The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. Even though they are typically filled with joy and celebration, for some, it can be a period of sadness and isolation. It's important to recognize and empathize with those who may not have the same room for holiday cheer this season. Here at Prime Care Technologies, we understand that the holidays can bring about a large range of emotions, and we want to help. So, if you are feeling down during these colder and more unforgiving months, here is a list of some things that may help keep things afloat.

Get Outside: Taking a walk, going for a hike, or just getting some fresh air can be a great way to boost your mood and get some much-needed Vitamin D. Going outside and being in nature can help to reduce stress and ground yourself in the present moment. 

Exercise: Moving your body is another great way to boost your mood and find a sense of calm. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help you to feel better and more energized. 

Set a Routine: Having a routine in place can help you to stay focused and give you a sense of purpose. It can also help you to create a sense of structure and normalcy in your day. 

Talk to Someone: Connecting with someone can help you to feel less alone and can be a great way to release stress and emotions. Talking to a family member, friend, or therapist can help to lift your spirits and give you a much-needed sense of support. 

Take a Break: Taking a break from your daily activities can help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Whether that’s taking a short nap or going for a drive, taking a break can help to give yourself some much-needed time to relax and reset. 

Connect Virtually: If you are experiencing the holidays alone, connecting with someone virtually can help to give you a sense of connection. Video chatting with friends or family can help to lift your spirits and make you feel less alone.

As the days continue to get shorter, the temperatures drop, and the colors around us grow a little duller, it's easy to understand why this time of year can be difficult for so many, especially if you are somebody who is more inclined to soak up the sun than bundle up and hit the slopes. But just like everything else in life, this season will soon pass, and we hope the tips we provided above can help make the time fly by a little quicker. Stay warm and we hope you have an easy holiday season!

Don't be a Scrooge this holiday season! Set you and your facility up for success in 2024 by investing in some of the following tools: 

primeVIEW

Our all-in-one online dashboard like primeVIEW, which allows you to track important data relating to your near real-time census, as well as your labor, financial and clinical systems. When it comes to post-acute care, having QAPI compliant data like this at your fingertips is invaluable to running a smooth and meticulous operation. By offering your staff near real-time access anytime, online they can better understand the how, what, where, and when! This powerful tool enables senior living facilities to efficiently manage and monitor the care of their residents by streamlining communication and coordination among healthcare providers so residents receive timely and appropriate care. By staying on top of your facility operations through digital platforms like primeVIEW, you will not only make residents feel well-tended to, but the increased level of organization will help simplify your day-to-day workflow as well. When used in combination with our managed care MASTER, embedded alerts within the primeVIEW morning meeting dashboard will allow for vital information regarding services rendered. 

managed care MASTER

managed care MASTER is your online case and contract manager. It is a case-to-contract app that ensures you meet the quality care requirements of your payers while capturing every dollar promised in the contract. The software contains integrations to EHR, therapy, contracts and pharmacy costs, as well as calendar functionality, contract alerts, authorization tracking, and pre-admission cost out, to name a few features. Simply put, it includes comprehensive authorization and payment documentation for rendered services, optimizing your revenue and streamlining your case management. With managed care MASTER, say goodbye to outdated reports, paper trails and poor cross-disciplinary coordination! Furthermore, when paired with primeCLAIMS, users have access to further capabilities that ensure that all work provided is on the claim by matching the resident number in source system and DOS/AR.

primeCLAIMS

primeCLAIMS is your revenue cycle management app built for, and supported by, post-acute billers. Designed to automate and simplify the tedious processes associated with ensuring you get reimbursed for the dedicated care hours you provide to your communities, the efficiency our claims app brings will reduce the staff and time needed to make sure you get paid every dollar, every day. The primeCLAIMS dashboard contains payment requests and payer responses, from remittance to denial. With two-way PointClickCare EHR integration, coupled with other senior care customization, the app drives up efficiency and productivity, better serving long-term, post acute communities! In addition, bidirectional data between primeCLAIMS and primeVIEW allows for instant alerts if a claim is stuck in primeCLAIMS, available on home screen, aging, and outstanding accounts.

ARC

ARC is your quality assurance and performance improvement platform (QAPI). Its comprehensive monitoring and oversight system provides the maximum legal protection that long-term care facilities need to minimize serious regulatory enforcement actions. As a web-based compliance system, it guides clinical and management staff through the complete audit process for ROP auditing standards for all federal regulations, and facilitates a collaborative review of audit results through real-time, interactive meeting templates in order to quickly correct issues and implement performance improvement plans to prevent systemic issues. ARC provides form-based corrective actions for every compliance issue to document and track all of your QAPI efforts. Say goodbye to costly CMPs and red hand alerts - It's time to move on to more cost-effective solutions with ARC. 

Does your IT team track reported security threats, vulnerabilities, and patches as often as weekly? We do. With primeCLOUD, you’ll have managed IT services at your fingertips. We partner with leading IT vendors to offer security services like ransomware protection, phishing training, multi-factor authorization (MFA), data backup/recovery, and assistance with other special projects such as a new location setup, data migration or integration. With 24/7 help desk services, primeCLOUD is your boots-on-the-ground service when needed, providing you with the strategy, security, cost control, operational efficiency, reliability, and agility to maximize your IT performance and increase your security. Furthermore, the same highly secure IT services we offer clients to support and integrate their most valuable healthcare data are available to all markets as part of our primeCLOUD managed IT services suite. We provide the tech, so you can provide the care. If your organization is considering IT outsourcing, we can help. Take a look at our primeCLOUD service suite or get in touch to discuss.

The new year is a time for new beginnings, and Prime Care Technologies wants to be a part of yours! We are confident that our software can uplift your facility through the leverage of data-driven tools. We strive to maximize the use of IT solutions in senior living facilities to save time so staff can focus where needed, with the residents.   

If there's anything you read above that caught your attention, or if you have any other products on your Holiday wishlist, we’d be happy to connect! Comment below, or email us, we’d love to discuss with you further.

The rise of technology in senior care facilities is largely a welcomed guest, allowing seniors to stay connected with loved ones through various communication tools such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing convenience and independence for seniors choosing to age in place and enhancing the overall level of healthcare. As we head into the final leg of 2023, we want to take a moment to recognize the different technologies that currently serve the senior living market and, more importantly, how these technological advancements are improving both the quality of life for older adults, as well as revolutionizing senior living facilities as a whole.

Smart Home Solutions

To begin, technology has revolutionized aging in place for seniors, as it offers a range of features that promote safety, comfort, and convenience. Popular smart home solutions such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant act as voice-activated assistants, allowing seniors to easily control various aspects of their home, such as adjusting the temperature, turning on lights, or playing music, simply by using voice commands. When combined with the integration of sensors and automation systems, which can detect falls, monitor activity levels, and even remind seniors to take their medications, smart home technology not only returns autonomy to seniors but also enables family members or caregivers to keep an eye on their loved ones from afar. 

These systems can provide peace of mind by alerting caregivers to any unusual activity or emergencies, allowing for quick intervention. 

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation have the potential to revolutionize senior care in various ways. One area where robotics is making an impact is in assisting with daily tasks. Robots can help with activities such as appointment or medication reminders, meal preparation, and housekeeping, reducing the burden on caregivers and promoting independence for seniors. Additionally, robotic companions are being developed to provide social interaction and emotional support for older adults, with robots that can engage in conversations and play games.

Senior care facilities are also implementing automation systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency. For example, automated medication dispensers can ensure the correct dosage and timing of medications, reducing the risk of errors. Automated monitoring systems can track vital signs and alert healthcare providers to any deviations from normal values.

EHR Systems and Dashboards

Technology has greatly improved the efficiency of facility operations in senior living facilities. One key technology is the advanced use of electronic health records (EHR) systems. These systems streamline the documentation and management of residents' health information, reducing paperwork and improving accuracy. EHRs also facilitate communication among healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing errors. 

Online Dashboards

Another technology that enhances facility operations is the use of automated scheduling and tracking systems. These systems optimize staff allocation, ensuring that the right caregivers are available at the right time. They also track tasks and workflows, improving accountability and reducing the risk of missed or delayed care. Dashboards, like our primeVIEW dashboard, are powerful tools that enable senior living facilities to efficiently manage and monitor the care of their residents by streamlining communication and coordination among healthcare providers so residents receive timely and appropriate care.

In summary, technology has revolutionized facility operations in senior living facilities, improving efficiency, communication, and maintenance processes.

It goes without saying that different individuals have different priorities, and the level of care needed depends on factors such as mobility, cognitive abilities, and overall health. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the different levels of assisted living services available so that you and your loved ones can make an informed decision about the level of support and care that is required.

So which one should you choose? It’s time to put on your Goldilocks cap and find the level of care for you that's not too hot, not too cold - but juuust right!

Level 1: Independent Living

Independent living is the lowest level of care in assisted living services. This level is suitable for individuals who are still able to perform most daily activities on their own, but may require some assistance or prefer the convenience of having certain services provided:

• Residents typically have their own private apartments or houses within the assisted living community. 
• Freedom to come and go as they please and participate in various social activities. 
• May have access to services such as housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
• Meals are often provided in dining areas where residents can socialize and interact with others.

Independent living is “juuust right” for individuals who seek to maintain their independence while still having access to a supportive environment and a sense of community.

Level 2: Assisted Living

Assisted living is the next level of care in assisted living services. This level is suitable for individuals who require some assistance with daily activities and personal care tasks:

• Residents typically have their own private apartments or rooms within the assisted living community
• May receive assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other tasks as needed.
• Often provide 24-hour staff availability to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
• Access to various amenities and activities, including dining areas, common areas for socializing, and scheduled transportation for appointments or outings.

Assisted living is “juuust right” for those wanting to find a good balance between independence and support, allowing them to receive the assistance they need while still maintaining a sense of autonomy.

Level 3: Memory Care

Memory care is a specialized level of care in assisted living services designed to cater to individuals with memory impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia:

• Designed to provide a safe and structured environment for individuals with memory loss.
• Residents typically have their own private rooms within a secure area of the assisted living community
• Designed to provide a safe and structured environment that minimizes confusion and promotes familiarity, with features such as clear signage, color-coded cues, and memory-enhancing activities. 
• Staff trained to understand the unique needs of residents with memory impairments and provide appropriate care and support.
• 24/7 Staff support with personal care tasks, medication management, and other needs.
• Often include specialized activities and therapies to help maintain cognitive function and enhance quality of life.

Memory care is “juuust right” for those needing a supportive and understanding environment for individuals with memory impairments, allowing them to live with dignity and receive the care they need.

Level 4: Skilled Nursing Care

Lastly, skilled nursing care is the highest level of care in assisted living services. This level is suitable for individuals who have complex medical needs and require round-the-clock nursing care, and often provide a separate area or wing of the assisted living community, known as a nursing home or skilled nursing facility:

• Access to 24-hour nursing staff who can provide medical care, administer medications, and monitor their health conditions. 
• Skilled nursing care may be necessary for individuals who have chronic illnesses, advanced stages of certain diseases, or have recently undergone surgery or medical procedures. Skilled nursing care facilities have staff trained to provide specialized care and support for these individuals.
• Rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. 

Skilled nursing care is “juuust right” for those in need of comprehensive medical care and support with complex needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and well-being.

We hope that the information here provided here serves to clarify the differences between each level. Making a fully informed decision regarding the level of care required can be the difference between a less-than-satisfying experience and a fulfilling one. Senior living services should add to quality of life, not detract, and therefore it is the consumer’s responsibility to make sure that they are using all the resources available to them in order to make an educated decision. If each aspect is not carefully reviewed before committing, it is easy to overlook some of the differences - and you may just burn yourself!

We all know how expensive it can be to travel around the holiday season, I'm sure many of us just did it in the past few days! What's it look like as a travelling nurse?

Here’s a follow up from our November 20th blog, outlining another solution to the impending CMS mandates: Skilled Nursing Travel Visas.

Understanding the Importance of Nursing Work Visas

Nursing work visas play a crucial role in allowing skilled nurses to work internationally. These visas are necessary for nurses who wish to pursue employment opportunities within the United States or elsewhere. Nursing work visas are an encouraging solution because they would not only provide nurses with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in different healthcare settings, but it would also contribute to addressing the national shortage of healthcare professionals in this country.

Increasing the number of nursing work visas would offer many benefits and opportunities for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and senior care homes nationwide. Nurses would have the chance to work in renowned hospitals or healthcare facilities that offer advanced medical technologies and techniques, granting them exposure that would enhance their skills and knowledge, and allow for better patient care in the long run. Additionally, nurses from abroad offer unique experiences, perspectives, and ideas, leading to the establishment of professional connections that can positively impact patients and communities in need around the country.

Pros

• Expands the search for RN’s beyond the United States’ borders.
• Introduces professional experience under differing healthcare models, thus expanding the scale of medical knowledge and expertise.
• Healthcare inclusivity increases due to diversified staff, allowing for the transcendence of language, race, religion, etc.

Cons

• Document and application procurement and preparation is complex and time consuming
• Political opinions could interfere with the immigrant RN procurement process.
• Required legal and travel fees can be hefty.
• Any errors and inaccuracies in paperwork can delay processing times or result in application rejection.

Determining the Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Work Visas

Before applying for a nursing work visa, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria set by the destination country. While specific requirements may vary, there are common factors considered by most countries. These factors typically include the nurse's educational background, professional experience, language proficiency, and health and character assessments.

In terms of educational background, nurses are generally required to have completed a nursing degree or diploma from a recognized institution. The United States also requires additional certifications or specialized training in specific areas of nursing. Professional experience is another crucial aspect, with many countries preferring nurses with a certain number of years of experience in their field.

Language proficiency is also highly valued in nursing work visa applications. Nurses are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the language spoken in the destination country to ensure effective communication with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals. Additionally, health and character assessments are conducted to ensure the nurse's physical and mental fitness, as well as their suitability for working in a healthcare setting.

While obtaining a nursing work visa requires thorough preparation and submission of the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, educational certificates, professional licenses, language proficiency test results, health examination reports, and character references, it would grant access to healthcare personnel from abroad that could provide a legitimate solution to the ongoing skilled nursing crisis in the United States. For nurses that have the diligence, desire, and resources necessary to make it happen, looking abroad can be a truly viable option.

Have you heard of any other staffing solutions? Comment below or email us, we’d love to hear from you!