If you partner correctly with DME and ambulance companies, they can assist you significantly in the process of increasing the longevity of your residents, which in turn means longer length of stays.
If you partner correctly with durable medical equipment (DME) and ambulance companies, they can assist you significantly in the process of increasing the longevity of your residents, which, in turn, means longer length of stays.
Here is the thinking:
| 9 Partnerships |
|---|
| Introduction |
| 1 – Therapy / Home Health |
| 2 – Physician Group |
| 3 – Skilled Nursing Facilities |
| 4 – Pharmacy |
| 5 – Home Care Companies |
| 6 – A Real Estate Company |
| 7 – DME & Ambulance Companies |
| 8 – Hospice |
| 9 – A Coach |
- DME and ambulance staff are in a unique position to frequently see their customers/clients/prospects in their homes. If they know a person is living in an unsafe or inappropriate environment they can recommend that those individuals explore the benefits of living in your community.
- It is important to note that you can’t offer DME or ambulance companies financial incentives. Because they bill the government, providing any kind of financial incentive would be considered an enticement and is illegal.
- You should require any DME or ambulance provider that comes in your building to attend training from your staff on what your community can and cannot do for seniors. You can use this time to educate them about the signs and symptoms they should be looking for and how they should refer you.
- One of the things we have done with great success is work with our DME partner to set up an Innovation Room in our communities. An easy way to do this could be to use your model room and have them equip it as their showcase room. They may install grab bars, electric beds, medication dispensing machines, a home emergency call system, sensors, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, anything that’s going to make life easier for people.
When that is done the DME or ambulance company can send their customers to your community to try out these products. Something like this: “Why don’t you run by Your Community and check out their Innovation Room?” It is a great way to build your reputation as a company that goes above and beyond to serve the marketplace community.
It is even great for your own residents and families to see what is available. Some of these items can prevent falls or accidents. This is also your chance to demonstrate the dangers of living at home as physical abilities decease.
Scott
