Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
January 2015
HIPAA 101 A simple question doesn’t always have a simple answer. “Why did my friend go to the hospital?” seems to be a simple question, but the answer is blocked by a federal law. While most think of the law as the protector of medical records, privacy isn’t even in its name.
We call it HIPAA (pronounced HIP-pah), but the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 also has been known as the Kassebaum-Kennedy Act or Kennedy-Kassebaum Act. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum, R-Kan., was a leading sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The official explanation is: “An Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes.” The main intent was that the health industry would save money by computerizing paper records. That led to concerns over privacy, which led to new privacy regulations. HIPPA, continued on page 2
A learning experience Bethel College partnership still strong after 20 years Whenever new residents move to Presbyterian Manor, social services director Helen Brown and her staff ask them to be interviewed for a social history – a look back at their life story to help Presbyterian Manor staff get to know each resident as an individual. The interviews are conducted year-round, but in the fall, Brown gets a hand from social work students at Bethel College in North Newton. For nearly 20 years Presbyterian Manor and the college have partnered to give students a way to practice their interviewing skills outside of the classroom. The students are enrolled in a course called Skills for Human Service Work, taught by professor of social work Ada Schmidt-Tieszen. “What I love about the assignment is that students who complete it have done something that a social worker can use in a real setting,” Ada said. “Helen and the other social workers on her staff have been wonderfully generous with their time and energy to help our students have a good learning experience.” COLLEGE, continued on page 8
HIPPA, continued from page 1
Protected Health Information
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Protected Health Information, called PHI, is any information about a person’s health status, any health services provided to the person and any payment specifics about those services. Details of your medical record may not be shared without your consent. That’s one reason there are so many forms to sign at the doctor’s office; they must have your consent to process your visit for billing, insurance purposes, etc.
and enter your email address in the blue box on the right. It’s That is also why it is so difficult to obtain information about friends in that easy!
the hospital. It is subject to strict HIPAA regulations. Violations result in expensive fines, and health care workers are required to receive training on how to keep all medical information safe. Some key privacy points:
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director Melinda Ebersole, activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Noelle at ndickinson@pmma.org. Telephone: 316-283-5400 Fax: 316-284-5900 Address: 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, KS 67114-2862 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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• When your health information is shared, only the minimum necessary should be disclosed. • Health information is to be used only for health purposes. Without your consent, it can’t be used to help banks decide whether to give you a loan or by potential employers to decide whether to give you a job. • If someone wants to share your health information, you have to give your formal consent. • You can ask for copies of all this information and make appropriate changes to it.You also can ask for a history of any unusual disclosures. • Your health care provider and insurance company must explain how they’ll use and disclose health information. (Information from WebMD.)
Retirement community regulations Retirement communities that provide state-licensed services, such as assisted living and health care, must abide by the strict privacy regulations. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America employees receive training and updates regularly. Vendors also are trained to ensure resident privacy is maintained. PMMA employees know they are not to chat about residents in the hallways – or anywhere – because that violates their privacy protections. The privacy laws are why health care staff can’t talk to other residents about the people in their care. It’s not that they are being unhelpful or that they don’t care about your feelings. They are required to keep the information confidential. Another key component of the privacy rules that affect health care residents is that the “information” may not be linked to an individual. In the rules, “information” includes photos of faces. That’s why we ask residents to sign consent forms when we take pictures for our newsletters, web sites and other marketing purposes. Family concerns Information from AARP explains that health care staff can discuss conditions and treatments with family members, but you must give written permission for your loved ones to see your official medical records. Older adults may have their adult children sign a letter or form designating them as a personal representative. This will give the health care providers the coverage they require to avoid HIPAA violations, according to AARP.
January
special events 5
Newton Treble Clef Club Concert, 7 p.m., main dining room
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Senior Fitness Testing, 2 p.m., Wellness Center. Come start the year fresh with a baseline of your fitness health. Simple testing will help you set goals for your greatest fitness needs like flexibility, balance or upper or lower body strength.
15 Community Assembly, 2:30 p.m., main dining room
Art is Ageless reveal
Above, top: Artists Shirley Harms, Virgil Penner, Velera Adams, Mary Ann Drum and Hulda Schrag sign 2015 Art is Ageless calendars, which feature their pieces from the Newton exhibit. Above and left: Pieces featured in the 2015 Art is Ageless Calendar were on display as Newton High School’s Railaires serenaded the crowd with Christmas melodies. 3
BBET founder to speak about new memory care program Newton Presbyterian Manor is proud to be among the first continuing care communities to offer the awardwinning BehaviorBased Ergonomic Therapy (BBET) program for memory care. The program uses collections of mementos and other personalized therapies to alleviate dementiarelated behaviors. Govind Bharwani, Ph.D. It has been shown to reduce the use of sedating medications and even falls among memory care residents. Family members are an important part of planning each resident’s therapy program, and so Presbyterian Manor
is hosting two events in January to help families and the general public learn more about BBET. For families of those who live in Anderson Place and Haury Place, we will have a presentation and tours on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m., starting in the chapel. Come and hear about the program directly from its founder, Govind Bharwani, Ph. D. Following his short presentations, we will give small group tours of the BBET resource centers. The presentation will provide an overview of the BBET program. Dr. Bharwani also will discuss how the science of Cognitive Ergonomics and Neuroscience research can help people communicate and interact better with their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. On Jan. 8 at 7 p.m., Dr. Bharwani will speak in the chapel as part of Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask series, which is open to the public. After the 45-minute presentation and short question-and-answer session, tours of the resource centers will again be available.
Chapel, Bible study schedule Chapel and Bible studies also can help you turn over a new leaf in 2015. Many community members have chosen to attend these special times.
New year, new you
Ready for a new year and a new you? There are plenty of opportunities to improve from the outside in, thanks to Newton Presbyterian Manor’s array of Wellness Center classes. Combo classes of stretching, yoga and balance are at 1:30 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Broadway Apartments community room and 2:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center. We offer Bal-A-Vis-X balance training at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wellness Center.
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• Chapel services led by local volunteers are held Fridays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. • Singspiration, a weekly hymn-sing and request night is held on Sundays at 6:15 p.m. Family, friends and the public are welcome. Beginning Jan. 20: • Women’s Bible study led by Eleanore Myers studying the Psalms, 9:30 a.m., chapel • Men’s Bible study led by Ted Veer studying James, 9:30 a.m., library
Bravo of the Month This month’s Bravo goes to Gloria Embry of dining services for two bravos written for her. Nita Bishop of the Garden Apartments writes: “Gloria is our ‘main stay.’ She takes care of everyone in the dining room with a smile. She seems to be everywhere at once. I can’t think of enough words to describe her and how she cares for each and every one of us. Thank you so much, Gloria.” Evelyn Gardner wrote this about Gloria:
Holiday events
Above, top: Evelyn Garrison and Terry Reynolds check out the goodies at Presbyterian Manor’s annual Browse & Shop holiday event. Above and left: The Action Mime Team was one of many popular Christmas events as well as the popular Charles Nida Christmas Show.
“Thank you for the very professional way you served us and handled every detail of the Thanksgiving meal. Even with all the extra people in the dining room, you are so competent and caring for each one of us and made our holiday meal very special.” Gloria will receive two tickets to a movie and a restaurant gift card as a small recognition for her “above and beyond” effort. Thank you, Gloria!
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Newton Presbyterian Manor calls for Art is Ageless® entries Newton Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 12, 2015. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2016 Art is Ageless calendar. The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Newton Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Having a creative outlet benefits the mind, body and spirit. “The exhibit and competition always draw a wide array of impressive artwork from talented seniors,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director. “We’re
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expecting this to be another great year for creativity and variety of works on exhibit.” Local competition winners will join winners 17 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Entry forms and information can be picked up at Newton Presbyterian Manor, 1200 E. Seventh, or by contacting Dickinson at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma. org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2010). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 6, 2015.
PMMA’s focus turns to the future in the 1990s This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life. In 1990, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America moved into a new corporate office building in northeast Wichita, and Manor of the Plains in Dodge City opened.
was donated by American States Insurance Company. Construction began in December 1992. Jane O’Bryan was named the first administrator.
That year, the “Tradition of Caring” capital campaign also kicked off with a goal of $6.4 million. The first leg of the campaign was conducted in Emporia, where $600,000 was raised. Each campus had its own campaign to raise funds toward the $6.4 million goal. The campaigns raised funds to meet current Good Samaritan Program needs and provide a future endowment for Good Samaritan needs, assist in covering debt service and provide capital improvements at PMMA campuses.
Also in 1992, four Presbyterian Manor campuses—Wichita, Newton, Salina and Lawrence—received recognitions from the Kansas Association of Homes for the Aging. Wichita Presbyterian Manor won the Excellence in Service and the Recognition awards. The service award recognized Wichita’s ethics committee, which led to the campus working to become “restraint free” before the movement became popular around the country. Lawrence and Salina also received recognition awards, which signify high marks in the Department of Health and Environment’s annual survey of Kansas nursing facilities. Newton received the Innovation of the Year Award for the Apple-A-Day preschool, which opened in January 1992.
Local volunteers in Fort Scott, Kansas, led efforts to raise funds for a new retirement complex. The “Time to Secure the Future” campaign set out to raise $500,000 in base contributions toward the construction of a 40-unit residential complex in Fort Scott. The land
In July 1993, Dr. Mary Carman
A rendering of PMMA’s Fort Scott campus before construction began in 1992.
A 1992 groundbreaking ceremony for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.
became chairperson of the PMMA board of trustees. Carman, who served on the advisory council at Newton in the 1980s, was a professional psychologist on staff at Prairie View. She was instrumental in the creation of one of the first special care units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at the Newton Presbyterian Manor campus.
Therapies for Alzheimer’s and Dementia 7
Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
COLLEGE, continued from page 1
Before coming to Presbyterian Manor, the students learn interview techniques and practice with each other. Brown visits the class to help them know what to expect. “For most students, it is a delightful experience to connect with an older person,” Ada said. “Sometimes students realize that this elder has experienced something like what they themselves have experienced. Or they’re intrigued by a marriage that has gone on for 60 years and they’re still in love, and they’re charmed by that.”
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The process also encourages students to consider a career in long-term care. In fact, Ada said one student this fall decided to seek a placement with a nursing home as a direct result of her assignment at Presbyterian Manor. After the interview, the students draft the resident’s history. The professor sends a copy to Brown for review, and residents have the final word on what goes into the finished document. Each household in assisted living and health care has a social history notebook for all residents, so that staff members can learn about their background and personalities. Family members also can receive a copy. “As we minister to our residents, we’re ministering to the whole person – not just to their physical needs, but to their spiritual and emotional needs as well,” Helen said. “The social histories help our staff recognize that residents also were young and have had similar dreams and experiences.”