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February 27, 2018
n4a Launches Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults
n4a has launched engAGED - The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults. The resource center, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, will collect and disseminate information about innovative engagement practices, resources, and tools that the Aging Network can use in their communities. The engAGED webpage includes resources and information about the arts, intergenerational activities, lifelong learning, staying connected through technology, and volunteerism. Partners in the creating the resource center included Generations United, the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA), Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), and the National Resource Center for OSHER Lifelong Learning Institutes. n4a and its partners will also develop a national strategy for raising awareness and increasing access to innovative engagement approaches and programming. For more information, watch the webinar recording introducing the resource center.
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ACL Issue Brief on Opioid Use and Older Adults
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has released a new issue brief entitled "The Opioid Public Health Emergency and Older Adults." Older adults are often prescribed opioids to cope with painful chronic conditions such as arthritis or procedures, like surgery. To treat chronic pain, older adults may use prescription opioids for an extended period of time which presents a risk for developing an opioid use disorder. Plus, side effects of opioids can be more severe for older adults because as people age, medications affect them more strongly and are slower to leave their systems. Older adults who use opioids face the risk of death, hospitalization and use of emergency departments. Federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover various treatments for substance use disorders. The brief also provides information on other education resources available. Read the brief here.
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Alzheimer's Association Releases 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations
The Alzheimer’s Association has released new Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. The 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations are intended to better define quality care across all care settings and throughout the disease course. The recommendations outline quality care practices in the areas of detection & diagnosis, assessment & care planning, medical management, information-education/support, ongoing care, staffing, therapeutic environment & safety, and transitions & coordination of services. Find more information about the 2018 recommendations here.
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NORC Webinar on Systems Advocacy; Revised Systems Advocacy Briefs Available
State Ombudsmen and Ombudsman program representatives, register now for the "Systems Advocacy: It's More than Legislative Work" webinar next Wednesday, March 7th from 3:00pm - 4:15pm ET. Participants will learn what is required under the federal law and rule regarding systems advocacy. Presenters will share how they promote better care through systems advocacy at both the state and local level and how they coordinate their advocacy. Attendees will also learn about available NORC resources regarding systems advocacy. Register here.
Newly revised briefs are available - LTCOP Reference Guide: Role and Responsibilities of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Regarding Systems Advocacy for State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and Local Ombudsman Program Representatives.
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National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes Releases Antipsychotic Medication Use Data Report
CMS's National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes has released an updated Antipsychotic Medication Use Data Report. Since 2011, CMS has been tracking the progress of the National Partnership by reviewing publicly reported measures, specifically the percentage of long-stay nursing home residents who are receiving an antipsychotic medication (excluding residents diagnosed with schizophrenia, Huntington's Disease or Tourette's Syndrome). The recent data show a prevalence of 15.4% in the third quarter of 2017. See CMS's report on this data here and an Excel spreadsheet of the data by state here. The National Partnership has a goal of decreasing the use of antipsychotic medication by 15 percent by the end of 2019 for nursing homes who still have high rates of use. These homes have been identified as late adopters. See the late adopters report here and download the Excel spreadsheet here.
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Spotlight on Resources
The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics. Visit the Consumer Voice website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources. Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:
Infection Prevention - Flu season is still in full swing. This NORC issue page provides infection and flu information and resources to share with consumers.
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In this Issue
n4a Launches Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults
ACL Issue Brief on Opioid Use and Older Adults
Alzheimer's Association Releases 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations
NORC Webinar on Systems Advocacy; Revised Systems Advocacy Briefs Available
National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care Releases Antipsychotic Medication Use Data Report
Spotlight on Resources
Call for 2018 Annual Conference Session Proposals
Proposals are due March 16th.
More info here.
Calendar of Events
Wednesday, March 7: Systems Advocacy: It's More than Legislative Work, 3:00pm ET, Webinar from NORC
Tuesday, March 20: Dementia Care: Person-Centered Care Planning and Practice Recommendations Call, 1:30pm ET, Medicare Learning Network Call
May: Older Americans Month
October 22-24: Consumer Voice Annual Conference, Alexandria, Virginia
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Last Week's Most Popular Post:
Monday February 19:
In Illinois, improper involuntary discharges are the top complaint filed against nursing homes.
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Wednesday, February 21:
Newly updated Residents' Rights fact sheets are now available in Braille.
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