NLC Leads the Way in Resident Quality Care

NLC is working on implementing new programs with the goal of enhancing resident life. Highlights include:

Palliative Care

According to the World Health Organization, palliative care is: “the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems, is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.” Staff is working on ways to integrate the elements and goals of palliative care into our current care model. NLC is partnering with St. Anthony’s Hospital to be part of their palliative care program. Run by Dr. Edward Burns, board certified in palliative care, the pilot program offers NLC an opportunity to utilize St. Anthony’s expertise in pain and symptom management.

Raising the Bar: The Impact of Missouri House Bill 603

NLC was recently invited by the St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association to participate in a research project conducted by the Association and Saint Louis University School of Social Service, Raising the Bar: The Impact of Missouri House Bill 603. Purpose of the project is to design and pilot an outcomes-based measure that can evaluate whether dementia training, as outlined in the House Bill 603, improves the quality of care delivered to those with dementia. NLC was one of just six facilities in the St. Louis metro area selected to participate in the study. NLC’s participation will include: observation of staff/resident interaction in the special care unit; participation in a training session with instructors from the Alzheimer’s Association Education Institute; and a survey to be completed by staff members attending the training.