Register now for the virtual series: Equitable Care for Older Adults

This May, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will present a three-part webinar series highlighting some of the conditions commonly experienced by older patients and how each of these conditions presents barriers to obtaining care. This “Equitable Care for Older Adults” series will explore the effects that hearing loss, vision impairments and cognitive decline can have on patient care. We’ll also discuss best practices that can make care more equitable for those experiencing these impairments.

Register below for each session in this series:

Part 1: May 21, 2024, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
We’ll discuss the current challenges faced in health care settings by those who have hearing impairments and include strategies to ensure accessibility. We’ll also present resources for practices and their patients who experience hearing loss.

Part 2: May 23, 2024, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Participants will learn about the barriers faced in health care settings by patients experiencing vision impairment. We’ll discuss best practices that help maintain equitable care and present additional resources for providers and their patients.

Part 3: May 30, 2024, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
We’ll review the impacts age-related cognitive decline can have on older adults and their caregivers when accessing health care. We’ll present tips to communicate effectively with older patients and their caregivers, while ensuring equitable access to care.

Register by visiting the Upcoming Webinars page of the Blue Cross Patient Experience site. Recordings will be available on-demand at the Patient Experience site after the live sessions. Continuing medical education, or CME, credits are available for physicians. Continuing education units, or CEU, are available for medical assistants and other health care professionals.

Strategies to care for older patients and manage challenging patients

Visit the on-demand page of the Patient Experience site to view recently added educational resources.

Our April series, “Improving Health Outcomes for Older Adults,” is now available on demand.

• Part 1: “Ensuring Effective Care Through Conversations” focuses on effectively communicating with patients about urinary incontinence, physical activity and fall risk, along with a brief background on the Health Outcomes Survey. (45 minutes)
• Part 2: “Discussions to Help Older Patients Maintain Their Mental and Physical Health” discusses strategies to discuss the risks associated with poor mental and physical health for older adults and the use of patient-centered planning. (45 minutes)
• Part 3: “Overcoming Barriers to Sensitive Conversations with Patients” reviews the barriers and anxieties older patients may have when discussing sensitive topics, such as memory problems or advanced care planning. It also includes tips to relieve patients’ anxiety and build trust, plus strategies to overcome providers’ own apprehensions. (45 minutes)

The “Managing Challenging Patient Interactions” webinar, which is also available on demand, provides strategies for health care professionals to manage upset or frustrated patients or caregivers in the office setting. It covers tactics to prevent challenging situations, tips to stay calm and de-escalation strategies. This session is also available as an in-office lunch-and-learn meeting for practices. (1 hour)

For these and other on-demand resources, CME credits are available for physicians and CEUs are available for medical assistants and other health care professionals.

For more information, email PatientExperience@bcbsm.com or visit the Blue Cross Patient Experience site.