Do you Snoezel? If not, you might need to start! The word “Snoezelen” comes from 2 Dutch words, “snuffelen” (to seek out or explore, or to sniff) and “doezelen” (to relax, doze, or snooze).  The Snoezelen experience offers sensory stimulation and relaxation through lights, sounds, smells, and textures, and it appears that it can be a beneficial tool in the treatment of individuals with mental health...

Care Plan Meetings, also called Care Conferences or IDT Meetings with the Resident and/or Family are an important part of your resident’s stay at the facility.  They are necessary to ensure that no communication has been lost and that we are answering all questions and addressing all concerns raised by the resident and/or family.  Also, getting resident and family input into the plan of care is extremely important in order to optimize...

Do you know what one of the most often used arguments in lawsuits against nursing homes is?  “The facility allowed the patient to develop avoidable bedsores…”  As Nursing Home Professionals, it is our job to ensure that our residents do not develop any bedsores / pressure areas in our facility.  But, it happens in every nursing home out there at one point or another. I can’t tell you how many facilities I’ve...

Do you have residents yelling their heads off? Wandering excessively into the wrong rooms? Elopements? Resisting care? Exhibiting sexually inappropriate behaviors?  Or, maybe even a new resident-to-resident altercation each day?  Then, I hate to break it to you, but maybe your behavior management program needs a little overhaul .  Here are a few questions to ask yourself to  help evaluate your program. (1) Who’s tracking your...