Case 5: The Ripple Effect of Incontinence Management
Incontinence is a well-recognized challenge in senior living, affecting not only residents’ health and wellbeing but also the care teams that support them. However, its impact extends far beyond the clinical realm, influencing various aspects of a care environment. By optimizing incontinence management, senior living communities can potentially enhance care quality while also improving their bottom line. At etectRx, we’re working with communities across multiple states to elevate their incontinence management with eBrief, leading to improved resident outcomes and benefits that resonate across multiple departments.
Resident Care: Resident care and wellbeing are significantly impacted by incontinence, which can lead to a range of serious health complications, including falls, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin issues, and pressure wounds. Furthermore, inadequate incontinence management can also disrupt residents’ daily lives, causing agitation and behavioral issues, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. The complexities and time-consuming nature of incontinence management make it one of the most resource-intensive aspects of caregiving. For a deeper dive into the clinical implications of standard incontinence management, explore our related article, Case 4: Streamlining Care and Reducing Clinical Risk.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Incontinence leaks are a frequent challenge in standard incontinence care, arising from various causes. These leaks not only add to the caregivers’ workload but also lead to persistent odors, saturation of clothing and bedding, and damage to furniture and flooring. The operational costs of cleaning and laundry are significant, and in some cases, leaks can result in costly repairs or replacements of damaged items. However, with eBrief’s real-time alerts, staff can respond promptly to wet events, reducing the risk of leaks, minimizing the need for additional housekeeping and maintenance, and ultimately, containing costs and preserving community assets.
Administration and Compliance: Traditional incontinence management workflows have long hindered accurate and efficient documentation, often resulting in incomplete or outdated records. Typically, these documentation gaps only come to light when an issue arises, necessitating a time-consuming review and correction process by administrative teams. However, by implementing an improved documentation process that provides timely and accurate data, senior living communities can optimize staffing, inform care plans, and facilitate seamless transitions in care levels. This, in turn, can streamline compliance, reassure families of the quality care their loved ones receive, and alleviate administrative burdens. eBrief’s automated documentation capabilities can further enhance this process, supporting compliance audits and reporting, optimizing staff schedules, and providing families with peace of mind.
Resident Engagement: Social isolation and depression are persistent challenges in congregate living settings, and their importance is growing as regulatory oversight increases. Research has shown that unmanaged incontinence can exacerbate these conditions, highlighting the need for proactive incontinence care. However, traditional incontinence management processes often fall short, leaving gaps in care and creating uncertainty around when and how often support is needed. In contrast, eBrief provides care teams with real-time insights and data, available at a glance on a centralized dashboard. This enables caregivers to deliver timely and tailored support, empowering residents to feel more confident and comfortable, and participate fully in social activities and events with minimal interruption.
Marketing: In the competitive senior living landscape, differentiating your community is crucial for driving demand, occupancy, and ultimately, operational success. By showcasing innovation in care, organizations can set themselves apart and attract families seeking exceptional support for their loved ones. While incontinence care is often overlooked as a key differentiator, it remains a top concern for families when evaluating care quality. By leveraging eBrief’s innovative approach to incontinence management, you can not only differentiate your community as a leader in care but also provide families with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are receiving exceptional support. And, as an added benefit, your community will also benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment.
In conclusion, by elevating incontinence management across various aspects of your senior living community, you can improve care outcomes, reduce operational costs, and drive business success. By partnering with eBrief, you can unlock the full potential of innovative incontinence care and set your community apart in a competitive market.
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About etectRx:
etectRx is a leading digital health sensor platform company offering a unique combination of wireless sensor technology, intelligent software, and services through our novel eBurst technology. This technology supports remote monitoring of multiple health conditions – enhancing patient engagement and healthcare outcomes across stakeholders including patients, providers, and payers, by promoting accountability and awareness.