Qsource Podcasts

Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month

In this episode, Linzie Bugg, a nurse surveyor, spotlights Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. She shares key statistics about dementia’s growing impact, outlines common symptoms, and offers practical tips for protecting brain health—such as exercise, diet, sleep, and social engagement. Linzie emphasizes the importance of supporting caregivers and providing individualized care for those affected. She also highlights Qsource’s commitment to quality dementia care. The episode concludes with a reminder to raise awareness and a teaser for the next topic: preventing dehydration in nursing home residents.
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To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
 

[Audio Blog] The Risks of Inappropriate Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes

Today we’re highlighting the risks of antipsychotic use in nursing homes.
These medications are often prescribed off-label to manage dementia-related behaviors like agitation or aggression, but they carry serious dangers. They can increase the risk of death from heart failure, stroke, or infections, and often cause severe drowsiness, confusion, and cognitive decline. Residents taking them are also more likely to fall, develop diabetes, or get aspiration pneumonia.
Beyond health risks, overuse leads to regulatory penalties. Facilities with high antipsychotic use can see lower Five-Star Ratings, citations, and even lawsuits if proper documentation and non-drug interventions aren’t in place.
Safer approaches include music therapy, structured routines, environmental changes, and meaningful one-on-one engagement. Regular medication reviews and dose reductions are also essential.
Ultimately, while antipsychotics may sometimes be necessary, they should never be the first choice for managing dementia-related behaviors.
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To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

Creative Ways to Celebrate National CNA Week

In this lively episode, Qsource pays tribute to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in recognition of National CNA Week. We explores the critical role CNAs play in long-term care—from providing daily support to fostering emotional and spiritual well-being. The episode offers fun, heartfelt, and budget-friendly ideas for facilities to recognize and uplift CNAs, including trivia games, handwritten notes, wall-of-fame spotlights, themed celebrations, and personalized tokens of appreciation. With tips for boosting morale across all shifts and suggestions for CNA recruitment and retention, this episode is a celebration of the profession’s past, present, and future.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] Best Practices for Infection Control and Prevention in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Infection control in skilled nursing facilities is vital for protecting residents, staff, and visitors from preventable illnesses and outbreaks. Facilities face significant challenges—including emerging pathogens, regulatory shifts, and staff compliance—but proactive, evidence-based strategies can mitigate risks. Qsource supports facilities through infection control assessments, staff training, and data-driven improvement plans. By implementing surveillance systems, outbreak response protocols, and leadership-driven communication, nursing homes can strengthen safety, meet CMS standards, and enhance care quality.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
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#InfectionPrevention #NursingHomeSafety #SNFQualityCare #CMSCompliance #PPETraining #OutbreakPrevention #QsourceSupport #HealthcareInfectionControl #ResidentSafety #LongTermCareLeadership

MDS Optimization

In this episode of "MDS Optimization," Nurse Bugg shares best practices for improving Minimum Data Set (MDS) processes in skilled nursing facilities. The discussion covers interdisciplinary teamwork, real-time documentation, staff training, and leveraging technology to boost compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. Nurse Bugg highlights the importance of regular audits in infection control, medication, care plans, and more, linking MDS accuracy to CMS ratings and reimbursement. Real-life case studies illustrate successful strategies. The episode ends with a preview of the next topic: celebrating National Nursing Assistant Day.
 
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
 

[Audio Blog] How Qsource Empowers Nursing Homes Amid CMS Survey Shifts

As CMS shifts focus toward complaint-driven surveys and reduces routine inspections, nursing homes face challenges in maintaining compliance, improving star ratings, and identifying quality gaps. Qsource fills the oversight void with proactive services including mock surveys, Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) support, QAPI coaching, and staff training. These solutions help facilities maintain readiness, protect residents, and drive continuous improvement—even in the absence of regular CMS inspections.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] Conducting a Fall Risk Assessment: Identifying At-Risk Residents

Falls remain a major safety concern in nursing homes, with structured fall risk assessments offering a proactive way to identify at-risk residents and prevent injuries. These assessments evaluate medical conditions, medication use, mobility, environment, and behavioral factors. By using evidence-based tools and engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration, staff can implement personalized care plans that reduce fall risk. Qsource supports nursing homes with training, resources, and fall prevention programs to improve resident safety and regulatory compliance.
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To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
#FallPrevention #ResidentSafety #NursingHomeCare #RiskAssessment #LongTermCare #QsourceSupport #ElderCare #MedicationSafety #MobilityMatters #PreventFalls

Care Planning Success (F-Tags F656, and F677)

In this episode, Nurse Bugg, a nursing home consultant with Qsource, discusses care planning success in healthcare facilities, focusing on regulatory flags F656, and F677. She emphasizes the importance of developing timely baseline and comprehensive care plans, involving interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring resident and family participation. Key strategies include regular team meetings, utilizing MDS data, real-time updates, and quality assurance audits. Nurse Bugg highlights best practices such as person-centered care, shared planning tools, and continuous staff education. The episode underscores the need for timely care plan revisions to improve resident outcomes and maintain compliance.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting

[Audio Blog] How Mock Surveys Can Help Identify Overuse of Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

Overuse of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes remains a critical compliance and care issue. Mock surveys serve as a proactive tool to detect inappropriate prescribing, ensure compliance with F-Tag 758, and reinforce non-pharmacological interventions. These internal audits help facilities assess prescribing trends, evaluate staff knowledge, and strengthen documentation practices. With expert support from Qsource, nursing homes can reduce regulatory risks, improve resident outcomes, and enhance CMS Five-Star Ratings.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
 
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#AntipsychoticReduction #MockSurvey #NursingHomeCompliance #BehaviorManagement #PsychotropicSafety #FTag758 #LongTermCareQuality #QsourceConsulting #ResidentCenteredCare #CMSCompliance

[Audio Blog] Preparing for Surveys: How Strong Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense

Survey success starts with strong documentation. Learn how complete, consistent records can protect your facility, support regulatory compliance, and help avoid costly deficiencies. Discover proactive steps you can take now to ensure your team is ready when surveyors arrive.
To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meeting
#SurveyReadiness #NursingHomeCompliance #HealthcareSurveys #SurveyDefense #DocumentationExcellence