Management Practices in Long Term Care

While the management of any healthcare facility is complicated, management of a long-term health care facility adds an additional layer of complications. Because the patients may have decreased mental capabilities, or be nearing the end of their lives, management will require more direct contact with family members and caretakers to make important decisions. By understanding and preparing for the essential considerations of a long-term care facility, you will be better equipped to make important management decisions that benefit your patients.

Abuse Prevention

• Patients in long-term care facilities are at high risk for abuse. Physical and mental disabilities make long-term care patients easy targets, as they may be unable to defend themselves, or even identify their abusers. Managing a long-term care facility requires the development of practices designed to prevent abuse. Make sure staff members are trained to recognize the signs of abuse. Set up a mandatory reporting system and teach employees how to access it if they suspect abuse.

Adequate Screening

• Because abuse is prevalent among long-term care patients, it is important that management practices include screening potential employees for the prevention of abuse issues. Run detailed background and employment checks for all prospective employees of the facility. If you have to hire employees from medical staffing agencies, don't rely on their assurances. Always conduct your own background and employment checks to make sure you are hiring reliable and properly licensed individuals.

Communication

• An important part of managing a long-term care facility is organizing a system for regular and open communication between medical teams, caretakers and administrators. Individuals in long-term care may need round-the-clock medications and observation to facilitate proper care. It is important that nurses and other caretakers report situations and symptoms to physicians on a daily basis. Set up a reporting system that ensures frequent communication between medical teams. Make sure serious issues regarding procedures and policies are brought to the immediate attention of administrators so that they can be properly addressed.

Training Procedures

• Making sure your staff is well-trained is essential to managing a long-term care facility. The medical professionals in a healthcare facility need training on proper techniques for medical procedures and compliance to safety regulations and state care facility standards. Even after employees are trained, it is good management practice to include regular follow-up training. This functions as a valuable reminder for employees and helps management identify areas where the training has been confusing or inadequate.

End-of-Life Management

• A long-term care facility should have specific procedures in place for making decisions based on the patient's death or loss of mental capabilities. Staff needs to be trained in appropriate communication with legal guardians or family members regarding patient decisions during these difficult times. Management should be prepared with consent forms and procedures for handling these decisions properly. John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing suggests creating a facility mission statement regarding end of life care, which can be distributed and explained to family members.