EMAR Integrations: The Benefits of Creating One Centralized System

Exciting technological advancements have reshaped the senior living industry. New tools like Alexa devices, smart thermostats, and artificial intelligence-powered robots promote better health outcomes and resident engagement. However, communities can suffer technological overload if they implement too many disconnected or incompatible tools. 

For example, a distracted caregiver could add a resident’s gluten allergy to their electronic medication administration record (eMAR) system but forget to input the data into the dining services software. Similarly, an administrator might accidentally type an extra zero while copying a price into the billing system and charge a resident $1,000 for their monthly refill instead of $100. 

Senior living communities can avoid issues like these with eMAR integration. This term refers to combining eMAR and other types of software into one centralized system. Combining different tools might sound complicated, but vendors like Eldermark have designed eMAR software that merges with other senior living software systems seamlessly. These integrated tools offer many advantages for assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing communities. 

Four Benefits of Integrating Your Systems With Your eMAR Software

eMAR software designed by vendors like Eldermark, Med Pass, and PointClickCare have become a must-have tool for medication management. This technology offers convenient features like automatic refills and barcode scanning to verify that residents receive the correct medication. These functions streamline workflows and protect residents by decreasing the risk of medication errors. 

Senior living communities can make their eMAR even more effective and efficient by integrating it with billing software, electronic health records (EHR), and other tools. Here are four reasons to integrate your systems. 

Expedite Move Ins 

Moving into a new community is an exciting but overwhelming process for many seniors. New residents must juggle dozens of tasks, from packing their belongings to updating their address. The last thing they want to do during this stressful period is fill out a mountain of paperwork – especially if they have to enter the same information on multiple forms. 

Integrating eMAR with other software simplifies the move-in process. Incoming residents can provide their health records and complete intake assessments. This health information gets added to the centralized system, and relevant data like allergies and prescriptions automatically transmits to the eMAR. As a result, residents can spend less time on paperwork and more time settling into their new homes. 

Increase Billing Accuracy

Busy care providers may administer dozens or hundreds of medications during a single shift. During this process, it’s easy for staff to get sidetracked as they attend to residents’ needs. For instance, they may get a glass of water for one senior and help another track down their missing eyeglasses. These duties increase the likelihood that staff won’t have time to enter services into the billing system, leading to lost revenue. 

Communities can avoid this problem by integrating eMAR, point of care, and billing software. Together, these tools create a seamless data pipeline that follows these steps: 

• The eMAR notifies the caregiver that it’s time to administer the resident’s medication.
• The staff member uses a point-of-care application on their phone to record that they’ve completed the service. 
• A charge for the resident’s medication gets added to their account automatically. 

This centralized system eliminates the need for manual data entry and increases revenue.

Automate Refills 

According to a recent survey by the University of Michigan's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, over 50% of older adults take three or more prescription medications. Additionally, 38% of seniors take three or more minerals, vitamins, or supplements. Keeping track of refills for all these treatments can stress even the most organized caregivers.

Senior living communities can relieve staff of this burden by integrating eMAR and pharmacy software. The eMAR system automatically sends new medication orders and refill requests to the community’s preferred pharmacy. Additionally, pharmacists can use the integrated pharmacy software to notify senior living staff of issues like out-of-stock medication. These time-saving features reduce administrative workloads so staff can focus on other duties. 

Streamline Record Keeping 

Federal and state regulations require senior living communities to keep meticulous records of every medication and treatment that residents receive. Some organizations still use manual charting, but handwriting notes can be incredibly time-consuming. Also, healthcare data could get lost or misinterpreted as staff transcribe messy handwritten notes. 

Communities can solve these problems by integrating eMAR with an electronic medical records (EMR) system. Together, these software solutions generate comprehensive records for residents in real time so staff always have accurate data. 

What Systems Can Integrate with Eldermark's eMAR?

Eldermark offers numerous services that integrate with eMAR to help senior living communities boost revenue and provide the highest quality of care.

• ServiceMinder: Ensure staff follow the latest care plans by integrating eMAR software with Eldermark’s ServiceMinder EHR system. Caregivers can instantly see updates to residents’ health records, such as new diagnoses and prescriptions. As a result, they can provide appropriate care and monitor residents’ health closely. 
• ElderSmarts Analytics: Communities can gain valuable insights about their medication management system by integrating eMAR with ElderSmarts Analytics. This powerful data analytics tool allows administrators to detect patterns and monitor performance. For instance, ElderSmarts can pinpoint factors contributing to medication errors and suggest solutions to help staff administer medications more efficiently. 
• ElderForms Document Management: Senior living administrators can use ElderForms to gather signatures and complete paperwork electronically. Integrating this system with eMAR allows caregivers to access all resident data from one convenient interface. For example, a family member could fill out an electronic form to request that their loved one wear a heart rate monitor and take an iron supplement. This documentation will appear in the eMAR software so staff can update the resident’s care plan accordingly. 
• Mobile Point of Care: This application allows caregivers to record scheduled and unscheduled services on the go. By integrating Point of Care and eMAR, communities can track every administered medication and streamline record-keeping. 

Reinvent Senior Care With Integrated eMAR 

Software integration allows senior living communities to harness the full potential of eMAR. By combining this tool with other innovative technologies, staff can deliver more accurate, faster, and personalized care. 

You can integrate Eldermark’s eMAR software with other tools to build an ecosystem of interconnected technologies. Contact us today to schedule a free demo and learn more about how our software helps communities improve functionality, optimize performance, and increase resident satisfaction.