Emerging Technologies with Long-Term Care and Alzheimer's Disease

HCA 480

April Cinco, Hemen, Tefera, Gabriel Rollins

Grandpa Ben has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. For awhile, he has been staying with his granddaughter Katie. However, Katie lives alone and goes to work and has noticed a lot of aggressive behaviors and anxiety from Ben. Katie has been under a lot of stress because her grandfather is constantly wandering off and has an increase of care needs.

She also fears her home is not safe and if he's not constantly watched he might fall and get injured somewhere. Finally, she decided it was time to consider moving her loved one to an assisted living facility.

After a lot of research, discussing it with health care providers, and visiting numerous facilities,

Katie found the best place for grandpa Ben...

Grandpa Ben, I am so proud of you for being so brave. I understand you are going through a lot and that this is a challenging transition for you but I assure you this place guarantees your best safety and needs.

At Katie's house

What place? I am home?

....My name is Ben right?

Katie and Grandpa Ben drive over to We Care Nursing Home

Welcome Ben and Katie to We Care Nursing Home! My name is Jones, I am the administrator of this nursing home. As you can see there are many rooms in this facility.

...Please follow me.

As Katie and Ben follow Jones down the halls of We Care Nursing Home, Ben forgets what they are doing here and starts to get anxiety.

He then begins to wander off...

Why yes dear! I also love seeing new faces here.

Hi there! You seem a bit lost, take my hand everything is going to be okay.

Please allow me to introduce Mary. She is one of the nurses here and will be showing you to your room along with getting you acquainted with the facility.

Before I let you go, do you have any questions for me?

Yes, will he be covered by Medicare or Medicaid?

Excellent question Katie. Even though Medicare covers people 65 years and older,

since Ben has Alzheimers's Disease this is a custodial long-term care. However, since you are being admitted under the care in a nursing home. you are eligible to apply for Medicaid.

In order to apply for Medicaid, you must contact your local department of health and include the following information:

-monthly income, where you live, members of household, savings, and medical expenses.

If approved, it will cover only a portion of nursing home costs.

Please be aware that not every nursing home will accept Medicaid.

They have the option, if qualified, to receive long-term care services in their homes.

However, if you are approved, our nursing home will accept Medicaid.

Ben, this will be your room during your stay at We Care Nursing Home.

Wait, is this a nursing home? Or a skilled nursing home?

Many people get that mixed up. There is a difference between a skilled nursing home and a nursing home. Skilled nursing homes are a special care that includes senior care. However, because they offer services such as speech pathologist, rehabilitation, audiologist, and more specialized care. They are otherwise known as post- acute care. Skilled nursing homes also offer patients non medical assistance.

A nursing home, which is where you are, is very similar to a skilled nursing home. The care under nursing homes are permanent custodial needs specified for the needs of each patient for their most efficient care and recovery. Custodial care can take place in any facility or home and are involved with aiding in daily activities (ADLs):

bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you for clarifying!

When we came here to visit the facility, the admissions director mentioned many technologies that are used to assist care givers and residents with dementia.

Yes, we use many technologies to help patients with Alzheimers disease. I will explain in detail.

Across the United States, more than 5 million people suffer with Alzheimers and Dementia. Patient's with Alzheimers pass through different stages and their care providers will need to change their treatment to comply with disease progression.

Fall Prevention System

Bed and chair alarm used to get residents the help they need during emergency

Electronic Medication Administration Record

It is a software system that can be downloaded on laptops, tablets, and phones to record residents dose of medicine during drug round

Wander Management System

It allows long term facility staff to be aware of the locations of residents at all times.

Why aren't side rails being used to prevent patients from falling off their beds?

Many people are not aware of how dangerous bed rails can be. Major cause of injury and death in hospitals and nursing homes occurs from the use of bed rails. Over 50 percent of FDA-reported bed rail injuries have resulted in the patient's death.

We are aware of how dangerous bed rails can be. That's why we decided not to use them at WE CARE NURSING HOME.