This week, we join the assisted living community in celebrating National Assisted Living Week (NALW), a time to honor the residents, caregivers, families, and volunteers who make these communities vibrant and nurturing places to call home. This year’s theme, “Ageless Adventure,” reminds us that life’s possibilities are limitless, regardless of age or ability. With eBrief, we’re proud to support this vision by empowering residents to live with dignity, confidence, and freedom. 

Assisted living communities are built on compassion, dedication, and resilience. They are spaces where independence thrives, and where every day is an opportunity for discovery, connection, and growth. Yet, we know that challenges like urinary incontinence can create barriers to these adventures—both physical and emotional. These barriers can limit opportunities for exploration, leading to social isolation, compromised well-being, and a diminished quality of life. 

That’s where eBrief, our intelligent incontinence monitoring system, steps in. By providing real-time alerts and data-driven insights, eBrief helps caregivers respond promptly and discreetly, ensuring residents can focus on what truly matters: living life to the fullest. Whether it’s exploring a new hobby, attending a community event, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, eBrief removes the uncertainty and worry that incontinence can bring. 

Adventure comes in many forms, from learning a new skill to building meaningful connections. With eBrief, residents can confidently participate in these activities, knowing their needs are being met with care and respect. Caregivers, too, benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re providing timely, effective support without interrupting the rhythm of daily life. 

The impact of eBrief goes beyond convenience. By addressing the challenges of incontinence, we’re helping to break down the stigma and isolation that often accompany this condition. Residents are empowered to stay active, engaged, and connected—key ingredients for both physical and mental well-being. Studies show that staying socially engaged and physically active can lower the risk of chronic disease, support brain health, and improve overall quality of life. 

This National Assisted Living Week, let’s celebrate the spirit of Ageless Adventure by embracing innovation and compassion. Together, we can create communities where everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to explore, connect, and thrive.

Join us in honoring the incredible individuals who make assisted living communities so special. Let’s continue to advocate for better tools, better care, and better outcomes—because every adventure deserves to be lived to the fullest. 

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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.

The post A Case For Change: Case 8 first appeared on etectRx.

UCLA and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, led by two Principal Investigators, Dr. Honghu Liu and Dr. Eric Daar, have launched a NIH-funded clinical study to improve HIV treatment outcomes using an innovative integrated intervention that combines ID-Cap® ingestible sensor (IS) digital pill technology measuring adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication and IS triggered actions to address challenges to adherence associated with social determinants of health and other factors.  The ID-Cap System, developed by etectRx and an FDA-cleared IS, transmits real-time alerts to confirm medication intake, enabling the detection of non-adherence and informing the clinic team in real-time to work with the patient to overcome obstacles to ARV adherence.

Approximately 110 participants will be randomly assigned to either continue standard HIV care or receive the innovative integrated intervention. The ID-Cap System includes a gelatin capsule, embedded with an ID-Cap sensor and encapsulated with various ARV medications, a wearable reader device (choice of wristband or pendant), and a smartphone app (ID-Cap App) that tracks ingestions and sends reminders for missed or late doses.

If no ingestion is detected for three out of five consecutive days via viewing the ID-Cap Dashboard, the Harbor-UCLA HIV Clinic care team will intervene, enabling quick outreach and personalized support. By enhancing real-time communication and enabling earlier intervention, the ID-Cap System may help reduce barriers to care, improve medication management, and contribute to decreased viral loads and, as a result, HIV transmission. Participants also undergo regular viral load testing and complete surveys about their health, behaviors, and access to resources.

This research reflects growing momentum in digital health innovation and holds promise for advancing how HIV care is delivered—bringing smarter, data-driven solutions to the communities that need them most.

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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.

The post UCLA Launches Clinical Study to Test ID-Cap® System’s Technology Impact on HIV Care first appeared on etectRx.

In the care industry, finding reliable and up-to-date information can be a daunting task. With resources scattered across agencies, studies, and institutions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fragmented data. While there’s no shortage of information online, pinpointing insights that are relevant to your specific needs remains a challenge. Enter eBrief Community—a new virtual platform designed to bring order to the chaos surrounding incontinence and related care.

The Complex Challenges of Incontinence  

Incontinence is a multifaceted issue that impacts nearly every aspect of care. From daily caregiving and environmental hygiene to emotional stigmas, laundry, odors, and a host of related complications, it’s not a single problem but a cascade of interconnected challenges. These layers often obscure the root cause, making it difficult to address effectively. Compounding the issue is the lack of a centralized resource hub. Information is spread across government agencies, associations, educational institutions, and payor sources, leading to missed opportunities, slower innovation, and inefficiencies in care delivery.

A Solution Designed by Experts  

etectRx, the creators of eBrief, understand that incontinence is neither simple nor singular in nature. Our team of experts recognize there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we believe that having clear, actionable insights at your fingertips is crucial for addressing incontinence in any care setting. Over time, eBrief has not only helped users identify opportunities through data but has also highlighted how incontinence impacts broader systems and processes.  

For instance, incontinence is a major contributor to risks like falls, pressure ulcers, and urinary tract infections—key quality metrics that care providers are often judged on. These metrics are critical for public reporting and internal evaluations of care quality. Studies consistently show that proactively managing incontinence can significantly reduce these risks, improving overall outcomes. 

Introducing eBrief Community  

eBrief Community is a groundbreaking resource designed to simplify the search for effective incontinence care solutions. It curates the most reputable, evidence-based practices from industry experts and presents them in one accessible location. This first-of-its-kind platform empowers care providers to:  

– Identify and solve problems faster 

– Gain deeper insights into incontinence challenges  

– Build confidence in their interventions  

– Stay updated on the latest advancements 

A Mission to Transform Care  

At its core, eBrief is driven by a mission to elevate standards, improve outcomes, and restore dignity and independence to those in need of care. Incontinence care is deeply personal, often isolating, and can feel overwhelming for caregivers. For vulnerable populations like seniors and individuals with disabilities, managing incontinence is not just about physical care—it’s about preserving their dignity and quality of life.  

eBrief Community invites you to join a movement that looks beyond the surface and focuses on the individual. By becoming part of this community, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, all in one place, to help you provide better care with less stress.

Membership Tiers to Suit Your Needs  

eBrief Community offers free membership at the ALERT tier, providing access to a curated library of published resources. Coming soon, the ASSIST and premium ADVISE tiers will offer even more focused, proprietary tools and insights from frontline experts. These tiers are designed to save you time, so you can focus on what matters most—caring for individuals.

Take the First Step Today  

It’s time to change the way you approach incontinence care. Join eBrief Community today and start your journey toward better outcomes, stronger standards, and a more dignified approach to care. Visit www.ebriefcommunity.com to sign up and access the tools you need to make a lasting impact. Together, we can transform care.

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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.

The post A Case For Change: Case 7 first appeared on etectRx.

Incontinence is often associated with aging, but it’s not a natural part of growing older—it’s often a complication stemming from health issues, physical changes, or life experiences. However, many people overlook the fact that some individuals face these challenges from birth. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), the effects of incontinence can be especially profound, shaping their lives in ways that extend far beyond their years. IDD refers to conditions—whether present from birth, acquired through injury, or influenced by environmental factors—that impact intellectual functioning, behavior, and overall development. These conditions are lifelong and often pose significant barriers to daily life.

Research shows that individuals with IDD may struggle with self-care, age-appropriate tasks, independence, and self-confidence. Each person’s experience with IDD is unique, requiring tailored support and services to help them live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Interestingly, many of the care needs for individuals with IDD mirror those of older adults—especially when it comes to incontinence. Studies reveal that 52% of people with IDD experience incontinence, a condition that can lead to complications like skin irritation, infections, and reduced quality of life. While the way an older adult manages incontinence might differ from how a younger person with IDD does, the challenges remain the same. This underscores the importance of developing inclusive solutions that address the needs of all individuals, regardless of age or ability.

A recent study highlighted that 22% of Americans with IDD report conditions that limit their ability to manage toileting independently, increasing their risk of adverse events. Proper management of incontinence is critical to preventing these complications. Recognizing this need, eBrief has developed innovative assistive technology (AT) designed to support the IDD community. By providing real-time data and documentation, eBrief empowers care teams to make informed decisions that enhance the well-being of this vulnerable population.

Assistive technology (AT) plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with IDD. Defined as tools or devices that help individuals meet their care goals, AT promotes independence, improves health and well-being, enhances socialization, delays institutionalization, and reduces healthcare costs. Historically, AT for the IDD population has included tools like screen readers, braille displays, and speech recognition software. However, as technology evolves, so must AT to continue delivering value and improving quality of life.

In a groundbreaking move, eBrief recently partnered with Black Hills Works in South Dakota to introduce its novel AT solution for individuals with IDD and incontinence in residential communities. This initiative is still in its early stages but represents a significant step forward in caregiving for this population. By leveraging eBrief’s technology, caregivers can better manage incontinence and improve the quality of life for those they support.

Black Hills Works aptly captures the spirit of this progress: “As a nation, we have emerged from the dark shadows of our early history when institutionalization was the norm to a place where we now know what is possible when we believe in the potential of people and shed misconceptions about limitations.”

Currently, eBrief is recognized and reimbursed as AT in South Dakota’s Medicaid Waiver program. If you’re interested in learning how eBrief can transform care for individuals with IDD and incontinence, we’d be happy to discuss your needs and explore how this innovative technology can make a difference. Contact us today to take the next step in revolutionizing care for those who need it most.

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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.

The post A Case For Change: Case 6 first appeared on etectRx.

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.

The post Case 5: A Case For Change first appeared on etectRx.

Over the course of the study, more than 9,000 ID-Cap® System ingestions contributed to a robust assessment of adherence. 84 participants actively used the ID-Cap System for approximately 4 months each. By combining the digital pill data with drug concentrations, the research team was able to accurately quantify tenofovir-diphosphate and emtricitabine-triphosphate in dried blood spots (DBS) at each visit according to adherence level¹. Overall, adherence in the study was greater than 90%, and more than 90% of ingestions were detected by the ID-Cap System (as opposed to manually entered)². The study also found that HIV-1 RNA (plasma viral load) remained suppressed (<200 copies/mL) even in cases of intermittent non-adherence, as measured by the ID-Cap System, reinforcing the potential for digital pill technologies in future research on HIV treatment strategies.

This study highlights the growing promise of digital health innovations by both enhancing medication adherence as well as offering critical insights into the effectiveness of ART regimens in real-world settings. 

Nothing in this content constitutes an endorsement by Ryan Coyle or the University of Colorado.

References

1. Coyle RP, Morrow M, Mann SC, Mainella V, Ellis SL, Schwab S, Coppinger C, Barker N, Ellison L, Zheng JH, Al Zuabi S, Alpert PE, Carnes TC, Buffkin DE Jr, Chai PR, Bushman LR, Kiser JJ, MaWhinney S, Brooks KM, Anderson PL, Castillo-Mancilla JR. Tenofovir-Diphosphate and Emtricitabine-Triphosphate Adherence Benchmarks in Dried Blood Spots for Persons with HIV Receiving Tenofovir Alafenamide and Emtricitabine-based Antiretroviral Therapy (QUANTI-TAF). Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Nov 22;79(5):1233-1241. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae212. PMID: 38636950; PMCID: PMC11581703.
2. Coyle RP, Mainella V, Morrow M, Mann SC, Schwab S, Coppinger C, Barker N, Ellis SL, Carnes TC, Alpert PE, Ellison L, Bushman LR, Brooks KM, MaWhinney S, Castillo-Mancilla JR, Anderson PL. Adherence insights from TAF/FTC-based ART co-encapsulated with an ingestible sensor among virologically suppressed persons with HIV. Coyle RP oral presentation: International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology of HIV, Hepatitis, and Other Antiviral Drugs, 2024 Sep 18-19; Liverpool, UK. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 90: 10-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.16291.

The post Recap with ID-Cap®: Monitoring HIV Medication Adherence in University of Colorado’s QUANTI-TAF Study first appeared on etectRx.

Authored by Leah Klusch, RN, BSN, FACHCA, Executive Director, The Alliance Training Center

Managing continence care in long-term care settings is a complex challenge. Incontinence treatment is among the highest expenses for providers, largely due to staffing shortages and the various regulatory and psychosocial factors involved. Addressing this complexity demands collaboration between operational and clinical teams, along with thorough assessments, retraining programs, and open communication with both seniors and staff. Ineffective management of incontinence can result in serious health complications, infections, and a decline in quality of life, cognitive function, and overall strength. Addressing this complexity demands collaboration between operational and clinical teams, along with thorough assessments, retraining programs, and open communication with seniors, families, and staff. Ineffective management of incontinence can result in serious health complications, infections, depression, and a decline in quality of life, cognitive function, and overall health.

Providers should adopt strategies to identify and address the key risk factors associated with managing incontinence. These include:

Incomplete Assessments at Admission: Comprehensive assessments that document voiding patterns and absorbent product usage are crucial for effective incontinence management. If these assessments are incomplete, it hampers care.

Lack of Documentation on Continence History: It’s essential to document the resident’s continence history prior to admission and include this information in care planning. Engaging all staff, residents, and their families in these discussions is vital.

Failure to Document Voiding Patterns: Not obtaining and recording voiding patterns, retraining programs, or other interventions upon admission can lead to adverse outcomes and emotional distress for residents.

Ignoring Associated Risks: Research has shown that incontinence is linked to various negative outcomes, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), falls, skin issues, depression, isolation, and inactivity. Addressing these risks is essential.

Insufficient Focus in Initial Care Plans: Initial care plans often overlook elimination patterns and the staff responsible for continence care. Changes in voiding patterns are common among seniors, especially those experiencing trauma, undergoing surgeries, or facing other acute care events. Additionally, documentation related to the initial care plan may be lacking.

Without a proper focus on elimination, facilities may experience increased care costs, regulatory risks, and heightened acuity levels shortly after admission, as negative outcomes can arise quickly.

eBrief Program: Reducing Risks and Streamlining Care Processes

Lowering Costs

When evaluating incontinence management programs, a lack of emphasis on assessments, data collection, and prompt intervention often leads to negative outcomes. These oversights not only increase the likelihood of survey citations—resulting in costly penalties for organizations—but also adversely affect residents’ functional outcomes. The eBrief Program addresses these issues by providing precise data on incontinent episodes, thereby reducing risk and encouraging effective actions. The program equips clinical leaders with real-time, accurate insights into the frequency of incontinence episodes and staff response times.

Enhancing Documentation Detail and Accuracy

Documenting care at the end of a shift is generally discouraged as it tends to yield the least accurate data. The eBrief Program allows staff to record incontinence episodes at the point of care, significantly improving data accuracy.

Providing More Individualized Clinical Interventions

Historically, a lack of understanding regarding voiding patterns and staff response times has hindered the development of customized toileting programs and care plans. The eBrief Program supplies essential data that enables nursing staff to make informed decisions based on facts rather than assumptions, allowing for more aggressive and effective care planning.

A Comprehensive Approach

Given the limitations of traditional incontinence management methods, it is crucial to create quality programs that address residents’ needs holistically. The eBrief Program facilitates the development of individualized toileting plans that consider each resident’s entire experience, rather than focusing on isolated incidents. It automatically documents staff performance and helps clinical managers evaluate care delivery, enabling proactive adjustments to toileting programs and product use.

Gaining Insights for Monitoring

Monitoring outcomes is a vital component of any intervention. The eBrief Program tracks overall incontinence outcomes, enabling clinical leaders to accurately assess the need for changes in care delivery while also highlighting successful programs. With robust documentation to support the implementation of interventions, the eBrief Program revolutionizes care by enhancing accuracy, promoting efficient delivery, and ultimately improving the overall quality of care.

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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.

The post Case 4: A Case For Change first appeared on etectRx.

As we enter a new year, senior living services face an increasingly complex landscape of reimbursement models and regulatory requirements. Terms like ACOs, MCOs, PDPM, and VBC can be overwhelming. With a growing array of payer options, senior living executives must navigate these complexities while ensuring the well-being of residents. The key to success lies in strategic planning and the adoption of effective tools that align with organizational goals, enhancing quality of care, revenue, and resident satisfaction.

Identifying the right solutions begins by recognizing the industry’s pressing challenges. Issues such as lawsuits, regulatory changes, and rising operational costs are ever-present. While various agetech innovations are emerging, the most impactful solutions are those that directly affect a provider’s bottom line.

One promising solution is eBrief, a first-of-its-kind intelligent incontinence monitoring system. eBrief offers real-time incontinence alerts for staff while also collecting valuable data that can enhance both regulatory compliance and revenue opportunities. This groundbreaking data is crucial for senior living communities looking to optimize their financial performance.

Understanding how incontinence impacts reimbursement is vital for maintaining healthy margins. Incontinence products represented a staggering $5.3 billion in costs for senior living providers in 2014, according to CDC reports. Moreover, incontinence is a critical factor in assessing quality of care, as it is linked to chronic conditions that can adversely affect residents’ mental and physical health.

The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), introduced by CMS, is still in its early stages but already shows potential for improving financial outcomes for providers. PDPM reimbursement rates are influenced by functional assessments, restorative programs, and chronic condition management. For example, implementing two restorative programs can increase reimbursement by up to $11.48 per resident per day.

To maximize these opportunities, it’s imperative to accurately document the full extent of care provided during the assessment process. Incontinence significantly impacts initial admissions and ongoing care, making it essential for providers to ensure the accuracy of Section GG assessments, which are critical for functional scoring.

eBrief not only alerts caregivers in real-time to a resident’s incontinence needs but also collects essential metrics such as voiding frequency and patterns. This information aids in creating more effective toileting programs and maintaining an automated bladder diary, which collectively support care plan interventions related to incontinence.

The positive effects of eBrief on reimbursement extend beyond immediate gains. As CMS gradually rolls out Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) programs, the benefits of effectively managing incontinence will lead to improved quality metrics, impacting both financial and clinical outcomes well into the future.

For the 63% of residents covered by Medicaid, incontinence management directly influences state-level reimbursements. Many states are implementing quality payment programs that reward providers for meeting specific quality metrics, many of which relate to incontinence complications like falls and hospital visits. In Texas, for instance, providers participating in the Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP) can earn significant bonuses by achieving goals such as reducing antipsychotic medication use and improving bladder and bowel control.

By leveraging innovative technologies like eBrief, senior care providers can take proactive steps to enhance outcomes, optimize reimbursements, and ultimately improve the quality of life for their residents.

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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.

The post Case 3: A Case For Change first appeared on etectRx.

Long-term care facilities play a vital role in supporting a significant portion of our senior population. However, these facilities are currently grappling with a critical and often overlooked challenge: incontinence care. As our population ages rapidly, access to long-term care is diminishing. A report from AHCA/NCAL reveals that over 30,000 residents have already been displaced since the onset of the pandemic, primarily from 4 or 5-star communities. Alarmingly, projections suggest that an additional 290,000 residents are at risk of displacement due to impending staffing mandates that could lead to further closures. (Source) Moreover, 57% of nursing homes report having a waitlist for entry, primarily due to understaffing issues. (Source)

The primary challenge facing nursing homes today, often referred to as a “staffing crisis,” is the ongoing shortage of staff. A recent report found that 96% of nursing homes are operating with too few Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), making this the most critical staffing issue in long-term care. (Source) In some instances, the National Guard has been called in to help fulfill the responsibilities of CNAs, underscoring the essential nature of their work. (Source) Interestingly, a study revealed that more than 56% of a CNA’s duties involve managing incontinence. (Source) This role is plagued by high turnover rates, often exceeding 100%, and a rapidly dwindling pool of candidates to fill vacancies. To comply with recent staffing mandates, it has been estimated that 92% of rural nursing homes will need to hire additional staff to meet minimum requirements. (Source) The staffing crisis is increasingly recognized as a key factor influencing the quality of care. Recent observations indicate a rise in average deficiencies (Source), as well as increases in pressure ulcers, infections, antipsychotic drug use, depression, and excessive weight loss—all of which are linked to staffing levels. With over 65% of nursing home residents experiencing incontinence (Source), the challenges faced by CNAs will likely remain daunting, stressful, and time-consuming, compounded by these complications and adverse outcomes.

As challenges continue to mount in the news regarding long-term care facilities—such as staffing shortages, new mandates, heightened regulatory scrutiny, tighter financial margins, stricter reimbursement criteria, and additional reporting requirements, not to mention the impacts of this hurricane season—the most alarming statistic is a nearly 53% increase in serious deficiencies reported by KFF between 2015 and 2023. (Source) Furthermore, nursing homes are witnessing an influx of sicker residents. (Source) Consequently, the quality of care is declining, access to services is becoming more difficult, and financial margins are growing ever thinner.

A comprehensive review of studies highlights the numerous adverse outcomes associated with incontinence, revealing significant correlations with depression, social isolation, functional deficits, behavioral issues, falls (including serious injuries), infections, sepsis, hospitalization, institutionalization, emergency room visits, skin breakdown, incontinence-associated dermatitis, pressure ulcers, delayed wound healing, ageism, and even mortality. It is no surprise that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has designated Federal Tag 690—Incontinence of Bowel and Bladder—as one of the most long-standing and detailed compliance tags for nursing homes across the country. This tag includes a clinical pathway that guides surveyors through various departmental areas that influence incontinence, leaving few, if any, untouched. As outlined in the 2016 final rule, facilities are accountable for ensuring that residents either do not become incontinent or improve their incontinence (Ftag 690, SOM, CMS). Given the declining quality measures associated with these adverse outcomes, it is clear that our industry must undergo transformation. We have a responsibility to the older adults we serve to rethink our standard practices and embrace a path of innovation, creativity, and courage to drive meaningful change.

One profound statement found tucked away in a recent study provided much clarity on the path to move forward, the only path forward: “...to implement quality monitoring programs that collect information for improvement purposes as opposed to compliance purposes.  This information could be stored out of the medical record and hence protected from survey scrutiny which reduces another source of motivation for inaccurate documentation.” (Source) The path that has led us to this point appears to be rooted in outcomes resulting from federal regulatory focus as well as the method for quality reporting while the path forward should be paved with the contrary; “improvements to care processes”.  (Source)

The groundbreaking eBrief technology is achieving just that. It is transforming incontinence care by delivering insights and data that were previously unavailable. eBrief equips dedicated staff with essential tools to lighten their workloads and enhance efficiency. By adopting the eBrief System, communities are embracing innovative change, eliminating the guesswork in incontinence care, and paving a new path forward.

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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.

The post Case 2: A Case For Change first appeared on etectRx.

November is National Bladder Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight bladder health and the importance of managing incontinence as we age. At etectRx, we believe it is essential to initiate a transformative shift in how we address these issues. This month, we are proud to introduce “A Case for Change,” an article series aimed at breaking the silence surrounding incontinence and fostering vital conversations about its management and support for bladder health.

Long-term care facilities are integral to supporting a significant portion of our senior population, yet they face a critical challenge: managing incontinence care. Our research has uncovered a striking statistic: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and caregivers may spend up to 56% of their time on incontinence-related tasks. In an industry already struggling with staffing shortages and increasing regulatory pressures, this figure is alarming and demands immediate attention.

But we are not merely pointing out the challenges; we are also paving the way for effective solutions. Our cutting-edge eBrief technology is set to revolutionize incontinence care by enhancing resident dignity and improving health outcomes, all while increasing staff efficiency. With innovations such as instant wetness detection, we are transforming what was once a distant goal into a present-day reality for long-term care facilities.

Through our innovative eBrief solution, we are challenging the status quo by emphasizing that incontinence is a critical health concern that should not be ignored. Our intelligent incontinence monitoring system empowers caregivers to take proactive measures against the negative consequences often associated with this condition. Join us in advocating for meaningful change in care practices.

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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.

The post Case 1: A Case For Change first appeared on etectRx.