Improving the Quality of Care for Seniors: The Role of the Department of Health and Senior Services MO
As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for senior care services is on the rise. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS MO) is taking steps to improve the quality of care for seniors.
Background and Challenges
The DHSS MO is responsible for overseeing skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and other senior care providers in Missouri. However, the elderly population is growing rapidly, and many seniors have complex medical needs that require specialized care. Moreover, funding and staffing challenges hinder the delivery of high-quality care.
DHSS MO’s Approach
To address these challenges, the DHSS MO has implemented a variety of strategies aimed at improving the quality of care for seniors. These include:
Improving Care Planning
The DHSS MO has developed guidelines for care planning in senior care facilities. These guidelines help ensure that seniors receive personalized care that addresses their individual needs. Moreover, the DHSS MO encourages facilities to involve families and caregivers in the care planning process.
Increasing Staff Training
The DHSS MO requires senior care facilities to provide ongoing training to their staff. This training covers topics such as infection control, fall prevention, and dementia care. The DHSS MO also offers training and certification programs to help caregivers improve their skills.
Strengthening Oversight
The DHSS MO regularly inspects senior care facilities to ensure compliance with state regulations. It has also established a formal complaint process to address issues related to the quality of care. Additionally, the DHSS MO has created a system for tracking complaints and identifying patterns of abuse or neglect.
Results
The DHSS MO’s efforts have led to significant improvements in the quality of care for seniors. According to a recent report, the percentage of Missouri senior care facilities with deficiencies has decreased from 19.6% in 2016 to 14.4% in 2020. Moreover, the DHSS MO has increased its focus on preventing and addressing abuse and neglect in senior care facilities.
Conclusion
The DHSS MO plays a critical role in ensuring that seniors in Missouri receive high-quality care. Its approach of improving care planning, increasing staff training, and strengthening oversight has yielded positive results. By continuing to prioritize the needs of seniors and establishing effective partnerships with senior care providers, the DHSS MO can continue to improve the quality of care for Missouri’s growing elderly population.
