St. Croix Hospice Receives Age-Friendly Certification

by Rowan Report | Dec 11, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bronwyn Pope

851-767-2800

St. Croix Hospice Becomes First Hospice Agency to Receive Age-Friendly Care Certification Agency-Wide

OAKDALE, Minn., Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — St. Croix Hospice is proud to announce its achievement of Age-Friendly Care certification, a testament to its unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care designed to meet the unique needs of older adults at every stage of life.

Age-Friendly Certification

The Age-Friendly Care certification, awarded by Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP), recognizes providers that implement evidence-based practices designed to meet the specific needs of aging patients. St. Croix has successfully embedded the “4Ms Framework” – What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility – into its care model, ensuring every patient receives comprehensive care aligned with their personal goals and well-being.

“St. Croix Hospice is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care tailored to the unique needs of older adults,” said Heath Bartness, Founder CEO of St. Croix Hospice. “The Age-Friendly Care certification further recognizes our long-standing commitment to enhancing quality of life for aging individuals and their families through a compassionate, patient-centered approach. It’s especially important to us that this certification is recognized across our entire organization, reflecting the unified efforts of our teams to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care they deserve.”

Achieving Age-Friendly Care certification required all St. Croix locations to complete specialized training and implement best practices in geriatric care. This ensures that patients’ wishes are honored while prioritizing proper medication use, mental health support, and safe mobility.

The Age-Friendly Care certification aligns with our ongoing efforts to lead the industry in innovation and quality. With more than 90% of our patients aged 65 or older, this national recognition underscores the importance of our commitment to meeting the unique needs of older adults. It validates our clinical practices and serves as a testament to the dedication of our care teams who strive to make a difference for patients and families every day.

Ashley Arnold

Senior VP of Quality, St. Croix

St. Croix Recognized by CHAP

“St. Croix Hospice’s implementation of Age-Friendly Care across their 70+ locations is truly inspiring,” said CHAP Chief Operating Officer Teresa Harbour. “Their integration of the 4Ms Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility—into daily practices reflects a deep commitment to honoring what matters most to their patients and families. This effort not only raises the bar for compassionate, patient-centered care but also underscores St. Croix Hospice’s role as a leader in the hospice field. At CHAP, we are proud to partner with organizations like St. Croix Hospice that prioritize innovation and excellence at such an impressive scale.”

St. Croix serves 5400 patients daily across the Midwest. Taking an integrated approach to hospice care, the expert team at St. Croix provides physical, emotional and spiritual support that meets the unique needs of each patient. St. Croix teams are stationed in more than 75 branches throughout ten states, ensuring responsive, proximate service to wherever patients call home.

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About CHAP

CHAP is an independent, nonprofit organization accrediting providers of home and community-based care. Founded in 1965, CHAP was first to recognize the need for and value of home and community-based care standards and accreditation. As a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)–approved accrediting organization, CHAP surveys organizations providing home health, hospice, and home medical equipment services to establish if Medicare Conditions of Participation and DMEPOS Quality Standard are met and recommend certification to CMS. CHAP’s purpose is to partner with organizations nationwide to advance quality in the delivery of care and services in the home and community.

About St. Croix Hospice

St. Croix Hospice supports patients, their families and caregivers, providing compassionate care when it’s needed most. Celebrating 15 years of service, St. Croix Hospice delivers exceptional hospice services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and wherever a patient calls home. With branches in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin, St. Croix Hospice takes pride in round-the-clock availability, prompt response times and same-day admissions – including during evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact St. Croix Hospice 24/7 at 855-278-2764 or stcroixhospice.com.

Healthcare is Heading Home

by Rowan Report | Nov 21, 2024 | Advocacy, Editorial, Other Sites

Web Golinkin, Forbes Books Author

Healthcare is Heading Home, and That's a Good Thing!

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the home healthcare market is expanding. GETTY

During my long career in healthcare, one of the biggest trends in healthcare delivery has been the shift from hospital / inpatient to outpatient care. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of outpatient services was roughly 8 percent from 2017 to 2022, while inpatient services grew 1-3 percent during the same period. Outpatient services now represent more than 50 percent of total U.S. healthcare spending.

Particularly during the past 20 years, there has been significant growth in new outpatient facilities and channels, including retail-based and urgent care clinics, freestanding ERs, imaging centers, dialysis centers, ambulatory surgery centers, rehabilitation clinics, behavioral health clinics, and telehealth / virtual care.

The shift towards outpatient care has been driven by multiple factors, including patient desire for convenience, the need to reduce costs, and rapid advances in medical science and technology. Now, however, a new trend in healthcare is pushing the boundaries of outpatient care increasingly into the home.

This article explores the rapid expansion of home healthcare, the factors driving its growth, and the important distinctions between home care, home health care, and hospital-at-home models.

Macro Growth Drivers

The U.S. home healthcare market has experienced exponential growth, projected to reach nearly $510 billion by 2027 (roughly equaling the projected size of the outpatient market), according to various industry reports. This represents a CAGR of approximately 8 percent from 2020 to 2027. Several factors contribute to this rapid expansion:

Aging Population: One of the primary drivers of growth in home health care is the aging population. As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, there is a significant increase in the need for healthcare services tailored to older adults, many of whom prefer receiving care in the comfort of their homes.

Rising Chronic Conditions: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses is increasing. Home healthcare services, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapies, provide essential support for managing these conditions.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in telehealth and remote monitoring technologies have transformed healthcare delivery. Patients can now receive real-time consultations and monitoring from healthcare professionals, reducing the need for in-person visits and enhancing the appeal of home healthcare .

Cost-Effectiveness: Home healthcare is often more cost effective than traditional hospital care. By providing services at home, patients can avoid expensive hospital stays, and insurance providers are increasingly recognizing the value of home-based care, offering incentives for its use.

Patient Preference: There is a growing preference among patients for receiving care in their own homes. This trend is driven by the desire for comfort, familiarity, and independence, as well as the recognition that home care can lead to better health outcomes.

Main Types of Service

Three basic types of home healthcare have emerged. It is important to understand the differences between them, as each type serves different needs and patient populations and requires different kinds of providers and support:

Home Care: This term typically refers to non-medical assistance provided in a patient’s home. Services may include personal care (such as bathing and grooming), companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. Home Care is often used by individuals who need assistance with daily living activities but do not require regular medical intervention.

Home Health Care: In contrast, Home Health Care involves medical services provided by licensed healthcare professionals. This may include skilled nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as home health aide services. Home Health Care is typically prescribed by a physician and is intended for patients recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic health conditions.

Hospital-at-Home: This model represents a more recent innovation in home healthcare, allowing patients to receive acute-level care in their homes instead of in a hospital setting. Hospital-at-home programs provide comprehensive medical services, including monitoring and treatment for serious conditions, under the supervision of healthcare providers. This model aims to reduce hospital congestion, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient satisfaction by delivering hospital-level care in a familiar environment. In addition, there is growing evidence that it improves clinical outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions.

Future Growth Drivers

Several key drivers will underpin further growth of home healthcare:

- Policy Changes and Regulations: Government policies have increasingly supported home health care. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other government programs incentivize home-based care, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce healthcare costs and improve care quality.
- Healthcare Provider Initiatives: Many providers are expanding their services to include home healthcare options as part of their overall care continuum. This integrated approach helps streamline patient transitions from hospital to home, improving coordination and outcomes.
- Market Competition: The growing number of home health care agencies and providers has fostered competition, driving innovation and improvements in service delivery. This competition encourages providers to adopt new technologies and practices that enhance patient care.
- Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness of home health care options has led to more patients and families opting for these services. Educational campaigns and outreach initiatives have helped to demystify home health care, making it a more accepted alternative to traditional care settings.

Obstacles to Growth

Despite its rapid growth, the home healthcare sector faces several challenges:

- Workforce Shortages: The demand for qualified home health care professionals exceeds supply, leading to staffing shortages. This is exacerbated by the demanding nature of home health work and competitive wages offered by hospitals and other healthcare and non-healthcare settings.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex and burdensome for home healthcare providers. Compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements, as well as with state regulations, often demands significant administrative resources. This can restrict the ability of smaller agencies to scale and compete effectively.
- Insurance Reimbursement Issues: While insurance providers increasingly cover home health services, reimbursement policies can be inconsistent. Challenges related to payment models, including delays and denials, may hinder access to necessary care for patients and impact the financial viability of home health agencies.
- Technology Adoption: Although technology is a key growth driver, some providers and patients resist adopting new tools. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained in using telehealth platforms and remote monitoring devices is critical for successful implementation.

Positive Future Outlook

The outlook for home health care remains positive, as the sector adapts to evolving consumer needs and preferences. Several trends are expected to shape its future:

Integration of Technology: The continued integration of telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI) into home healthcare will enhance service delivery and patient monitoring. Wearable devices and remote patient monitoring systems will likely become standard tools for managing chronic conditions at home.

Focus on Value-Based Care: As healthcare systems shift toward value-based care models, home healthcare will play a pivotal role in managing patient outcomes and costs. Providers will increasingly be held accountable for the quality of care delivered at home, leading to a greater emphasis on patient engagement and satisfaction.

Expanding Service Lines: Home healthcare providers and agencies will likely expand their service offerings to include mental health support, palliative care, and specialized rehabilitation services. This diversification will cater to the broader needs of patients, particularly those with complex medical conditions.

Enhanced Collaboration: There will be a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, including hospitals, primary care providers, and home health agencies. This collaboration will facilitate smoother transitions of care and improve overall patient outcomes.

Increased Investment: As the demand for home health services continues to escalate, investment in the sector is expected to grow. Venture capital and private equity firms are increasingly recognizing the potential of home healthcare, leading to innovations and improvements in service delivery.

The growth of home healthcare is a testament to the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. Driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences, this sector is poised for continued expansion.

As challenges such as workforce shortages and regulatory hurdles persist, the future of home health care will depend on the ability of providers to innovate and adapt.

Nevertheless, healthcare is moving inexorably towards the home. That is good news for millions of patients who need acute, transitional or long-term care in the most comfortable environment, and for providers and third-party payers who are seeking to maximize the value of care being delivered.

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Marcylle Combs Care at Home Worker Safety

Web Golinkin has focused his career on making health information and care more accessible and affordable. He has done this as CEO of five companies over the past 35 years, including three he co-founded.

These companies include the largest cable TV network devoted to health (America’s Health Network), one of the nation’s largest operators of retail-based clinics (RediClinic), a leading population health management company (Health Dialog), and one of the nation’s largest operators of urgent care clinics (FastMed). Web also co- founded the Convenient Care Association and served as its Chair for many years. He has been widely covered in the national media and has spoken at numerous healthcare conferences.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard, Web grew up in New York City and Long Island but has lived in Houston since 1988, so he is almost a Texan. A longtime runner and fitness enthusiast, Web enjoys tennis and golf—as long as he can walk and carry his bag. Web has been married to the same extraordinary woman for 39 years, and they have two amazing sons who make him proud every day.

Survive Medicare Advantage

by Rowan Report | Nov 15, 2024 | Admin, Clinical, Medicare Advantage

by Alexandria Nelson, Communications Specialist, Axxess

How to Survive Medicare Advantage in Home Health

Navigating the complexities of Medicare Advantage continues to be a sticking point for organizations trying to scale their business. In an education session at the 2024 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE), Brent Korte, CEO of Frontpoint Health, and Wendy Conlon, MSPT, Senior Vice President of Client Experience at Axxesss, discussed the ways organization can adapt to the changing reimbursement landscape and ensure their survival.

The Evolution of Care

Conlon and Korte began the session by examining how care is delivered under Medicare Advantage, highlighting the differences in care rates among beneficiaries. They emphasized the importance of organizations being aware of these variations in care.

“I think it’s important that we recognize our role as providers of the target population while also considering the various factors that influence the care we provide,” Conlon said.

Conlon also encouraged organizations to understand the margin of care they provide, highlighting that the care at home industry, and healthcare in general, continues to be an undervalued space.

Korte added that organizations should focus on what Medicare Advantage is looking for in terms of providing care, and set expectations for beneficiaries.

Strategies for Success

Conlon noted that organizations providing care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries need to have a plan in place to see success in their business.

“It’s about strategy,” Conlon said. “It’s truly about disciplined commitment to excellence when caring for patients and a plan to do so appropriately with appropriate measures in place to get to that success and to watch those margins.”

Operations and Structures

Conlon stressed the importance of organizations finding operational efficiencies and strategizing their approach to patient care. She encouraged them to embrace the financial and administrative aspects of home care, treating it as a business to ensure sustainability and growth.

Conlon and Korte also encouraged organizations to look at their staffing models and clinician structures when strategizing their business.

“Do we have all of our clinicians seeing all of our patients, or have we strategized and almost stratified our clinicians to understand how to see different subsets of patients very specifically and understand those payer models behind them?” Conlon asked.

Korte advised leaders to continue to advocate for an episodic payment model for Medicare Advantage to improve the quality of care patients receive.

“That really, really matters because not only do we get paid more so we can provide better care and get to that 24.9% margin or maybe 14.9% margin, but it doesn’t disrupt our model of episodic care which is very much, ‘give the patient what they need,’” Korte said.

Use Technology to Survive Medicare Advantage

Leaders were also encouraged to use technology to help streamline operations and keep their organizations accountable and their records accurate.

“How nimble is the technology and intuitive for setting up those payers to allow us to make those changes that we need to make when we need to make them, but also to ensure that we’ve got accuracy?” Conlon asked.

The pair concluded the session by emphasizing the importance of not only examining and refining internal organizational processes but also looking outward. They advised leaders to leverage community resources and collaborate with payers.

“Externally, understanding our community and our community resources and then also understanding how we can speak to the payers and negotiate with the payers [is essential],” Conlon said. “We may think, when there’s a group of folks that are advocating for that, that tends to bring about a lot of positive change, but that doesn’t mean that one person [or] one organization cannot be the catalyst for that change to happen.”

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This article orginally appeared on the Axxess blog and is reprinted with permission. For more information or to request print permission, please contact Axxess.

Safeguarding Home Care Heroes Part 2

by Rowan Report | Nov 8, 2024 | Clinical

by Marcylle Combs, BS, MS, RN, CHCE

This article is part 2 of 2-part series. Read part 1 here.

Protecting our Care at Home Heroes

Preventive Measures and Safety Protocols

To deal with these dangers, several preventive steps have been recommended.

Personal Protection

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene are basic but important ways to prevent disease spread. Making sure workers are up to date on vaccinations, following cleaning protocols, and safely handling sharp objects and hazardous materials can also significantly reduce risks.

Beyond PPE

Safety policies personal protective equipment

But safety isn’t just about using PPE. There’s also a need for ergonomic tools to prevent injuries, regular safety checks of patient homes, and ensuring safe driving practices for workers who spend a lot of time on the road. Just as important are communication and conflict de-escalation strategies to help healthcare workers manage tense situations with patients or their families.

Training

Training home health workers to spot signs of potential violence or aggression, whether from patients or their families, is vital. They should also have strategies to defuse conflicts and a clear plan to exit safely if a situation turns dangerous. Since hazardous chemicals in the home can be a real threat, agencies should train workers to recognize unsafe conditions and take the necessary steps, like reporting the problem or moving the patient to a safer environment.

Emotional Resilience

A Must-Have for Care at Home Workers

Physical safety is important, but emotional well-being is just as crucial. Feeling emotionally secure—valued, supported, and heard at work—is key to keeping employees engaged and satisfied with their jobs. It helps reduce burnout, absenteeism, and turnover.

Creating a culture of psychological safety starts with good leadership. Managers need to actively listen to their employees’ concerns and encourage open communication. When workers feel that their voices are heard and their opinions matter, they’re more likely to stay proactive and engaged.

Real-Life Examples and the Importance of Strong Policies

The dangers faced by home health workers aren’t just theoretical—they’re very real. I’ve seen this firsthand. As both an owner, administrator, and nurse, there were times we felt unsafe.

One instance that sticks out happened a few years ago

A nurse on a routine visit encountered the patient’s grandson breaking into the house, clearly high on some kind of drug. She and the patient managed to block the bedroom door while she called 911, and thankfully, the police arrived before the grandson could get to them. He was carrying a gun, though she didn’t know that at the time.

Putting Comprehensive Policies in Place

A solid safety program that meets the unique needs of home health workers is a must. This includes having zero-tolerance policies for workplace violence, infection control measures, and clear guidelines for handling dangerous materials. Ongoing education and training are essential to make sure staff follow these protocols.

In addition, there should be regular assessments to gauge how effective safety policies are. Gathering feedback from workers on the ground is crucial to making sure these policies address real-world challenges.

Final Thoughts: Safety is a Mindset

Workplace safety isn’t just about following rules or checking boxes. It’s something that should be part of the culture of every organization. By putting in place measures that protect both the physical and emotional well-being of home health workers, we can ensure that these “home care heroes” continue to provide the critical care that so many people rely on. As Eleanor Everet wisely said, “Safety is not a gadget, but a state of mind.”

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Marcylle has faithfully served and advocated on behalf of home health and hospice patients for over 30 years. She started her career as a nurse, worked diligently to strengthen her leadership skills and ultimately became the owner/president of a successful home health and hospice company. She has served the home care industry in Texas and nationally throughout her years on multiple committees, boards, associations and dedicated lobbying efforts. Currently, Marcylle serves on the board of directors for The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association (HHFMA) and the Industry Advisory Board. Additionally, she serves on NAHC’s Governance and Nominating Committee, the HHFMA workgroup, Innovations Committee and chairs the Women in Leadership Committee for HHFMA.

As a wife, mother of 5 adult children and as a female in the workplace she aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth. She continues this quest through three new business ventures she has founded: MAC Legacy, MAC Legacy Investments and The Marcylle Combs Company.

©2024 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report. One copy may be printed for personal use: further reproduction by permission only. editor@therowanreport.com

Safeguarding Home Care Heroes

by Rowan Report | Oct 31, 2024 | Admin, Caring for the Caregiver, Clinical

by Marcylle Combs, BS, MS, RN, CHCE

This article is part 1 of a 2-part series. Check back for part 2 on November 7th.

Protecting our Care at Home Heroes

Building Emotional Strength & Ensuring Workplace Safety

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of home health and hospice care, paying attention to care at home worker safety—both physically and emotionally—is critical. These “care at home heroes” offer life-saving care to people in need. The environments they work in, including patients’ homes and their surrounding neighborhoods, can be unpredictable and uniquely risky.

Agencies must put more focus on their caregivers’s emotional well-being and physical safety to help them provide the best care possible. Developing strong safety policies and creating a supportive work atmosphere are key strategies to ensure they can focus on what matters most: caring for their patients.

Care at Home Worker Safety Hidden Dangers

Understanding the Risks

Care at home workers face a wide range of hazards, many of which are heightened by the fact that they’re working in spaces they can’t fully control. These dangers range from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other biological risks to dealing with physical strains, like lifting patients in cramped spaces. There’s also the issue of unclean home conditions, aggressive pets, crime-ridden neighborhoods, and the risks involved in driving between homes.

By the Numbers

Statistics show that care at home workers are five times more likely to experience nonfatal workplace violence compared to people in other industries. More than 60% of these workers have reported experiencing at least one incident of violence in the past year. Registered nurses (RNs) specifically have reported high levels of verbal abuse (up to 65%), physical assault (44%), and sexual harassment (41%) on the job. In addition, these caregivers often deal with musculoskeletal injuries, with injury rates being 50% higher than those in hospitals due to patient handling tasks.

Common Incidents and the Problem of Underreporting

Many of these incidents go unreported, which only adds to the dangers care at home workers face. Since they’re constantly on the move, it’s tough to track these events. Still, reports clearly show that violence, harassment, and injuries occur more frequently and are more severe in care at home than in many other fields.

Threats Aren't Always From the Patient

On top of dealing with violent patients, care at home workers may also face threats from family members. Tensions and emotional stress in the home—often tied to a patient’s declining health—can sometimes escalate into verbal or physical threats toward caregivers. These situations can make workers feel unsafe, even if no direct threat is made.

Real-World Relevance

For example, I once had a patient’s family member follow me to my car while talking about his pet venomous snakes. He didn’t threaten me directly. I definitely felt uneasy, though, but I didn’t report it. As I look back on this encounter, I believe I truly should have reported this and recorded it for future review. It just highlights what we should teach our employees on how and when to report incidents.

Hidden Threats

Chemical exposure is another issue. Care at home workers often encounter dangerous cleaning or other chemicals that aren’t stored or used properly. Sadly, there was a tragic case where a home health nurse in Los Angeles died after being exposed to hazardous chemicals stored incorrectly in a patient’s home. Other in-home hazards include fall risks, aggressive animals, weapons hidden in the home, and illegal substances. These hidden risks make it crucial for workers to follow safety protocols when entering patient homes.

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New EVP for Talent Acquisition

by Rowan Report | Oct 31, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Johnathan Eaves
(903) 445-6969
jeaves@axxess.com

Axxess Names Tim Ingram Executive Vice President for Talent Acquisition

His Appointment Will Ensure New Hires Reinforce Its Award-Winning Culture As Company Grows Worldwide

DALLAS, October 21, 2024 – Longtime Axxess leader Tim Ingram has been named Executive Vice President for Talent Acquisition to work closely with company leaders around the world to ensure new hires continue to reinforce the award-winning culture known as The Axxess Way.

A Message from Axxess CEO

“Beyond our industry-leading solutions, our foundational strength has always been and will always continue to be our unique culture,” said John Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, the industry leader in care at home technology solutions. “Tim’s demonstrated commitment to excellence and his collaborative and cooperative nature make him the perfect choice to represent our unique culture and work with our team to ensure new hires also embody The Axxess Way as we continue to grow around the world.”

Tim Ingram, in His Own Words

“Axxess is easily the most dynamic and collaborative culture I have ever been part of, and it’s an honor to be responsible for ensuring we find only the smartest, highest-quality team players who can help take Axxess to the next level,” said Ingram, who joined Axxess in 2016 and will continue to serve as Executive Vice President for Interoperability, partnering with industry-changing technology companies to enhance Axxess’ solutions. “Our vision is to be the global home healthcare technology leader, and most admired for our people, partnerships and solutions. Ensuring we achieve our vision starts at the interview.”

Tim's Background

Ingram has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, including working in software, as well as regulatory and mergers and acquisitions environments. He serves as an ambassador for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s My Hospice Ambassador program; a member of several committees and councils for both NHPCO and National Association for Home Care and Hospice and is a past board member for the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association. He was named one of DirectTrust’s Interoperability Heroes in 2022.

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About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology platform for healthcare at home. The company offers a robust ecosystem that empowers healthcare organizations and professionals to deliver the highest quality care. By integrating with partners and payers from across the healthcare continuum, more than 9,000 organizations trust the Axxess network to care for more than 5 million patients worldwide. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software solutions. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

This press release was originally published by Axxess and is reprinted with permission. For more information or for permission to use this material, please use the media contact above.

Situational Awareness Training

by Rowan Report | Oct 31, 2024 | Admin, Caring for the Caregiver, Clinical

by Lauren Rogers and Bobby McLain

Enhancing Safety Through Situational Awareness

For home-health, hospice, and social workers, maintaining safety in unpredictable environments is crucial. Situational awareness is a key tool in ensuring personal safety and effective response to potential threats. It involves four main characteristics: observation, orientation, decision, and action. Here’s a brief guide on how to apply these principles in your daily work.

Observation

Orientation

Orientation involves understanding and processing the information you’ve observed based on your own experience and knowledge. Think about what is around you—consider the layout of the environment and how it affects your safety. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, where will you seek help? Familiarize yourself with exit routes and safe locations within the home or area.

Decision

Once you’ve gathered and processed information, it’s time to make decisions. Weigh your options carefully to determine the best course of action. Consider what you can do within your capabilities to mitigate any risks. Your decisions should aim to ensure your safety while also maintaining the well-being of those you serve.

Action

Action is the final step, where you use all the information and decisions you’ve made to execute a plan for safety. If you’ve identified a potential danger, act quickly and decisively. This might involve leaving the situation, calling for help, or using safety tools and protocols designed for emergencies.

Situational Awareness Final Thoughts

Applying situational awareness can significantly enhance your safety and effectiveness as a home-health, hospice, or social worker. By mastering observation, orientation, decision, and action, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenging situations and ensure a safer work environment. Stay alert, make informed decisions, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and those you serve.

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Lauren Rogers serves as the Director of Healthcare at Katana Safety, where she leverages her experience to enhance workplace safety in healthcare environments. She focuses on post-acute care providers and is dedicated to integrating innovative safety solutions that protect healthcare professionals.

She is passionate about creating safer environments, reducing risks for healthcare workers, and driving positive industry change. At Katana Safety, Lauren is committed to developing strategies that prioritize the well-being and safety of healthcare teams.

Bobby McLain is Chief Experience Officer for KATANA Safety, the Premier Provider of Lone and Workforce Safety Solutions. McLain’s previous roles include interim marketing leadership for multiple companies and executive positions at ScanSource, Inc., working in the company’s global marketing and strategic expansion efforts. McLain’s career began in event management and marketing, supported by a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a focus on Advertising/PR from the University of South Carolina. He can be reached at bobby@katanasafety.com or 864-630-9016 KATANA Safety: Never A Lone Worker

Vendor Watch: VitalCaring Cognitive Care Pilot

by Rowan Report | Oct 18, 2024 | Partner News, Vendor Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Nancy Lecroy
VP, Marketing & Communications
VitalCaring
O 469.839.3777
Nancy.lecroy@vitalcaring.com

Kelly Faville
FourSeventeen Communications
On behalf of Constant Therapy Health
M 978-621-6667
kelly@constanttherapy.com

VitalCaring’s AI-driven Cognitive Care Pilot Shows Promising Results

National leader in home health and hospice care to extend AI-enabled speech, language, and cognitive therapy initiative across its network

DALLAS and LEXINGTON, Mass., September 12, 2024 – VitalCaring, a leading national home health and hospice care provider, has unveiled the results of a seven-month AI-driven cognitive care pilot program that delivered enhanced personalized therapy to patients living with cognitive disorders. Through the pilot, VitalCaring deployed Constant Therapy’s digital speech, language, and cognitive therapy platform as part of its home-based services for select patients.

Significant Cognitive Gains

Patients in the program showed statistically significant cognitive improvements, including:

• A 35% increase in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)* (average score)
• A 33% increase in Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS)*(average score)
• Improvement by at least one cognitive level (55% of patients)
• Achievement of normal cognitive functional score by discharge (35% of patients)

“This pilot program was tailored to fast-track our patients’ journey to regaining independence safely in their homes. Adding innovative tools like the Constant Therapy platform to our existing care plans for cognitive issues and neurological disorders extends the exceptional work of our therapists.”

Janice Riggins

Chief Clinical Officer, VitalCaring

A valuable complement to clinician-supervised therapy

Patients’ ability to independently access Constant Therapy’s therapeutic exercises at home has proven to be a valuable and meaningful complement to clinician-supervised therapy. The aim of the VitalCaring Cognitive Care pilot program was to determine how additional therapy tools could accelerate recovery and maximize cognitive functioning for VitalCaring patients with dementia-related diseases or those recovering from stroke or other brain injuries. On average, each patient in the pilot program was able to access an additional 11 hours of digital therapy on their own. Due to the success of this pilot, VitalCaring will explore opportunities to extend the initiative across its network.

“VitalCaring stands at the forefront of home healthcare innovation, transforming patient experiences and outcomes with advanced technological and analytical approaches,” said Veera Anantha, Founder and CEO of Constant Therapy Health. Our platform supports their practice of providing outstanding, individualized treatment to patients affected by neurological conditions or brain injuries.”

What Caregivers and Family are Saying

“Thanks to the AI therapy, my uncle regained his motor skills. He can now operate mobile phones and stay connected with loved ones.” The patient’s MoCA score improved from 14 to 26 – moderate cognitive impairment to normal cognitive ability.
“My mother’s ability to hold conversations with friends and family improved significantly after using the AI-driven tools.” The patient’s MoCA score rose from 16 to 27 – moderate cognitive impairment to normal cognitive ability.
“Our family noticed remarkable cognitive improvements in my grandfather. He’s better at following events and recalling important information.” The patient’s MoCA score jumped from 17 to 25 – moderate to mild cognitive impairment.

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About the VitalCaring Cognitive Care Pilot Program

The pilot program ran from October 2023 through May 2024 and included 52 patients aged 54 to 92, with an average age of 77.45. Patients had various primary diagnoses, including cerebral infarction, brain tumors, dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, encephalitis, encephalopathy, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients’ performance was measured by: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment/MoCA and the Saint Louis University Mental Status/SLUMS cognitive screening.

About Contant Therapy Health

Constant Therapy Health is a next-generation digital health company whose technology is clinically proven to improve the efficacy of cognitive, speech, and language therapy, as well as increase access to and reduce the cost of therapy. Constant Therapy, an award-winning mobile program, uses patented AI technology to deliver personalized exercises that rebuild cognitive and speech function for individuals recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) or living with aphasia, dementia, and other neurological conditions. Built by a team of top neuroscientists at Boston University, Constant Therapy is used by tens of thousands of patients as prescribed by their clinicians, helping to create the world’s largest brain rehabilitation database, and providing insights that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of brain rehabilitation.

About VitalCaring

VitalCaring delivers compassionate, high-quality home-based healthcare to patients in the comfort of their own homes. By bringing together like-minded people who are called to care and supported by a positive organizational culture, VitalCaring is positioned to deliver an exceptional patient experience at every encounter. VitalCaring is a national leader in the home health and hospice industry, serving patients throughout the Southern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. From its base in the South, VitalCaring is expanding to serve even more communities nationwide.

This press release was originally published by VitalCaring and is reprinted with permission. For more information or to request permission to reprint, please reach out to the media contacts listed above.

Vendor Watch: HealthRev Partners and Trella Health Announce Partnership

by Rowan Report | Oct 18, 2024 | Admin, Vendor Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

HealthRev Partners: Hannah Vale
hvale@healthrevpartners.com

Trella Health: Lauren Corcoran
press@trellahealth.com

HealthRev Partners and Trella Health Announce Partnership to Empower Home Health and Hospice Agencies

Driving financial health and strategic growth with complementary solutions in revenue cycle management and market intelligence.

OZARK, Mo. and ATLANTA, Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HealthRev Partners, the leading revenue cycle management partner specializing in innovative, tech-driven solutions for home health and hospice agencies, and Trella Health, the leading provider of market intelligence and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions for the post-acute care industry, have announced a new partnership.

HealthRev Partners and Trella Health will collaborate to help agencies reach their full potential by cultivating stronger relationships with referral sources and optimizing their revenue cycle through complementary solutions.

This collaboration brings together HealthRev Partners’ financial expertise and revenue cycle management solutions — helping agencies maximize reimbursements, streamline operations, and drive predictable revenue — with Trella Health’s integrated market intelligence and CRM solutions, which enable agencies to enhance growth strategies, improve referral relationships, and gain valuable insights into their market and competitive landscape.

In Their Own Words

Together, we can equip agencies to achieve better financial health and improve their competitive positioning.

“Our collaboration with Trella Health represents a significant leap forward for home health and hospice agencies. By combining our financial expertise and revenue cycle management solutions with access to Trella’s market insights and CRM platform, we are providing agencies with a powerful toolkit to optimize their financial performance, drive growth, and ultimately deliver better patient care,” said Michael J. Greenlee, founder and CEO of HealthRev Partners.

Jess Chew, GM, PAC Provider Growth at Trella Health, added, “The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to supporting providers by delivering industry expertise and advanced technology to address the unique challenges facing home health and hospice agencies today. By combining our strengths, we can equip agencies to achieve better financial health and improve their competitive positioning.”

By leveraging their combined expertise, this partnership will help home health and hospice agencies uncover financial opportunities and optimize efficiencies — from referral growth to revenue management.

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About HealthRev Partners

HealthRev Partners is a leading provider of revenue cycle management solutions for home health and hospice agencies, dedicated to improving financial performance and operational efficiency in the post-acute care sector.

About Trella Health

Trella Health’s unmatched market intelligence and purpose-built CRM allow post-acute providers, HME, and Infusion organizations to drive more effective performance and growth. Trella’s solutions allow post-acute, HME, and Infusion organizations to identify the highest-potential referral targets, evaluate new market opportunities, and monitor performance metrics. Paired with CRM and EHR integrations, business development teams can better manage referral relationships to advance their organizations with certainty by improving their sales and marketing strategy.

This press release was originally printed by Trella Health and is reprinted with permission. For more information or to reprint this content, please contact one of the media contacts listed above.

InnovAge to Participate in Preventing Falls Study

by Rowan Report | Oct 10, 2024 | Partner News

Preventing Falls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Lara Hazenfield
InnovAge PR Manager
lhazenfield@innovage.com

John Eddy
Goldin Solutions for InnovAge
InnovAge@goldinsolutions.com

Leading PACE Provider InnovAge Selected to Participate in National Study Focused on Preventing Falls by Seniors

New LeaHD Study Advances as Industry Observes National PACE Awareness Month & Falls Prevention Month

DENVER, CO, Sept. 16, 2024 — InnovAge Holding Corp. (“InnovAge”) (Nasdaq: INNV), a leading Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider, has been selected as a research partner for a national study exploring how to prevent falls by seniors. This September’s National PACE Awareness Month and Falls Prevention Month observances emphasize the impact of this timely and critical work aimed at reducing dangerous falls by seniors, as well as helping many others facing a wide range of health conditions.

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with one in four adults aged 65 and older experiencing a fall each year. InnovAge participants average 16% fewer falls than the National PACE Association’s estimated average¹ through proactive screening, risk assessments, and personalized interventions designed to prevent falls. As the largest PACE provider (of enrolled participants), InnovAge provides comprehensive emotional, physical, and social support to older adults through 24/7, integrated care.

As the U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to grow 47% by 2050, affordable and accessible alternatives to nursing homes, like PACE, are more important than ever. As part of InnovAge’s commitment to enabling seniors to age safely in their homes and communities, participants receive a holistic care approach that includes access to doctors, dentists, physical therapists, home health aides, dietitians, and social workers. By proactively addressing all of the complex factors that impact health, PACE aims to increase longevity and quality of life for older adults. For most eligible seniors, all medically necessary care and services are provided for free through PACE.

“We believe that the PACE model is integral to creating a safer, healthier, and more independent future for our seniors,” said Patrick Blair, CEO and President of InnovAge. “National PACE Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to deepen our education efforts about the transformative benefits PACE offers participants and their families.”

“Our participation in the LeaHD study is a testament to our dedication to advancing research and evidence-based practices that directly impact senior health and safety,” said Dr. Ann Wells, Chief Population Health and Clinical Value Officer of InnovAge. “This study will help us better understand the multi-faceted factors contributing to falls among seniors and develop intervention strategies tailored to their unique needs.”

InnovAge was selected by LeaHD, a research and training center established in partnership with Brown University, Boston University, and University of Pittsburgh in the Center on Health Services Training and Research (CoHSTAR). Dr. Wells and the LeaHD team will work collaboratively in the study to advance the training of scientists in rehabilitation and long-term services, focusing on fall risk prediction to enhance senior healthcare outcomes. Their combined research also includes efforts improve the lives of adults living with disabilities and chronic conditions. The study is expected to be completed in October 2025.

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About InnovAge

InnovAge is a market leader in managing the care of high-cost, frail, and predominantly dual-eligible seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). With a mission of enabling older adults to age independently in their own homes for as long as safely possible, InnovAge’s patient-centered care model is designed to improve the quality of care its participants receive while reducing over-utilization of high-cost care settings. InnovAge believes its PACE healthcare model is one in which all constituencies — participants, their families, providers, and government payors — “win.” As of June 30, 2024, InnovAge served approximately 7,020 participants across 20 centers in six states. www.InnovAge.com

This press release was submitted to us by InnovAge and is reprinted by permission. See our accompanying article this week on the home care patient who died after a fall.

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