Nursing Home Placement

At Fatima we understand that for many older patients and their families hospital care can be a source of stress. Older adult patients have special health needs that require different care from younger adult patients. That is why at Fatima Hospital, we are part of the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program. This means our nurses have received special training in the care of “geriatric” or older adult patients. All hospital care is not the same and it should not be the same.

Working with Your Family

Our nurses understand that family are key members of the health care team. The support of family members will result in a speedy recovery, as well as improved outcomes when a loved one returns home. Our nurses and fellow caregivers are in a special position to work with families as “partners” during the hospital stay. We have a number of materials that assist the nurse in providing“evidence based care”; this is the care that has been proven to be most effective. Educational information used by staff include:

Nurse and Family Partnering

Medication Safety

Fall Prevention

Incontinence

Dementia/Delirium Recognition

Orthopedic Care

Stroke Care

Care of the Oncology Patient

Critical Care of the Senior

Fatima started on its NICHE journey in 2010. Our focus has been one of constant improvement. Our elder-specific training and focus is designed to enhance the experience of the older adult patient.

Among the most recent examples of this elder focus has been the creation of Rhode Island’s first senior friendly emergency department at Fatima Hospital.

Other programs and education we have launched include:

• Fall Prevention
• Bladder Health/Incontinence Management
• Functional Mobility
• Delirium Recognition
• Psychosocial Effects of Cancer
• The Joint Commission Advanced Disease Specific Certifications: Inpatient Diabetes, Primary Stroke, Joint Replacement (Hip and Knee)

To learn more about the NICHE Program, call us at 456-3236.