Comagine Health News
Social distancing is crucial when trying to contain COVID-19, especially in a long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) setting. However, this safety protocol can also lead to social isolation, which can impact both mental and physical health, including activities of daily living (ADL).
LTPAC residents are often prompted to eat and drink regularly in the shared facility dining rooms, either indirectly as other residents partake, or directly as staff encourage regular consumption. Without this vital social interaction, residents may forget to eat or drink, or lose their appetite entirely, which can lead to malnutrition, dehydration and ultimately, a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Let's look at this pandemic-induced issue using…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded a four-year contract to Comagine Health to lead the American Indian/Alaska Native Healthcare Quality Initiative within the CMS Network of Quality Improvement and Innovation Contractors (NQIIC). Together with partners, Comagine Health previously led this work for four years in Arizona, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota. The new work will continue to provide technical assistance to all of the…
Mobility is a crucial aspect of a long-term care facility resident's health and quality of life. As people reach a certain age, they tend to move less and much of their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) decreases. Add the social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic and chances are, a resident will experience an increased loss of mobility. This can result in a loss of muscle tone and flexibility, leading to increased pain,…