A tidal wave of individuals with diabetes is expected to hit the nation’s nursing homes in the coming years. To prepare for it, one of the country’s largest nursing home chains already has begun implementing a new training and care program.
Golden Living launched a diabetes pilot program in 20 facilities throughout 14 states in February. Eventually, the specialized approach will expand to most, if not all, of Golden Living’s 329 LivingCenters.
More than 30% of the provider’s residents currently suffer from diabetes upon admission. More than 10 million people 60 or older live with diabetes, and the number is expected to soar in the coming years, according to the American Diabetes Association.
A companywide staff survey was the spark for the special diabetes program, Golden Living officials said.
The program includes teaching documents and illustrations, and testing materials for clinical staff.
Material is covered in six modules: understanding diabetes, nutrition in LTC, oral medication therapy, injected medication therapy, hypoglycemia avoidance and treatment, and skin and lower extremity care.
Selected staff members from the pilot facilities were trained on the diabetes and clinical data collection in January. Each facility is collecting baseline data on 20 residents, and is measuring outcomes pertaining to hospitalizations, hypoglycemia treatment, screening foot complications, depression screening, unplanned weight loss, and glucose control as measured by HvA1c.
“The scope of this program relies on the comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of healthcare professionals, including those with specializations ranging from dietetics to pharmacology to social services and all levels of nursing,” company officials said.
From the June 01, 2008 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
