October 22nd, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services
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Since the introduction of the Care Program Approach (CPA) in 1991 mental health care in the United Kingdom has chosen a unified way of working that aims to place the Service User at the centre. It’s origins were in the move from inpatient care in Asylums to Community care throughout the 1980′s, problems emerged in a lack of communication between services when dealing complex needs of some Service Users and the often negative impact this had on them, their carers and the community. Since its implementation nearly 20 years ago it has become the model of working for all Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) and is now seen as the standard for mental health care services.

Central to the CPA process is Care Coordinator/Key worker and their role as the member of the CMHT to work the closest with the Service and their family. This individual is a Health Care Professional of some description, such as a Registered Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist. The role is varied and main task of the Care Coordinator is helping put together an appropriate care package to meet the needs of the Service User. This requires liaison with outside agencies and has been described as a ‘jigsaw’ with the Care Coordinator ensuring that the pieces all fit together. However this is easier said than done and many care elements falling outside of mainstream health or social care providers so there is a need for Care Coordinators to be well informed and flexible.

However it would be wrong to assume that Key workers are alone in providing for the Service Users care needs. As a minimum there are three people involved; the Service User, the Care Coordinator and the Consultant Psychiatrist. This forms the basis of what has become known as the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) and this approach has evolved to including other members of the CMHT in providing skills in a care package either in an advisory or direct intervention capacity. For example, a Registered Nurse Care Coordinator requiring input from a CMHT Social Worker over a state benefit issue. Read more… »

October 21st, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services
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In 2007, the governor of Minnesota proposed a mental health initiative and the legislature passed it. One of the more important components of the initiative was legislation amending Minnesota’s two programs for the uninsured – General Assistance Medical Care and Minnesota Care – to add to the comprehensive mental health and addictions benefit.

Who Is Covered?

General Assistance Medical Care covers those with income at or below 75% of the federal poverty level who meet one or more of additional criteria known as General Assistance Medical Care qualifiers. Qualifiers include waiting or appealing disability determination by Social Security Administration or state medical review team; or being in a homeless or live in shelter, hotel, or other place of public accommodation.

Minnesota Care covers children and pregnant women, parents, and caretakers up to 275% of the federal poverty level, except that parents and caretakers gross income cannot exceed $50,000. Single adults without children increased to 200% of federal poverty level by January 1, 2008 and will rise to 215% of federal poverty level by January 1, 2009.

What Services Are Covered?

For Minnesota Care, there are limits of $10,000 on inpatient care for any condition (physical, mental health, or addictions) for parents over 175% of federal poverty level and childless adults. For General Assistance Medical Care, inpatient benefits are fully covered. Both programs cover chemical dependency outpatient services. An intensive array of outpatient and residential mental health services are available.

What Is The Cost?

In Minnesota, the Medicaid Temporary Assistance for Needy Families population, General Assistance Medical Care and Minnesota Care are enrolled in comprehensive nonprofit health plans that are responsible to deliver and are at risk for the entire health benefit, including behavioral health. Adding mental health rehabilitative services (including adult rehabilitative mental health services individual and group rehabilitation services, assertive community treatment, intensive residential treatment and mobile and residential crisis services) to Minnesota Care was projected to cost $3.40 per person per month. For General Assistance Medical Care, which includes a homeless population, the cost was $7.01 per person per month. The additional targeted case management service was projected to cost $2.22 per person per month for Minnesota Care and $7.66 for General Assistance Medical Care. Read more… »

September 24th, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services, Home Health Care
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Whether you need help recovering from an accident, surgery, or need long term care for a chronic illness or disability, home health care is often a viable option that has been gaining popularity, for a reason. Studies have shown that recovering at home is better for a patient’s physical and mental health. Today’s home health care services can provide everything from help with errands and chores like cooking and cleaning, to skilled medical care from nurses and therapists. But with so many new home health care agencies popping up, how do you know which one to choose?

Luckily, if you follow these basic guidelines, you can be confidant when choosing your home health care provider :

- Check out the agency’s credentials.
Make sure the home health care service you choose is licensed in your state, is certified by Medicare, and is accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation Program.

- Check out the caregivers’ credentials.
Besides looking for providers that are friendly and helpful, make sure you inquire about the caregivers’ professional training. Are they bonded and insured? Does the home health care service have a supervisor oversee the quality of the service? Also, ask for references for the caregivers themselves, and find out if the home health care agency screens their employees.

- Clarify all billing issues.
The agency should be able to provide literature clearly explaining its fees and services. Make sure you know up front about co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered expenses. Ask if they offer any kind of financial assistance to those in need.

o Be clear on what services you are getting.
Inquire about receiving a written plan detailing the services you will be receiving, so that there is no confusion. Make sure you know the specific services your home health caregiver will be providing, including any chores or housework. Also, find out what hours the home health care service provider has on-call help, in case of an emergency. A 24 hour hotline with someone on call is desirable and helpful.

Finally, after your home health care plan is in place, monitor the services, making sure it is in line with what was actually discussed. By taking these steps you can assure that your home health care service will be beneficial to all.

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