JESUP — Jesup Health and Rehab, a member of the Mission Health family of health-care communities, earned tier II recognition as part of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s Quality Initiative Recognition Program by reducing staff turnover by at least 15 percent and reducing the off-label use of antipsychotic drugs by at least 15 percent.
According to administrator Sherry Carter, Jesup Health and Rehab met its goals through two initiatives. First, they created a thorough review process on the use of antipsychotic drugs.
“We established monthly meetings to review diagnoses and drug regimens,” she said, “and we have a pharmacist regularly review drug orders and make suggestions.”
Communications technology also is helping to reduce prescribed-drug use.
“We now engage in telemedicine, working remotely with a psychiatrist via Skype to help us manage and lower doses where appropriate. We’re also finding success with non-prescription alternatives, such as fish oils that have been shown to stabilize moods. The result ... is healthier residents,” Carter said.
Secondly, facility addressed staff turnover by focusing the interview process on applicants’ passion for health care.
“This career is really a calling,” Carter said, “so we’re very selective when hiring people. In addition to skills, we want to know what truly motivates people to choose a career of helping people. True caring and continuity of that care are so important to our residents’ quality of life.”
The AHCA/NCAL developed the recognition program to improve the care in America’s skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities by setting specific, measurable targets.