Geriatric Community Health

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Effectiveness

In order to evaluate the effectiveness according to T. Kelderman “Wesley Life does many audits throughout the months to evaluate for effective care. We evaluate the rate or incidents of falls, infections, and we promote patient/family surveys (personal communication, March 22, 2017)”. They are also required to report to the State of Iowa Licensure office and follow the guidelines mandated. Another way to evaluate the effectiveness of Wesley life is “Pay-for-performance”; is the entity receiving max funding for meeting certain criteria. For example the number of infections an entity has may decrease the amount of pay the entity receives this alerts the organization that they may need to look into the statistics regarding infections.

Client Application

Hazel is a 72 year old female with a diagnosis of Dementia and her mental status is declining deeming her unsafe to stay at home by herself during the day. Her current living situation is as follows: lives with her daughter and son-in-law in their 4 bedroom, 3 baths, two-story home. Hazel has a history of Dementia, Diabetes Mellitus Type II, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and a coronary artery bypass. Although Hazel does not require a skilled nursing facility her daughter Peggy has realized it is unsafe for Hazel to be left at home alone due to safety issues. She needs assistance using the restroom, she is unable to use the stairs alone, needs reminding to take her medications, check her blood sugar level, and eat meals at a consistent time each day.

Peggy first starts her search on the internet for “adult day care services” and quickly finds Wesley Life Adult Day. She reads the website thoroughly and decides to use the “Contact us” section to inquire about the next steps and tour the facility with Hazel. On the website there is a phone number, address and contact name of the program coordinator Jill Smith, and an email address. Upon initial contact with Jill, Peggy is already very thrilled about the idea of her mother being taken care of by skilled professionals and having activities throughout the day that include other adults her age. Together, Peggy and Jill schedule a meeting time for Peggy, Craig (Peggy’s husband), and Hazel to tour the site, ask any additional questions, and start the admission process to Wesley Adult Day Services.

At the first site visit they tour the facility, receive information and brochures, and begin the admission process. Once admitted to the Day program, Hazel is able to have her medications managed, blood sugar checked, meals planned and prepared, and help with her activities of daily living (ADL). The facility staffs the center with several Registered Nurses (RN) and aides to assist the residents on a daily basis. Hazel and her family have now benefited from the facility knowing that she is safe, monitored, and being cared for by trained staff. It reduces the stress of trying to find in-home care and is more cost effective. Peggy and Craig are able to continue to work full-time, while still caring for Hazel in the home. The community benefits from day services because it reduces her risk of harm or injury therefore lowering the need for emergency services. It also still allows her family to be productive and live full lives while caring for Hazel at home. Having Hazel’s health conditions monitored and cared for closely also decrease her risk for hospital stays, medical care, and is more cost effective.

In summary, Wesley Acres/Life provides many exceptional services to the elderly population in Des Moines and its surrounding areas. It is held to high standards using a set of Christian values to guide their care and objectives. At Wesley Life they reach many different areas of the community, in many different ways, and for many different situations. In a day and age where our geriatric population is very large, we need to find ways to continue to help keep people at home, and in the community; they have found ways to do just that. They also have found ways to help individuals of all financial backgrounds; whether it’s with rides, meals, or rehab services they strive to provide these services to all individuals to enhance our communities.

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References

Wesley Life. (2017). Explore Wesley Life’s network. Retrieved March 22, 2017, from https://www.wesleylife.org/

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Appendix

Tina Kelderman RN

Home Health Registered Nurse

Daredreambig8@gmail.com

Site:

Wesley Life Adult Day Services

3520 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50312