Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Medical staff and organizations  replying to reviews must comply with HIPPA

Medical staff and organizations  responding to Yelp reviews must observe HIPAA rules

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 | By Susan D. Hall
Healthcare providers who have responded to poor reviews on sites such as Yelp have run into trouble with the HIPAA privacy rule for addressing specific complaints, ProPublica reports.
While providers can speak generally about how they practice, the rule bars the release of any personal health information without permission.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Can't decide what kind of care needed - AgingCare.com

Can't decide what kind of care need or stay at home - AgingCare.com:



 In 2014, there were 618 AAAs serving older adults in virtually every community in the nation. In the few states without a AAA infrastructure?those with small populations or sparsely populated land areas?the state
serves the AAA function.

One of the OAA’s foundational principles is that the programs and services created to help support consumers in their homes and communities are customized to meet their individual needs. There’s nothing one-size-fits-all about AAAs or what they offer their clients!

How to Connect With Your Local AAA All AAAs have local hotlines or websites to provide consumers with information and assistance, so if you know the name of your local AAA, start there. Alternatively, you can find a AAA by zip code via the Eldercare Locator’s website (www.eldercare.gov) or you can speak with an information specialist by calling 800.677.1116. The Eldercare Locator is a free national service funded by the U.S Administration for Community Living and administered by n4a.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Download Guide to Home Care

Download Guide to Home Care: Download Guide to Home Care

How to Manage Atrial Fibrillation - Heart Disease

How to Manage Atrial Fibrillation - Heart Disease: people who are generally healthy and have no known heart problems may develop atrial fibrillation due to high stress. Contemporary research suggests that approximately 54 percent of patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation cite psychological stress as the most common trigger. Source: American Heart Association


Manage your cholesterol
Manage your cholesterol
Heart problems like atherosclerosis (clogged, hardened arteries) and high cholesterol can worsen atrial fibrillation and put you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Stick to a low-fat, plant-based diet and exercise daily to keep your levels under control.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms in Family Caregivers - AARP

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms in Family Caregivers - AARP: Anxiety is what we experience when the worries are so numerous and intense that we can no longer think clearly. Our minds become fixated on worst-case scenarios and overwhelmed by feelings of fear and helplessness, even when real danger has passed. We have difficulty making decisions or interacting with our loved ones calmly. Our bodies, too, may suffer symptoms, such as palpitations, tremors and tense muscles.

Anxious caregivers, for all their good intentions, are often hobbled by their fears. But fear can be reduced to normal, manageable worries if we are willing to approach our anxiety as a treatable condition. 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Many organizations have their own unique concepts of patient friendly user focused policies.

"Patient Friendly Health Care"  Many organizations have their own unique concepts of patient friendly user focused policies. But the organizations apparently don't talk about and debate their organization's guidelines with others. Here is an independent knowledge discussion group, please  join in and  participate!

Personal observations; many do not address  the needs of people who are strangers to Health Care Providers (i.e.Physicians, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Rehab, and Other Care Services). Help develop patient focused policies and provider practices. Patients and visitors who are strangers to Nursing Homes hospitals, emergency departments, emergency rooms and the mind boggling array of titles not to mention inpatient and outpatient organization.
 Design responses and policies to manage patient confusion, fear, cognitive issues and inform clients of what to expect.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Home Health Care Definitions | by Maxim Homecare

Glossary of Terms

Choosing homecare for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult decision; it can be made more overwhelming when trying to understand frequently used terms in the homecare industry. Here is a list of commonly used words and phrases to assist you in understanding terminology for care.
ADLs - This stands for “activities of daily living” and includes basic activities of daily life.  Examples of ADLs include: bathing, dressing, eating, moving around, toileting, and walking. A home health aide, home health care nurse, or custodial care individual can assist with these activities.

Caregiver - A caregiver is someone who gives care to another person. There are two types of caregivers: medical caregivers and non-medical caregivers. Medical caregivers, such as registered nurses, provide assistance to patients with medical needs. Non-medical caregivers, such as home health aides, help individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) and companionship.

Caregiver agency - A caregiver agency is a company that specializes in hiring caregivers. Families can contact an agency to hire a caregiver for a loved one. Caregiver agencies specialize in long-term care, respite care, pediatric care, and other forms of caregiving.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Certified Nursing Assistants work closely with patients and are responsible for basic care services such as bathing, grooming, feeding, assisting nurses with medical equipment, and checking vital signs such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respirations. Exact certification requirements vary by state, but most include the completion of a certificate program and the passage of a certification exam.

Companion - A companion serves a non-medical role in a patient’s life. Maxim Companion Care Services caters to seniors, new and expectant parents, and other individuals. Companions perform duties such as reminder services (medications, dates, routines), assisting with mobility, providing companionship, preparing meals and feeding, escorting to appointments, organizing and reading mail, entertaining, and more.

Custodial care - Custodial care is similar to companion care. It is non-medical care that assists with ADLs.

Elder Care - Elder care, sometimes spelled eldercare, is care for aged individuals. It is also commonly referred to as geriatric care or senior care, and includes a wide range of care services, including help with ADLs.

Geriatric care - Geriatric care is care for aged or older individuals. The term “geriatric care” is often interchangeable with elder care or senior care.

Homecare - Homecare describes any form of care given within the home. This can range from care provided by a home health aide, home health nurse, companion, or caregiver and includes intermittent care, respite care, and home therapies. The term homecare covers both medical and non-medical forms of care.

Home health agency - A home health agency is an agency that provides home health care for individuals. These agencies are also often referred to as homecare agencies. Home health agencies help match a home health care professional with a patient in need of home health care.

Home health aide - A home health aide is a trained professional who provides non-medical health services. Home health aides primary tasks include personal care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living.

Home health care - Home health care is health care that occurs within one’s home. The term home health care and homecare are often interchanged; however, home health care refers to medical-related homecare while homecare encompasses all medical and non-medical homecare services.

Home health nurse - A home health nurse is a nurse that works in a homecare environment. This includes RNs and LPNs.

Intermediate care - Intermediate care is health care that is performed between primary care services and independent self-care.

Intermittent care - Intermittent care occurs when an individual is in need of infrequent medical assistance. Intermittent care caregivers may only be required for a couple of hours a day and a few days a week.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Licensed Practical Nurses are licensed nurses that are required to pass a licensing examination known as the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse).

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Licensed Practical Nurses are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses in California and Texas. These nurses can do both non-medical and some medical care, including wound care, vital sign measurements, patient record-keeping, and medication administration.

Medical Social Workers (MSW) - A medical social worker works with individuals who are in need of psychosocial assistance.

Occupational Therapist (OT) - Occupational therapists work with individuals living with mental, physical, and/or developmental disabilities and help them perform daily tasks.

Pediatric home health care - Pediatric home health care is home health care that is provided to children with illnesses and special needs.


Home Health Care Definitions | Maxim Homecare:

 Maxim Healthcare Services is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for our private duty nursing and certified home healthcare programs. The ACHC is a national, non-profit organization that provides voluntary accreditation programs for various providers, including home health and hospice agencies, home infusion companies, homecare aides, specialty pharmacies, and home medical equipment suppliers. The ACHC is firmly committed to requiring what is right and best for the patient.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

5 Apps That Are Revolutionizing How Medical Professionals Work | Barton Associates

5 Apps That Are Revolutionizing How Medical Professionals Work | Barton Associates: Emma Siemasko is a writer and marketing consultant who specializes in career advice, startups, and healthcare. She has contributed to a variety of healthcare publications, and enjoys the attention she gets when she visits a doctor or nurse.

Barton Associates   1.855.753.9617

ClinicalKey: A Search Engine for Providers Price: The app is free, but subscription costs vary. Available on iOS and Android.

Lexicomp: Trusted Drug Information Price: The app is free, but subscription costs vary. Available on iOS and Android.

NurseGrid: Scheduling Made Easy   Price: Free. Available on iOS and Android.

Micromedex: A Drug Reference Guide Price: The app is free, but a required subscription costs $2.99 per year. Available on iOS and Android.

UpToDate: The Latest Essential Inte  Price: The app is free, but subscription costs vary. Available on iOS and Android.

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For ClinicalKey, Lexicomp, Micromedex, and UpToDate, check with your employer before you buy a subscription ? if they already have access, you can likely use these apps for free