HCBS Quality and Risk Mitigation Webinars
Seniors are at risk for social isolation which is heightened by the current COVID-19 pandemic. A person's mental health is tested without regular social interactions. Guest presenter, Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP, is an associate professor of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Psychology and Co-Director of the Center for Excellence in Aging at Rush University Medical Center.
As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Department realizes the critical importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to further ensure the health, safety and welfare of the workforce AND those we serve. While PPE can greatly reduce risk, it is important that PPE be worn, handled and disposed of properly for this to occur.
Social connections may equal increased health while creative aging programs may equal healthier lives. The director of a social connection program explains how the quality and type of connection matter, as well as the benefits of connection programs, social calls, and accessibility to people and resources. A link is included to an example catalog of such programs.
“Who is making the decisions when it comes to decisional capacity?” and “What ethical issues can arise?” An attorney leads us through these questions while reviewing the Health Care Surrogate Act, Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, and ‘Autonomy verses Protection.’
Parkinson’s Disease is the 2nd most common degenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. This presentation introduces the TULIPS Acronym: A framework for Parkinson Disease Education which focuses on: Time, Understanding, Quality of Life, Increased Awareness, Pills on Time, and Support. Examples of support services and references are given.
Reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older adults in Illinois is the focus of this presentation which includes: a self-assessment checklist, a loneliness scale, examples of how physical health is affected by social isolation, and available assistance within the 12 Area Agencies on Aging covering every county in Illinois. Also included are activities to combat social isolation, links to applicable topics, and numerous references.
A nutritionist identifies the association between poor nutrition/malnutrition and the quality of life, lists the steps to follow when someone is at high nutritional risk, and gives additional resources to help address malnutrition.
A clinical psychiatric pharmacist identifies general categories of mental health difficulties and the common barriers to medication compliance.
Hospice programs and the Illinois Department on Aging work together to promote the dignity, choices, and rights of older adults in Illinois.
Visiting nurse practitioners lead us through the warning signs and symptoms for dehydration as well as the prevention strategies, treatment guidelines, and appropriate interventions.
A physician introduces the clinical tools and functional assessments that can be used to reduce fall risk among older adults. One example includes the STEADI Initiative (STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) which was developed for healthcare providers who treat older adults.
IDoA Quality Assurance Staff review resources that can assess, measure, and respond to preventable falls. This presentation recognizes the tools which can be used to problem solve and where mitigation efforts can be effective in the home.
A Doctor of Pharmacology reviews common medications that increase fall risk, factors that increase the risk of falls, and the best practices to address medication intervention for fall prevention.