Ensuring Safety in Hospice Care: A Commitment to Excellence
Grane Hospice
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Grane Hospice
Aug 06, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Email US
Click to Email Us
Ensuring Safety in Hospice Care: A Commitment to Excellence
The importance of safety in the workplace for healthcare providers cannot be overstated. As we approach OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week in August, it is an opportune moment to highlight the critical measures we undertake to ensure a safe work environment for our staff and patients. This communication aims to inform our referral sources about our safety protocols and provide valuable tips that medical professionals may find beneficial for maintaining safety in their workplaces.
Our Commitment to Safety
In hospice care, where the environment can be unpredictable and emotionally charged, maintaining rigorous safety standards is paramount. Our commitment to safety is evidenced by our comprehensive safety programs, continuous staff training, and adherence to OSHA guidelines. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), healthcare workers face a higher rate of workplace injuries than workers in most other sectors, with nearly 5.5 injuries per 100 full-time workers annually. This statistic underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to mitigate risks and promote a culture of safety.
- Staff Training and Education
- Ongoing Training: All our staff undergo regular training sessions that cover the latest safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Research has shown that continuous education significantly reduces the incidence of workplace injuries (Smith et al., 2022).
- Ergonomic Interventions
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Back injuries are a common concern in healthcare settings. We emphasize training on proper lifting techniques and the use of mechanical lifts when necessary to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (Anderson et al., 2020).
- Infection Control Measures
- Strict Hygiene Protocols: Adherence to stringent hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing, use of sanitizers, and appropriate use of PPE, is mandatory. These measures are crucial in preventing the spread of infections among staff and patients (CDC, 2022).
- Mental Health Support
- Counseling Services: Recognizing the emotional toll that hospice work can take, we offer counseling services to support our staff’s mental health. Studies have indicated that mental health support reduces burnout and improves job satisfaction among healthcare workers (Jones et al., 2021).
Safety Tips for Medical Professionals
While our safety protocols are robust, there are additional tips that medical professionals may find useful in enhancing their safety at work:
- Use Technology Wisely
- Telehealth Services: Where appropriate, leverage telehealth services to reduce the need for physical interactions, thereby minimizing exposure to infectious diseases.
- Stay Informed
- Continuing Education: Keep abreast of the latest safety guidelines and best practices through continuing education programs. This knowledge is vital for adapting to new challenges and improving workplace safety.
- Promote a Safety Culture
- Open Communication: Foster an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retribution. An open communication culture is essential for identifying and addressing potential hazards promptly (Davis et al., 2019).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Proper Use and Disposal: Ensure the correct use and disposal of PPE. Improper handling can negate the benefits and increase the risk of contamination.
Safety in the workplace is a fundamental aspect of providing high-quality hospice care. By implementing rigorous safety measures and continuously educating our staff, we strive to create a secure environment for both our employees and patients. We encourage our referral sources to adopt similar practices to enhance safety within their own organizations. Together, we can build a safer healthcare system for everyone. Call us today to learn more!
References
Anderson, J., Williams, M., & Smith, T. (2020). Ergonomic interventions in healthcare: A review of the evidence. Journal of Occupational Health, 62(4), 311-319. https://doi.org/10.1002/joh.22023
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Infection control in healthcare settings. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/index.html
Davis, K., Turner, M., & Wrenn, G. (2019). Promoting a culture of safety in healthcare. Healthcare Management Review, 44(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1097/HMR.0000000000000199
Jones, A., Phillips, R., & Brown, L. (2021). Mental health support for healthcare workers: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 63(1), 54-62. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002025
Smith, R., Johnson, P., & Martinez, S. (2022). The impact of continuous education on workplace safety in healthcare. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 65(3), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23394
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational injuries and illnesses among healthcare workers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/iif/
Other Articles You May Like
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Healthy Vision: Tips for Saving Your Eyesight
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving Made Easy: Simple Tips for Seniors
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
Local Services By This Author
Grane Hospice Care Charleroi
Hospice 17 Arentzen Boulevard, Charleroi, Pennsylvania, 15022Make the Choice of Quality End of LifeGrane Hospice Care provides Comfort for the Body, Mind, and Soul through unique, individualized and professional care plans allowing you to live comfortably in your home, surrounded by loved ones. We will tailor an experienced team to meet your individual needs and deliver a personalized, focused care plan. With almost 20 years of experience, Grane Hospice is the right choice for the best quality of care for you and your loved ones. Our mission is to provide premium comfort care to patients, families, and caregivers through an interdisciplinary team approach that understands, respects, and meets individual needs. In addition to our well-known clinical care, our aides provide supplemental personal care through bathing, feeding and dressing assistance. Our volunteers are also available for visits, errands and companionship. We are a leading provider for hospice care services in Pennsylvania.Physician Services Will Address All NeedsAt Grane Hospice Care, we provide the physician services you would expect of hospice and go above and beyond to provide premier care for our patients. The patients Primary Care Physician remains the director for their care, and our staff works to keep them informed of the patients condition, wants, and needs. Working in conjunction with our Medical Director, our clinical team provides all necessary education and home visits that are outlined in each care plan.Taking Care of Pain and Symptom ManagementCare plans for pain and medication coordination are essential aspects of hospice care. We work with your loved one to understand their needs, and then we create a strategy for pain and symptom management throughout their time with us. Our nurses will administer the necessary medications and treatments during their home visits to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible.Personalized Comfort Care for Your Loved OneThere are few things that are more dehumanizing than being treated like just another number. At Grane Hospice Care, we create individualized care plans that treat your loved one as a human being. Our nurses and nurse aides add a personal touch to their daily care plans, so you can rest assured your loved one is in good hands.Unlimited Bereavement SupportIt is an understatement to say dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult. That is why Grane Hospice Care is committed to providing unlimited bereavement services to families of loved ones. You will meet with a qualified bereavement coordinator during the admission process and will receive their support throughout the entire hospice care process. If you would prefer a group approach, contact your local Grane Hospice location for more information about community support groups in your area.Assisting Beyond Physical NeedsJust as important as the physical needs, social and spiritual support are prioritized during the care process. Our Medical Social Workers are available to help you navigate the required paperwork associated with the admission process to hospice care. Also, should you have a religious affiliation, our chaplain and bereavement teams will assist you with spiritual needs during end of life and any special arrangements you prefer, such as funeral arrangements and memorial services.Volunteers Add an Extra Personal TouchIn addition to the knowledgeable care team, Grane Hospice has a dedicated volunteer staff available for our hospice patients. Our volunteers are compassionate, friendly individuals aimed to providing extra care for your loved one. These volunteers go for walks, read to patients, create personalized crafts, or simply provide conversations. Our volunteers are also available to offer you and your family support through the grieving process.We Take Care of the Supplies You NeedThe cost of medication can put an undue burden on a patients family. Luckily, Grane Hospice will handle the costs associated with medication, medical equipment, and other supplies related to the patients terminal diagnosis. We are well-equipped to coordinate with insurance companies to ensure all medical supplies are readily available.Indicators that are hospice-eligible can include but are not limited to:Weight LossIncreased assistance with daily activitiesIncreased weakness and fatigueFrequent and multiple fallsDifficulty swallowingShortness of breath or chest painContinuous oxygenIncrease/changes in medicationRecurring or multiple infectionsFrequent phone calls to physicianFrequent hospitalizations or ER visits
Grane Hospice Care
Hospice 260 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15238About Grane Hospice CareA wise person once said that life is a journey, not a destination. This adage holds true, even if you are living with a terminal illness. At Grane Hospice Care, we are with you every step of the way and will help ensure that the last stages of your life are as fulfilling, enjoyable, and comfortable as possible.What Is Grane Hospice Care?Grane Hospice Care is a leading provider of premium comfort care services aimed at helping you manage pain, stay comfortable, and improve your overall well-being during the last stages of life if you are living with a terminal illness.Our professional care team include physicians, nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants and others who function as part of a large interdisciplinary team. We are devoted to supporting your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health, and to helping you, your loved ones, and your caregivers navigate your illness and final days.Grane Hospice Care has been serving Pennsylvanians since 2005. We have several locations throughout Pennsylvania and are licensed to provide care services for in-state residents within a 60-mile radius of our office locations.Services Available from Grane Hospice CareAll our services at Grane Hospice Care can be tailored for you based on your unique health situation and on your personal goals and desires. We want you to feel comfortable and happy under our care and will do what it takes to make sure you have everything you need.Some of our services include: 24/7 on-call hospice support Symptom management, to reduce symptoms including nausea, anxiety, and breathing difficulty Pain management Medication management and coordination Nursing Aide visits to help with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating. Registered Nurse visits Medical equipment and supplies services, for help with setting up equipment, including hospital beds and oxygen tanks. Volunteer visits for companionship and help with running errands Bereavement program for your friends, relatives, and loved ones Inpatient respite care, general inpatient care, and continuous care programs Social and spiritual services We Honor Veterans program.What Are the Benefits of Hospice Care?Hospice care provides you with wholesome, personalized health care and support in the comfort of your home, surrounded by your loved ones as you cope with a life-limiting, terminal illness. This is one of the greatest benefits of hospice care, especially for those who want to avoid spending their last days in sterile and unfamiliar hospital settings.There are a countless number of benefits to receiving hospice care. Some of these benefits include: Feeling more in control of your health Reduction in symptoms, including pain More quality time with friends and loved ones Comprehensive health care from an interdisciplinary team of hospice care professionals Around-the-clock medical care, including on weekends and holidays Help with daily activities you may not be able to perform efficiently on your own Financial savings A sense of dignity during your last days Respect for your wishes Counseling and bereavement for your loved onesWho Is Eligible to Receive Hospice Care?Your healthcare provider may recommend hospice care if you are living with a terminal illness and its prognosis is a life expectancy of six months or less, given the illness runs its natural course. Anyone can make a referral to hospice carewhich can include referring yourself to care or having a loved one reach out for a hospice care consultation.Illnesses that may be eligible for hospice care include: Cancer Stroke Congestive heart failure Dementia and Alzheimers disease AIDS Liver disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) End-of-stage renal disease Parkinsons disease Huntingtons disease Multiple sclerosisConsult with us to determine whether you qualify for end-of-life care with Grane Hospice based on your condition.Tips for Finding the Best Hospice Care ProviderA great, quality hospice care provider will respect your end-of-life wishes and deliver unparalleled medical care that involves an interdisciplinary team of experienced physicians and hospice care professionals. The medical professionals with whom you interact should make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and content while navigating a life-limiting terminal illness.Follow these tips to select a quality hospice care provider: Ask friends and relatives for referrals to local hospice care providers. Seek professional opinions from your current healthcare provider. Browse and read online reviews of hospice care providers written by the loved ones of former patients. Choose a Medicare-certified provider that will uphold certain requirements related to patient care and management. All Grane Hospice Care offices are Medicare-certified. Make sure it offers highly individualized care plans. Confirm it offers all the services and programs you want or that are required for your condition. Learn how often you will receive visits from hospice care workers. Find out whether the providers hospice care services are covered by your insurance plan. Choose a provider that offers bereavement and counseling services for your loved ones. Confirm whether the provider will honor and respect your culture, beliefs, traditions, and needs. Pay attention during interactions with hospice care staff to look for signs of empathy, kindness, compassion, and other traits you value in medical professionals. Ask the hospice care provider how it can enhance your quality of life while living with a terminal illness. Find out whether the hospice care provider specializes in treating your specific illness or comorbid conditions, if applicable.Grane Hospice Care is where life is celebrated, and we are devoted to becoming a member of your family during your last days and to providing premium comfort care. Contact us today at 1-800-379-0129 to learn more about our hospice care services.