PARRI TEAM INTRODUCES THE NEWEST PA FIRST TRAINING SITE-

THE BETHLEN HOME, Ligonier, PA

Following many months of a concentrated focus on the issue of falls as a participant in the PA FIRST (acronym for Fall Interventions, Resources, Services and Training) project, members of the fall team of the Bethlen Home presented their inaugural fall training session on June 27th.  The diverse talents and creativity of the entire Bethlen team that was a large part to the success of the decline in the overall fall rate at the facility was in evidence throughout the session and captured in the remark "very insightful" from one audience member.  Ann Donovan, DON cautioned that although "group think" can be beneficial sometimes, the issue of falls really requires that staff feel empowered to "think outside the lines".  Means to control pesky FRED-  one who embodies the Frantic Running Every Day that seems to be common within many facilities- were shared by the training team to highlight salient system challenges that may thwart strengthening a fall management process. ADON Sandy Midlo stressed the importance of team work and Amy Smith, PT, Rehab Manager identified the role therapy needs to play in addressing falls. A resident-centered approach to falls was emphasized  through case studies presented by Lisa Troy, Nurse Manager, Lisa Herrholtz, Case Manager, Donna Hudec OTR/L and Restorative nurse Donna Dietrick. The session concluded with a review of the physical restraint reduction process that led to the elimination of restraint use as an intervention to prevent falls at the Bethlen Home. Special thanks to the efforts by Sandy Fritz and the dietary staff, as those in attendance were treated to a simply lovely buffet of snacks and sandwiches for this session. KO/PARRI welcomes The Bethlen Home as a PARRI/PA FIRST training site. Kudos for your efforts to improve care outcomes for residents within Pennsylvania nursing facilities!          

In photo, (L-R) Lisa Troy, Lisa Herrholtz and David Johnson