UNIQUE CHALLENGES ENSURING MEDICATION COMPLIANCE IN THE I/DD SETTING
 

For people with I/DD, taking medications as prescribed is essential to managing chronic conditions, minimizing adverse effects, and improving their overall health. Many often have a tough time with medication adherence whether it is one prescription or more, which is most often the case. In fact, 80% of individuals with I/DD are prescribed five or more medications; more than 60% have 10 or more1. Juggling numerous medications can be problematic for these individuals, many of whom have trouble performing even the basic activities of daily living and face cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. While the residents rely on direct support professionals, nurses, medication technicians and other employees for medication help, staff who serve them often face challenges ensuring compliance on a daily basis. This complication, coupled with the fact that residents have varying levels of functionality and medication needs, adds to the complexity, stress and demands of the job. These are just a few factors that have created a staff retention problem. Additional key challenges include:
 
• Staff Training: Constant turnover can hinder an organization’s ability to properly train staff. While every ICF and supported living provider understands that well-educated staff members make fewer mistakes, most cannot afford to offer training to new employees on an ongoing basis. If the organization is not engaged with an LTC pharmacy that provides this training, they often have to outsource it, which can be expensive.
 
• Poor Pharmacy Support & Communication: I/DD organizations have unique needs that should involve constant interaction and industry expertise from a pharmacy partner. This level of commitment requires 24/7 pharmacy support and communication. Without it, members of the I/DD staff can be left in situations where they feel overwhelmed and uncertain of the right decision. Sadly, too many organizations experience insufficient assistance from their pharmacy, with some not knowing the appropriate pharmacy contact for every situation, including the best person to answer daily questions and provide after-hours and emergency services.

• Lack of Access to Newer Technologies: Technology can play a tremendous role in the accuracy and efficiency of medication management, but with so many program options in the market, organizations may have a hard time researching and understanding which systems are best to meet their immediate and future needs. Additionally, many are still using paper MARs, increasing the workload of the organization’s staff and the risk of human transcription error.
 

CHOOSE A PHARMACY WITH EXPERIENCE & COMPASSION
 
If you work with a pharmacy that specializes in medication compliance, you can minimize medication errors and billing complaints, leading to greater individual and staff happiness. Selecting the LTC pharmacy partner that shares the same level of enthusiasm and empathy you have for the residents you serve is equally as important. Build a relationship with a pharmacy that views meeting the needs of individuals with I/DD the same way you do – as a privilege and source of pride.
 
With Guardian Pharmacy Texas, you get the best of both worlds – Experience and Compassion. 

 If you have any questions, please see contact information below.
Contact Kevin Kirkpatrick 
Office: 817-633-6688 | Cell: 972-742-3003
email: Kevin.kirkpatrick@guardianpharmacy.net
Guardian Pharmacy Texas

**If you sign up for services with Guardian and mention "Twogether Consulting" to Kevin Kirkpatrick, you could receive up to 6 months of "paper"
MARS (Medication Administration Review Sheets) for FREE!

Dates:  June 29th and 30th, 2022.
Times:  Day 1:  9:30AM-4:30PM, Day 2:  9AM-4PM 
Cost:  $350/ per person (for the 2 days total).   You may pay via PayPal invoice with PayPal, Credit or Debit Card, or our business Venmo account and also by check
Handouts:  Training Manuals will be provided as well. 
Location:  Sheraton Hotel By The Galleria (Conference Room)  Dallas, TX
4801 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75244
                                                                                           
We will be posting a link in the near future, for a discounted rate for those of you wanting to reserve a hotel room at the Sheraton or you may ask when you call the hotel.  Please let them know you are attending a training in their conference room with Twogether Consulting as the presenters if you call. Hotel Ph:  (972) 661-3600    

    
Topics: Day 1
“Expectations of The Nurse”  Part I
-Intro To HCS & TxHmL Waivers
-Rules & Regs
-Roles & Responsibilities: RN Vs. LVN
-Developing The Nursing IP
-Health Status Monitoring, Updating Nursing Care Plan,
-Med Errors, Incident Reports, Delays In Service and F/U 
“Expectations of The Nurse” Part II
-RN Delegations & Other Determinations

Topics: Day 2
New Interpretive Guidance Booklet: Discussion of Survey Expectations Concerning Nursing
“Completion & Description of  The CNA: Form 8584” (RN’s)

Mark I Residential HCS

Mark Henson-CEO/Owner

Ph:  512-789-4079

Location:  Austin, Texas

Starting Pay:  $50,000

Position: Case Manager (Need immediately, approximately 20 client caseload/primarily
medically fragile individuals in Group Homes)

Job Qualifications:

Previous experience in case management working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, preferred, but will consider other experience with IDD services.  i.e.. HCS, TxHmL or ICF program or other DD programs. Degree in Social Services or Psychology required if you do not have experience. Must be comfortable working with individuals with high medical needs. Contact us for more information.

A TREASURE OF DREAMS, INC.
A Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Provider

Seeking an RN on a contract basis for an HCS Program. The RN MUST HAVE HCS EXPERIENCE. The RN will complete nursing assessments annually and as needed, medication training, delegations to unlicensed staff, special needs training, medical specific training, review medical documents, and provide triage/post hospital assessments when needed to individuals residing in the group home setting.

Primary responsibilities include:

· Nursing Assessments (annually and as needed)

· RN Delegations

· Staff Trainings

· Annual Meetings

· Face-to-face assessment/post hospital visits

· New med/1st dose

· On-call

· Immediate follow-up following physician’s appointments with nursing assessment revision if necessary

· Medication monitoring Medication reconciliation/monthly cycle meds

Must have HCS experience.

$40 per billable hour

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Salary: $40.00 per hour

Save the Date:
Quality in Long-Term Care Conference

• Resiliency.
• Ability to recover quickly from the challenges of the pandemic.
• Responsiveness to the ever-changing ways of working in the new normal in their professions and being ready for whatever comes next.

New Dates, New Location.

The only historic beachfront hotel on the Gulf Coast of Texas, The Grand Galvez, is undergoing renovation just in time to host AAIDD Texas Chapter's 46th Annual Convention!
They're bringing back the luxury and sophistication, with a nod to the original design of 1911 and a refreshed elegance throughout. Renovations include everything from guest rooms to common areas to the beautiful grounds, and provide a casual opulence sure to please. Mark your calendars for November 15 - 18, 2022 and we'll see you at the GRAND GALVEZ!