Professional Caregiver Blog

New CMS rules that penalize hospitals for high readmission rates began in October, 2012. These rules were created by the Affordable Care Act and are designed to encourage hospitals to better coordinate the care of persons being discharged to reduce the likelihood of a return to the hospital within 30 days. As a result of these changes, assisted living providers are encouraged to track readmission rates amongst their residents so they will be able to demonstrate their capabilities and outcomes to hospitals and other potential referral sources. (more…)

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Your staff are critical to the success of your assisted living community. As the economy begins to slowly improve, finding and attracting the right people can be challenging. (more…)

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Over 40% of assisted living residents have some form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementia.  When a resident reaches late stage AD, communication can become particularly challenging. The resident may no longer be able to express his/her needs or let you know when he/she is in pain.  In very late stages, communication may even be limited to grunts, groans, crying, laughing, or facial expressions. (more…)

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Our hearts go out to all of those affected by the tragic events in Boston yesterday. The pain and suffering of those killed and injured, as well as their loved ones, is difficult to imagine. (more…)

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Residents living in assisted living and residential care are at risk for falling. In fact, the CDC estimates that one in three adults age 65 and older falls each year. It is important that care providers response appropriately if and when a resident falls. Your responses should include: (more…)

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As a care provider you are sometimes faced with resident injuries and emergencies. Responding appropriately is critical both for the safety and well being of the resident, and for managing liability for you as a provider. Part of your response will often be calling 911. Review these important tips from the National 911Program with your staff to ensure they are prepared to make the call: (more…)

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A new and revised Form I-9 has been released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The I-9 is used by employers to verify a new employee’s identity and to confirm eligibility for employment in the United States. (more…)

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Medications in a RCFE must be secured at all times. They can either be stored behind lock and key in the resident’s room (when authorized) or in central storage under the control of authorized staff members. (more…)

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If you have more than 10 employees, OSHA Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, must be posted every year from February 1 to April 30. According to OSHA: (more…)

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Researchers at CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) plan to conduct the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP) in 2014.  They are asking assisted living and similar residential care communities for help with testing the survey questionnaire.  Testing will take place over the telephone in late March and early April, and will last no more than 90 minutes.  Participants will be compensated for their time.  (more…)

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