Chances are, if you have a senior in your life who has spent any time in a skilled nursing facility, stayed at an assisted living community, or has received in-home care, you will be familiar with the two word combination of Care Conference. What exactly is a Care Conference? A Care Conference is a meeting between healthcare professionals, the patient, and family members. Care Conferences are often held before or soon after the patient receives care. The three main objectives of the Care Conferences are to decide the patient’s needs, discuss the medical team’s goals, and discuss the family’s ideas for meeting those needs.
The first objective of a Care Conference is to determine the patient’s needs. This is usually done by completing various assessments by medical and non-medical personnel involved with the patient. This often includes Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, Therapists, Dieticians, Activity Coordinators, and Senior Care Coordinators. These assessments, combined with facts and observations from the family and admitted struggles by the patient will determine the needs. Next, all parties decide the best approach to help the individual. This is done with careful consideration of the individual’s background, value system, likes, dislikes, and resources.
Finally, the third objective is met when all the information is compiled into a solid plan. The plan is ready to be instituted when all parties are in agreement and understand their role in the implementation of the plan. Follow-up conferences are scheduled as needed for everyone to communicate effectively and keep the initial plan up-to-date. Care Conferences can last approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Typically, they are scheduled at the beginning or end of the day. The meeting is usually conducted in person but can be done by conference call if the relatives live out-of-town. Regardless of the format, the Care Conference is focused on meeting the needs of the senior by utilizing all of the available support.
Companies like Always Best Care, www.alwaysbestcare.com, have a proven track record in assisted living placement services, home care services, and providing skilled care for seniors, in addition to providing assistance to medical professionals throughout the country. These companies are often a valuable resource in the Care Conference process.
If you would like more information about Care Conferences, contact many of the individually owned and operated Always Best Care Offices located throughout the county or visit www.alwaysbestcare.com to find an office near you.
Angela T. Graczyk, RN, is a Franchise Operations Trainer and Registered Nurse at Always Best Care Senior Services.
Through its network of independently owned and operated franchises, Always Best Care Senior Services provides non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement and skilled home health care for seniors across the country. Visit Always Best Care Senior Services at www.alwaysbestcare.com.
Always Best Care Senior Services
Always Best Care Senior Services (www.alwaysbestcare.com/) is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care Senior Services has assisted over 25,000 seniors, representing a wide range of illnesses and personal needs. This has established the company as one of the premier providers of in-home care, assisted living placement assistance, and skilled home health care.
November, 2010
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