SPOTTING SMOKE AND MIRRORS
2 MIN READ
In the realm of healthcare, particularly within substance abuse and elderly care facilities, the prevalence of "smoke and mirrors" tactics can be concerning. They often project an image of comprehensive care and support, yet the reality behind the scenes can be starkly different. Marketing materials and tours may highlight state-of-the-art amenities, highly qualified staff, and personalized care plans, but these promises often don’t match reality. High net worth individuals are frequently targets of scams, and healthcare is no different — often even more complicated than making an investment or buying a product where expertise is usually intuitive. By leveraging knowledge and industry connections, an expert advisor helps you make informed decisions and secure the highest standard of healthcare.
What does it mean if a facility has a "doctor on staff"?
It doesn’t always mean what you think. John Samuels, CEO of Wellworth, worked as a licensed nursing home administrator earlier in his career. One facility he knew of had a “doctor on staff” who came to the facility for 15 minutes every other week. He sat with the nurse manager, signed a few documents, had coffee, and left.
At another facility, the doctor on staff met with the medical team daily, examined sick patients, talked with families, reviewed medical records, and made calls and thoughtful referrals. She was actively engaged in the patients’ care.
What does the facility consider a trained healthcare provider?
One client approached Wellworth in search of a substance abuse rehabilitation program. A prospective facility claimed to have counselors on staff. However, upon further investigation, we discovered that these "counselors" had no formal training in mental health or substance abuse. At other facilities we’ve looked into, the counselors are masters with extensive training and dozens of years of experience in mental health work.
Are the staffing ratios accurate?
It’s common for long-term care and substance abuse treatment programs to list their staffing ratio on their website — but due to ongoing staffing shortages, that number may not be up-to-date. The staffing ratio of nurses and nursing aides is extremely important. They are the frontline caregivers caring for patients 24/7. On the surface, it’s not always easy to tell a great facility from a mediocre one. This makes it difficult for patients and their family members to determine which option will provide better care.
A health advisor can help at every stage of the process.
A client recently engaged Wellworth to care for her mother, who was transitioning from a hospital in Florida to an assisted living facility in Dallas. During this process, the client shared her own struggles with mental health and her experience of receiving inadequate care at an inpatient mental health program.
The facility had advertised PhD therapists, daily individual therapy, EMDR and trauma therapy, and yoga sessions. However, upon arrival, she found that the therapists were not doctorate-trained, and there was no individual therapy, EMDR and trauma therapy, or yoga. Wellworth intervened by contacting the facility's leadership on her behalf, resulting in a full refund for her stay.
For help seeing through the smoke and mirrors that are far too common in the healthcare system, reach out to an expert healthcare advisor. We vet doctors and healthcare facilities, provide unbiased recommendations, and help you and your family access top-quality care.