Rebecca Adelman, leader and founder of Adelman Law Firm and Claims Management, recently joined the LTC Heroes podcast to discuss representing long-term care facilities in lawsuits and risk management in insurance defense litigation, professional malpractice, business and employment, and healthcare law.
Speaking to Experience Care’s Peter Murphy Lewis, Adelman shared her perspective on resident and family expectations at transitions of care in senior living and how our senior living communities can support setting realistic expectations and improve the quality of care and relationships. Offering resources and tools and a certification program on these topics, Adelman placed them all into context for us. Listen to the interview below:
Adelman also discussed a simple but effective tool she created, the Resident and Family Insights Survey, to help senior living providers better understand the perspective, needs, and gaps in understanding residents and their families as they transition through care.
“This tool has 25 questions and takes only five to six minutes to complete,” she explained. “The survey is in a 3-month pilot phase with 6 senior living communities. Our pilot partners deliver it to the residents and their families to identify the five key areas that create the most risk—communication, family system, care goals, the aging process, and emotional and spiritual well-being. They answer a question directly, and then we can identify the tools, resources, and action plans needed to address the risk areas, which are graded—high, low, or medium risk.”
The Insights Survey's purpose is to better understand the industry and how to serve residents and also identify risk drivers that lead to complaints or lawsuits and losses to a senior living community. The data gathered is then analyzed and graded according to the management of risks, quality care, and processes. Senior living communities who use the Insights Survey have “the best opportunity to engage and be with people who understand a very complicated decision that's fraught with emotion. The information we’re gathering from the surveys has already improved the lives of so many and strengthened the bonds of trust between residents, families, and the community!”
The Insights Survey is just the tip of the iceberg for Adelman and her team, who eagerly anticipate further advancements in long-term care, including the Guide Path National certification program that will be introduced in July. “We’re embarking on a brave new world where facilities can redefine, reinvest, and re-engage with their residents and families,” she said. “Fortunately, the landscape is changing and putting the focus back on the people.”
Written by: Cindy Wong
At the link below, you can find numerous podcasts on all things Long Term Care published by the incredible team at LTC Heroes. Be sure to check them out!
