Fall Prevention Program
Falls can occur at any age, but they can be more serious for older adults. Many health issues can increase fall risk, including poor balance, reduced muscle strength, dizziness, reduced eyesight, continence problems and some medications. Environmental factors, such as poor lighting, slippery or uneven surfaces, loose mats or throw rugs, cords across floors, and slippery steps, also may increase fall risk. The good news is there are many things that can be done to reduce fall risk. The care team at our Care Centers can provide a specialized assessment that includes:
• Comprehensive physical exam
• Medication review
• Physical mobility assessment
• Balance assessment
• Vision and hearing acuity check
• Home safety evaluation (if needed)
Contact Member Services for prior authorization, referral and to schedule an appointment for the Fall Prevention Program.
Foot Care Program
Many serious foot problems can be cured or at least managed but they often go untreated because people mistakenly believe that discomfort and pain are normal. At CareMore, we take foot care seriously. Our Foot Care Program includes a thorough foot inspection and evaluation, wound care, and cleaning, if necessary. Members will learn self-management techniques, learn why certain health conditions such as diabetes cause foot, problems and learn how to check their feet properly and regularly. They will also learn about the importance of the use of socks and shoes, the importance of proper foot hygiene, and how to properly use foot care products.
Diabetics are especially vulnerable to serious foot problems because of the reduced circulation and diminished sensitivity to foot pain that often accompanies diabetes. If not properly cared for, even small problems like cuts or cracks can develop into serious conditions such as ulcers or even gangrene.
Regardless of your specific health conditions, members will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of foot problems and to understand the importance of not letting foot injuries, or even minor cuts, go untreated.
CareMore members are able to see a CareMore podiatrist at any CareMore Care Center for medical podiatry appointments. In addition to medically necessary podiatry appointments, many members have access to a routine podiatry benefit.
Contact Member Services for prior authorization, referral and to schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.
Wound Care Program
Some people require specialized care to heal their wounds. Some wounds may be slow to heal and can be related to circulatory problems, diabetes, nutritional or other conditions. Chronic wounds cause pain and discomfort and may limit an individual’s mobility.
CareMore offers a comprehensive approach to wound care management. Members can receive focused wound care at any of our CareMore Care Centers. The clinical care team will evaluate wounds to better understand if there are other health factors that may be affecting the wound healing process and review medical history and overall health.
The CareMore clinical care team will develop an individualized care plan to assure that members get the appropriate wound care treatment. The clinical care team will also review nutritional status and develop an individualized dietary plan to assure that each member is receiving adequate nutrition to promote healing. Since it is important for our members and caregivers to receive education on how to care for wounds at home, we also provide take home wound care supplies.
Anticoagulation Therapy Program
Coumadin® (Wafarin) is an anticoagulant, a medicine that will help keep blood from clotting. This medication is usually given to members who have had a clot or have a condition that puts them at a high-risk for having a clot. Members who are on Coumadin® (Wafarin) need to be thoroughly educated as this medication does have some side effects. In addition, members who are on Coumadin® (Wafarin) must be monitored closely, which is why CareMore offers an Anticoagulation Therapy Program.
Members on Coumadin® (Wafarin) are seen as often as necessary to monitor their levels. Members will need to have their blood drawn often and this is usually done at a lab. At CareMore, a simple finger stick is done at one of our CareMore Care Centers allowing staff to draw blood immediately for testing. The results are available within minutes and Coumadin® (Wafarin) doses can be adjusted on the spot.
Once on the program, Care Center clinicians will adjust a member's Coumadin® (Wafarin) doses as needed and follow them as medically necessary. CareMore Care Centers also provide education on medication side effects, food-drug interaction and dosing instructions.