HCBS Quality and Risk Mitigation Webinars
IDoA, with its provider network, continues to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life to older adults in Illinois. Providing continued educational opportunities through the Quality Webinar platform is a vital piece of this mission when serving older adults through the provision of home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program. This ongoing webinar series provides an opportunity for professionals with similar goals to share their knowledge and experiences to enhance our network's understanding of successful risk mitigation and best-practice approaches.
In the past few months, our society has changed dramatically. We continue to practice social distancing and other safety measures, which has affected the way we live and work. We face many challenges right now that cause a lot of unease and stress. With stress identified as a global health epidemic, along with the addition of an ever-changing pandemic, it is now more important than ever to identify and build resiliency skills to manage and thrive at home and in the workplace. There will also be health and safety guidelines to consider as we plan to re-engage with participants of older adult services. This session focuses on the characteristics of resilient people and explores strategies for building self-resilience and practicing self-care. Re-engagement with service participants will also be discussed – balancing the need for safety measures while re-building relationships – both seen as critical components for a successful transition.
Due to the risk for contracting the Coronavirus, social distancing and "sheltering at home" have become the new normal. Many older adults are staying home as much as possible and limiting in-person contact to protect themselves. As a result they are experiencing an even greater risk of social isolation and feelings of being disconnected. This quality webinar increases and enhances social connections while practicing social distancing. It also provides the tips and resources needed to increase virtual socialization while still "sheltering at home."
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be. It was developed in 1997 by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals. It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world to address all kinds of physical, mental health and life issues. Please join the webinar to receive an overview of the program.
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.
This COVID 19 virus webinar will explain the guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control related to COVID 19 control, provide current up to date information about the spread, and discuss the use of universal precautions in home and community settings.
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.
Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and/or behavior. This presentation will improve our understanding of how older adults are impacted, will assist in recognizing the signs and symptoms, and will share interventions and tools for working with them.
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.