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Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute (WSU-CEI) will be hosting the next Community of Practice session for social workers and care coordinators on August 15 at 3:00 p.m. Registration is required to participate in the session.
For the full calendar of events scheduled for 2023, please contact Vanessa Lohf.
In July, OCK partners (OCKP) and members of the State and MCO Coordination Team participated in the OneCare Kansas (OCK) Learning Collaborative. The discussion focused on how the end of the national Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19 will impact the delivery of OCK services. As the State considers updates to existing policies post-pandemic, the group received clarification on the differences between services delivered telephonically and those provided via telehealth video.
During the event, participants were asked to consider current and future efforts to provide face-to-face services for OCK members, including opportunities to provide these types of services in the member’s environment. The group also discussed potential organizational barriers that may need to be addressed to facilitate the delivery of these services.
The next Learning Collaborative is tentatively planned to be in-person in October. Stay tuned for more information, as additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Manual Health Action Plan (HAP) Form has been updated to a fillable PDF. The update to the Manual HAP Form allows care coordinators to collect either hand-written or electronic signatures when developing the HAP with the member and others involved in the members care during a face-to-face or telehealth meeting.
It is important to note that the Manual HAP Form should only be used when the care coordinator is unable to access the HAP Portal. In such cases, the care coordinator may proceed with completing the Manual HAP Form. However, once access to the HAP Portal is restored, all the information collected through the Manual HAP Form must be reentered for submittal into the HAP Portal.
The fillable version of the Manual HAP Form and the Instructions are available in the Health Action Plan Documents section of the OCK website. A non-fillable version of the Manual HAP Form and the Instructions are also included in Appendix B: Forms of the OCK Program Manual.
Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) is hosting their annual caregiving training event, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association-Heart of America Chapter and Weber Elder Law Office. This event is a great opportunity to learn from experts, connect with other caregivers and gain support.
The event will feature two distinguished speakers. Brenda Gregg, a Dementia Care Specialist from the Alzheimer's Association-Heart of America Chapter, will kick off the event with a presentation focused on providing person-centered care to individuals with dementia. Karen Weber, an KABC Board Member, will then deliver a presentation on navigating the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid coverage for long-term care costs. Both presentations aim to offer valuable insights for caregivers of all levels of experience. In addition to the presentations, there will be valuable networking opportunities, allowing time for caregivers to share their experiences and build connections with others.
The event will be held on Thursday, September 14th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm at the REACH Foundation, located at 8131 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204. The event is open to all caregivers and is free to attend, though donations are welcome to support KABC's continued efforts in providing resources and support to caregivers in the community.
Registration is required to attend. Those who wish to participate must register by contracting KABC by email at info@kabc.org or by phone at (785) 842-3088. For more information, please refer to the KABC Annual Caregiving Training Event invitation.
Heat exhaustion can occur when the body becomes overheated, causing the internal temperature to rise beyond 104 degrees. Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, can progress to heatstroke, which is a more severe condition. Heatstroke poses significant dangers, such as brain injury, organ failure and shock, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. It is important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and take prompt measures to prevent its escalation into heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke both present a variety of signs and symptoms that individuals should be aware of. Some possible signs of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, excessive perspiration, pale or cold skin, weakness and/or confusion, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, increased heart rate, and dehydration. A fever of 104 degrees or higher, flushed or red skin, absence of perspiration, difficulty breathing, fainting, and seizures are further warning signs that heat exhaustion has advanced to a heatstroke.
As the temperature rises, the body naturally generates perspiration to regulate heat and maintain a cool temperature. However, heat-related illness can develop when the body’s cooling system is ineffective. Especially on hot and humid days, cooling of the body can take longer due to the increased moisture in the air. Hot weather conditions and engaging in physical activity are the primary causes to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s important to be aware of the outdoor temperature and take precautions to stay cool to avoid developing heat-related illness.
If an individual is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, immediate actions should be taken to address the situation. Individuals should lie down and elevate their legs, apply cool towels, take a cool bath, and hydrate with water or sports drinks to replace lost fluids. Monitoring their temperature is also essential, especially if it reaches 104 degrees or higher, as it could indicate heatstroke. In such cases, it's vital to call 911 promptly to seek medical attention.
Specific precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Individuals with increased heat sensitivity, such as infants, children, the elderly, and those affected by obesity or heart disease, should exercise extra caution when going outside. Recommended precautionary measures include wearing light-colored and breathable clothing, using an umbrella or hat, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, drinking plenty of water every 15 to 20 minutes, and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
Certain medications can also put individuals at risk for heat-related illnesses as they may impact the body's response to heat. Some examples of these medications include antibiotics and medications used to treat acne, allergies, blood pressure and cholesterol issues, heath disease, seizures, and depression. Water pills, laxatives, diet pills and illegal drugs can also have an impact. If an individual is taking any of these medications or has a persistent medical condition, they should consult their doctor to assess their risk.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are potentially life-threatening illnesses that can arise from prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity. It is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms and to seek medical assistance when necessary. Preventive measures are essential in safeguarding against these heat-related illnesses. For more information, please visit the Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke webpage.
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