Describe Your Current Knowledge Of The Facility You Chose ✓ Solved

Describe Your Current Knowledge Of The Facility You Chose

Describe your current knowledge of the facility you chose for your practicum experience and your reasoning for choosing this particular facility. Also, share one vulnerable population that can be found within your facility’s community and your experience dealing with this population. If you do not have experience with this population, what research will you do before you start?

Paper For Above Instructions

The facility chosen for my practicum experience is a skilled nursing facility (SNF) specializing in catering to the Medicare population. This choice was motivated by my current role as a Case Manager at an insurance company where I focus on facilitating healthcare access and managing care plans for individuals over 65 years old. This experience allows me to understand both the challenges and the resources available to the elderly population, which makes this facility an ideal place for me to enhance my practical knowledge and skills. My work with the Medicare population has made me aware of their unique health needs, which are primarily chronic illnesses and age-related conditions requiring comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation services.

As I delve deeper into the operations and services provided by the skilled nursing facility, I notice a particular focus on rehabilitation programs, medication management, and personal care assistance. These services are crucial for maintaining the quality of life among Medicare beneficiaries who often struggle with multiple health issues. Additionally, understanding the regulatory framework governing skilled nursing facilities, including compliance with federal Medicare regulations, is vital for my role in advocating for patients and ensuring they receive appropriate care.

A vulnerable population I have often encountered in my current role is low-income seniors who rely heavily on Medicare for their healthcare services. Many of these individuals face socioeconomic challenges that limit their access to essential resources, such as transportation to medical appointments, medication affordability, and even basic nutrition. In the facility's community, this low-income senior demographic is often compounded by factors such as racial and ethnic diversity, disabilities, and limited health literacy, which can further hinder their ability to navigate the healthcare system effectively.

Dealing with this population has presented unique challenges and learning opportunities. My experience has taught me the importance of cultural competency and the need for tailored communication approaches to ensure they fully understand their healthcare options and rights. For instance, I have engaged in home visits to assist with care management, where I have observed the barriers these seniors face in accessing timely and adequate medical care. Such experiences have motivated me to further educate myself on local community resources, including nonprofit organizations and government assistance programs aimed at assisting low-income seniors.

If I do not have direct experience with a similar vulnerable population in the facility, I plan to conduct thorough research before starting my practicum. This research will involve reviewing existing literature on the challenges faced by low-income seniors, attending relevant workshops or webinars focusing on geriatric care, and seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals working in the facility. Additionally, I will explore community health assessments and demographic data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and gaps in health services catering to this population.

Furthermore, I will familiarize myself with the interdisciplinary team within the skilled nursing facility, which typically includes physicians, nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists. Understanding their roles will be crucial as collaboration and comprehensive care planning are significant components of the care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. For example, integrating services from various healthcare professionals ensures that the unique needs of each patient are met, from medical treatment to psychosocial support.

In preparing for my practicum, it is essential to recognize that the Medicare population is in a constant state of change due to evolving healthcare policies and regulations. Staying informed about the latest developments, such as updates regarding Medicare Part A, B, C, and D, allows me to advocate effectively for my clients and assist them in making informed decisions about their healthcare plans. Additionally, engaging with ongoing professional development in geriatric care, including certifications and training specific to elderly patients, will help equip me with the tools necessary for providing optimal care.

In conclusion, my current knowledge of the skilled nursing facility chosen for my practicum experience centers around providing care to the Medicare population, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by low-income seniors within its community. My experiences in managing care and advocating for patients have prepared me to approach these vulnerable individuals with empathy and insight. Through dedicated research and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, I aim to expand my knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing my ability to support this demographic effectively.

References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Medicare Program: Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/snf/
• National Council on Aging. (2023). Economic Security for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/
• American Geriatrics Society. (2022). Age-Friendly Health Systems. Retrieved from https://www.americangeriatrics.org/
• Pew Research Center. (2021). The Future of the Medicare Population: A Demographic Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/
• World Health Organization. (2021). Ageing and Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Older Adults and Poverty: A Growing Challenge. Retrieved from https://aspe.hhs.gov
• Institute of Medicine. (2015). Bringing Together Community Organizations and Healthcare Providers. Retrieved from https://www.nationalacademies.org
• Gerontological Society of America. (2021). Understanding Health Disparities among Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.geron.org/
• CMS Innovation Center. (2022). Medicare Payment Models. Retrieved from https://innovation.cms.gov/
• National Institute on Aging. (2023). Caring for Older Adults with Complex Health Needs. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/