Focus on Safety: Reducing Harm in Aging Services

Posted on January 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a new report that provides six key steps nursing homes can take to avoid preventable harm. The report comes out just as LeadingAge Minnesota is preparing the final details of its Safe Care for Seniors Programs that is set to launch in just a few short weeks. 

The report, All Cause Harm Prevention in Nursing Homes, is presented as a change package and provides a wide range of strategies and actions that nursing homes can take to promote resident safety. A The report includes a two-page appendix with six strategies SNFs can pursue to get started, including shoring up staffing, identifying gaps in care, and promoting multidisciplinary team work. A  Jan. 24 webinar from the National Nursing Home Quality Improvement Campaign will provide more details on the report and its recommendations.

LeadingAge Minnesota is in the final stages of developing the Safe Care for Seniors program. This comprehensive program is designed to improve safety, eliminate potential harm and help ensure that every older adult in our member communities experiences respect, safety, dignity and quality of life. It is a featured topic at this month’s District Meeting swing and will be prominently featured during the 2019 Institute & Expo in February.