The daily challenges you face as an LTC professional are astounding. Providing superior resident care while balancing ever-tightening budgets, and complying with stringent federal and state regulations, is an immense responsibility. And as the nation's largest generation continues to age, the pressure put on long term care services will only increase.

In 1994, nearly 9 million U.S. adults were using long term care - 72% were over 65 years old. As the boom in aging Americans continues, the need for long term care will skyrocket, making it essential your facility is prepared to answer increased demands for healthcare services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) predicts that by 2030 the number of elderly Americans receiving Medicare will soar to an estimated 68.2 million.

The Importance of Providing Clinical Care

Caring for your residents - it's the most important job you have, and also where you're likely to spend most of your budget. According to a U.S. Government Accounting Office survey (GAO-02-431R) that tracked operating costs for facilities in Ohio, Washington and Mississippi, the majority of operating costs were focused on resident care. The survey went on to identify nursing expenditures as the most significant expense per resident, per day. And as the population of seniors increases, the level of your clinical care will as well.

Providing services that ensure the comfort, safety and well-being of your residents helps support the success of your facility. Not only will your residents be content while in your care, their families will be confident their loved ones are well taken care of, building your facility's reputation. That's why it is essential your facility and staff are prepared with cutting-edge technology, reliable equipment and accurate assessment tools to provide superior care for every resident's needs. The improved clinical care these tools deliver helps keep your residents safe and protects your facility from costly F-Tag citations and liability.

New Technologies Increase your Ability to Provide Clinical Care

Facilities are implementing numerous helpful strategies for your most important responsibility - resident care. New technologies are constantly being developed to help you tackle several of your biggest care challenges. Some of these cutting edge solutions are available today to help you with pressure management and diagnostic assessment.

Pressure Management Solutions

Cushions & Positioners
By adding the right cushion to your resident's wheelchair, you'll create a comfortable, pressure-reducing environment that protects your residents from painful pressure ulcers. Plus, you'll ensure residents stay properly positioned in their chairs, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the day.

Foam & Powered Mattresses
With exclusive features that address prevention through Stage IV pressure ulcers, foam and powered mattresses will better support your residents, advance your clinical care and increase confidence in your facility - all while helping you comply with F-Tag 314.

Recliners
With resident-focused designs, supportive recliners help increase independence, ensure safety and reduce pressure. In fact, residents previously labeled as bedridden can safely socialize in a recliner, because these chairs evenly distribute weight to reduce pressure and provide proper positioning.

Diagnostic Assessment

Noninvasive Ultrasound Technology
Noninvasive ultrasound units measure reflections in the body to differentiate the bladder from surrounding tissues, and create 3-D images of the bladder. The instrument then automatically calculates and displays bladder volume on an easy-to-read LCD screen. It requires only minimal training to use, and can immediately become an effective tool in managing incontinence. This ultrasound technology is advancing incontinence care. The accurate, noninvasive bladder volume measurements it provides help clinicians create retraining plans and customized toileting schedules, and reduces the need for painful catheterizations. Plus, this technology helps LTC facilities comply with the updated F-Tag 315.

PT/INR Monitors
A recent Harvard Heart Letter (July, 2006) reveals that weekly PT/INR testing reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and deepvein thrombosis by 50%, and significantly reduces potentially serious bleeding. Easy-to-use PT/INR monitors quickly record and store accurate blood thickness readings used to adjust anticoagulation therapy. Hand-held units provide highly accurate results in just minutes, and eliminate the waiting - and cost - required with sending blood samples to a lab.

Vital Signs Monitors
These noninvasive tools are painless for residents, easy for staff to use and often provide your first indication of a change in your resident's health. Many units provide pulse oximetry, blood pressure readings and thermometry all in one convenient tool. Plus, the extreme efficiency of these units frees up more time for your staff to spend on resident care, resulting in maximum resident comfort and enhanced quality of life.

For more ways to upgrade your resident care services, call Direct Supply at 1-800-634-7328.

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Direct Supply Product Sidebars- What we have that can assist You...

PANACEA® ORIGINAL MATTRESSES - our most popular pressure-reducing mattress for wound management

• Three layers of foam provide comfortable, effective pressure reduction and redistribution
• Built-in solid foam side rails make for easier transfers and help prevent falls
• Four-way stretch cover is low shear, antimicrobial and waterproof
• Concealed zipper prevents skin tears and protects foam from liquids
• Meets entrapment guidelines when used with beds from Direct Supply

BLADDERSCAN® BVI 3000 - with onboard printer for simple and immediate documentation

• LCD screen clearly displays bladder volume with no user interpretation required
• Includes onboard printer for immediate documentation
• Transports easily with optional rolling cart
• Operates on one 7.2V NiMH battery pack (two included) for six hours of continuous use; charger included

By: Joe Crum, Associate Director of Product Management, Direct Supply Inc.