New Behavioral Health Regs - Facilities must Identify Residents with Behavioral Health Disorders and Provide Appropriate Care

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The New Behavioral Health regs have been defined in FTags 740-744. The FTag f742 states that the facility must be able to Identify residents with behavioral health disorders, (“Mental and psycho-social adjustment difficulty”) and provide appropriate care once the facility has done their Comprehensive Assessment.

 

We as Activity Directors will be responsible for providing Activities appropriate for the resident. to attain and maintain the resident's highest practicable well being...

 

"Definitions are provided to clarify terminology related to behavioral health services and the attainment or maintenance of a resident’s highest practicable well-being.

“Mental and psycho-social adjustment difficulty” refers to the development of emotional and/or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) that has not been the resident’s typical response to stressors in the past or an inability to adjust to stressors as evidenced by chronic emotional and/or behavioral symptoms. (Adapted from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -Fifth edition. 2013, American Psychiatric Association.)"

 

We should all evaluate our facility populations and Identify any residents with behavioral health concerns and make sure we are providing appropriate activities for those residents.

 

Kathy Hughes has started a Pinterest Board to collect and provide Behavioral Health Activities   Here is the link , pass it around . http://www.pinterest...lth-activities/

Common forms of anxiety disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder A person who has this type of anxiety disorder usually experience prolonged anxiety that is often without basis. More accurately, people with generalized anxiety disorders cannot articulate the reason behind their anxiety. This type of anxiety usually last for six months and often affect women. Due to the persistence of the anxiety, people affected with generalized anxiety disorder constantly fret and worry. This results to heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches, and dizzy spells.

Specific Phobia Unlike someone with generalized anxiety disorder, a person who has a specific phobia experiences extreme and often irrational fear of a certain situation or object. When exposed to the object or situation they fear, people with specific phobias exhibit signs of intense fear like shaking, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and nausea. Common specific phobias include fear of heights, enclosed spaces, blood, and animals. The fear a person with phobia feels can be so extreme that he or she may disregard safety just to escape the situation.

Panic disorder Also known as Agoraphobia, panic disorders are characterized by recurring panic attacks which are often unexpected. Symptoms are usually shaking, chest pains, dizziness, fear of losing control, and reluctance of being alone. People with panic disorder are aware that their panic is usually unfounded and illogical. This is why they avoid public situations and being alone. A panic attack can be so severe that people may lose control and hurt themselves.

Social phobia Alternatively called social anxiety, a person with social phobia may exhibit similar symptoms like those of panic disorder especially in social situations. Shaking, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations may ensue when a person with social phobia finds his or herself at the center of attention or in the company of many people, regardless whether they are strangers or not.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) People with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience anxiety caused by a persistent obsession or idea. They tend to avoid experiencing anxiety by resorting to repetitive actions or behaviors that prevent anxiety. For example, a person who is obsessed about cleanliness may experience anxiety at the mere sight of a vase placed slightly off-center. To prevent anxiety, he or she will clean and organize everything compulsively or without reason.

PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur after a person experienced a severely traumatic event. He or she may relive the experience in his or her mind which causes stress and anxiety. If a person with PTSD comes into contact with stimuli (any object, person, or situation) that he or she associates with the traumatic event, he or she may literally re-experience the event by crying uncontrollably, panicking, or losing control. Subtler symptoms include insomnia and avoidant behavior. PTSD may manifest itself immediately after the traumatic event or even years after.

Determining the type of anxiety disorder a person has is crucial to seeking treatment and recovery. Techniques and methods that are used to help a person cope with a certain anxiety usually target not only the management of symptoms but coping mechanisms when exposed to triggers. Only after thorough diagnosis can treatment and recovery for anxiety disorders really commence.

 

Folks often have more than 1 anxiety disorder. Other forms of anxiety disorders develop and stay long-term. They are classified according to specific symptoms and behaviors. Although they are not always easy to diagnose, there are several reasons why it is important for patients with severe anxiety symptoms to get help. People afflicted by anxiety disorders often take part in this sort of therapy where the individual learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that result in troublesome feelings. Alas, many anxiety disorders aren't recognized and, as a consequence, not treated.

Anxiety disorders can be quite isolating. They are most likely caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. They cause tremendous suffering to those who are afflicted, but they can also devastate a patient's family and loved ones.

 

There is nothing that an Activity Director cant do, so take a look at your population, and take a look at the Activities on the Pinterest board , Lets Be Prepared..   

 

Post back any good Ideas you have to share..

 

thanks for Being a Part of our Network, Pennie       stay tuned there is more to come.....

 

http://www.pinterest...lth-activities/