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!

Webinar:
“Updating Infection Control Policies: Applying Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation, Visitation, & Expansion Rules-ICF/IID”

Date: May 31st, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00PM

Cost: $40

For:  Program Managers, Administrators,
Case Managers/Care Coordinators, Nursing Staff

Presenter:  Julie Blacklock

You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment.  Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!

Copy of Rules Updated 04/18/22

ICF-IID-COVID-19-Response-Emergency-Rule.pdf

HHSC has issued enhanced COVID-19 emergency rules. The rules require additional actions by the ICF program providers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We will be discussing each of these changes and ways to address them in your facility if you have not done so already.  Don’t forget, if you need help with your infection control policies we would be glad to help.  You can contact us at:  info@twogetherconsulting.com

Topics (Concerning COVID-19):

-Discussion of revised ICF COVID-19 Provider Response Mitigation Rules for ICFs/IID 

-(Changes to pages 12, 18, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, and 38 )

-Screening- Updates (Changes as of 4/6/22)

–Reporting Requirements for Positive Cases of COVID-19  (Changes as of 4/6/22)

–Visitation Rules in the Facility and Homes (Changes as of 4/8/22)

–Infection Control Policies– Do you have them? Are you addressing COVID-19 concerns? Have you kept up with updates to policies as guidance has changed?)

-Facilities without a CLIA Waiver-Requesting Binax Rapid Tests

-Policy Samples
-Tools
-Correction Options

and much more

Registration:

To complete registration and for any additional information or to arrange
payment by check you must contact:

Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com 

You may contact Meghan by phone at: (361) 649-5104   

Mailing address for checks:  
Twogether Consulting  P.O. Box 90426 Austin, TX 78709

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.