A study recently released in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society conducted a review (meta-analysis) that looked at the results of discharge interventions that specifically included family caregivers. The studies included in this review were published between 1990 and April 2016. Only randomized clinical trials were included (meaning they all had a treatment group and...
Family caregivers reduce readmission rates
A study recently released in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society conducted a review (meta-analysis) that looked at the results of discharge interventions that specifically included family caregivers. The studies included in this review were published between 1990 and April 2016. Only randomized clinical trials were included (meaning they all had a treatment group and...
With spring and the promise that fruit blossoms bring, I am reminded of the importance of hope in the marketing of hospice and palliative care. Certainly we focus on comfort. But if I see one more well-intended photo of a frail hand being gently held by a young robust hand—unless you are literally talking about... 
The graying of Facebook Facebook has matured, literally. According to the Pew Internet Project, Facebook is far and away the most popular of the social networks, with 68% of the entire U.S. adult population engaging in this medium. By age, that breaks down to 36% of persons 65+ use Facebook 61% of persons 50-64 use... 
I find enthusiasm about company pages puzzling. Conventional wisdom has it that you need a personal profile AND a company page on LinkedIn. Company pages can be pretty. But I am not convinced they are effective. I work with about 90 elder care professionals around the country and I am frequently asked to help with... 
A series especially for home care companies In this post I am continuing a series about ways that home care companies can benefit from working more closely with Aging Life Care™ managers. Through my company, Elder Pages Online, I work with both groups. By sharing the results of many interviews I've conducted with home care... 
Finances are always a concern in elder care. But the general public, including home care companies, may not be aware of the many ways that an Aging Life Care™ Manager can help stretch those family dollars. Improving client outcomes There is no doubt that an Aging Life Care Manager can improve client and family outcomes.... 
This fall there was a lively email discussion among Aging Life Care™ managers about the relationship between home care companies and care management. The consensus was that home care companies, of course, are motivated to develop a referral relationship because a care manager can be a great source of new business. One-way referrals? Many care... 
If you receive federal funds (e.g., you are a hospice, home health agency, or home care program that receives Medicare/Medicaid payments), the Office of Civil Rights is now mandating that you ensure equal access to all. This means no discrimination based on age, gender, race, color, disability, or country of origin. Section 1557 of the... 
Hospice referrals made directly from families (sometimes called "direct referrals" or "self referrals") result in 7-9 days longer lengths of stay than referrals from other sources. These data were gathered by Transcend Hospice Marketing, a nationally renowned firm that is deeply steeped in research and is very results-oriented. (My kind of approach!) National Stats According... 
You might be inclined to think medical personnel are your best referrers. Not so! If you are marketing home care or working to promote your care management company, a big part of your efforts will (should) be devoted to developing a referral base of non-medical professionals. Leading Home Care’s research If you ever get a... 