Innovations
At Broadmead Care, we seek to maintain or improve our high standards of care in ways that optimize both efficiency and service quality. As an organization, we constantly seek ways to be dynamic, innovative and responsive in order to provide exceptional care by and for exceptional people. Here are some examples of innovations at Broadmead Care:
Frail elderly residents with Type 2 diabetes represent 27% of the population at the Lodge at Broadmead. Residents with diabetes experience higher rates of infection, functional disability, co-existing illnesses and premature death than residents without diabetes.
General Practice physicians are a very important part of the care team at the Lodge at Broadmead. In recent years, however, fewer physicians have been available to provide medical care to residents admitted to Victoria residential care facilities.
In January 2011, Broadmead Care amalgamated with the Nigel Services for Adults with Disabilities Society following a two-year management agreement with the society. The consolidation allowed the integration of some administrative, clinical and support services. The resulting cost savings are used for improving services for residents at both the Lodge at Broadmead and at the Nigel Program.
Urinary tract infections are the most common type of infection for residents of residential care facilities and the most common reason for the use of antibiotics in such facilities. However, it can be challenging to determine when treatment is required and inappropriate use of medicine may adversely affect health outcomes while the overuse of medicine can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Broadmead Care residents have multiple medical conditions. It’s not unusual, for example, for a resident of the Lodge at Broadmead to have as many as 25 medical problems. These multiple chronic conditions must be managed concurrently, making it imperative to closely monitor treatment for adverse effects, drug interactions, and/or inappropriate dosing.
Janice Robinson is one of only a handful of Nurse Practitioners (NP) working in B.C. long-term care facilities. Since August 2010, she has divided her role into two parts: Clinical Nurse Specialist and NP. As NP, she has provided “first call” primary care on weekdays to approximately 70 residents at the Lodge.