls by addressing the motivation to move.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I stand ready to talk with you as you work toward a truly restraint free environment in which residents aren't physically or psychologically restrained while providing days with purpose and less falls, for those entrusted to our care.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Please feel free to enlist my help via this blog as you address the biggest challenge we face in long term care - residents who fall.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803189536809369187.post-36409490737974014022010-08-02T17:37:00.004-04:002010-10-11T15:31:09.959-04:00Open for Discussions!LET'S GET STARTED!<br /><br />As Waugh Consulting steps into the 21st century, we are proud to announce our new blog! It is our goal to assist caregivers, both professionals and family caregivers, as they work with elderly clients. <br /><br />First we'd like to share the beliefs that drive our work:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VALUE</span><br />A life with purpose.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VISION</span><br />Commitment to educate staff and caregivers to the level of expert in long term care.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MISSION</span><br />In fulfillment of this vision we are accessible nationally to provide:<br />seminars presented in a straightforward yet humorous manner while offering innovative solutions with creative ideas for ongoing improvement educational materials that are reality based and immediately usable individual consultation with both professional and family member caregivers dealing with elders with cognitive loss.<br /><br />Whether you are a professional caregiver working in a setting serving the elderly, or you are a family caregiver dealing with a elderly loved one, we stand ready to discuss challenges and concerns with you.<br /><br />Please feel free to use our blog to post questions, thoughts and/or concerns and we'll share our knowledge and expertise for your consideration.<br /><br />Here's to working together to address the challenges we face.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Diana Waugh is a recognized expert in the betterment of long term care of your loved ones. For more information please visit here website at www.waughconsulting.info</div>Waugh Consultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02813150372672453125noreply@blogger.com2