Since last week, I’ve fielded a number of questions/inquiries stemming from the PBS segment on Assisted Living. Interesting, a number of the queries have come from sources tangential to the industry (policy folks, trade associations, advocacy groups, etc.). Thematically, these sources are looking for answers as to “why” and “what can be done”. Aside from ill-advised regulations, my perspective is the best fix is an industry driven effort.
One could over-simplify by saying, “don’t take anyone as a resident that needs more care than can be or should be provided in Assisted Living” but that’s not practical. Residents change throughout their stay, sometimes rather abruptly. The most complex changes, and those that represented the focus of the PBS piece, are cognitive and behavioral. While medications exist to ameliorate or control certain behaviors, the medications have side-effects and are ideally, the final, last course of behavior management. In all instances, behavior medication should only be given in a setting where a Registered Nurse is present and assessments and monitoring can occur (remember, only Registered Nurses can assess by license authority).
The lessons learned or should have been learned and the counsel I have provided to clients and inquisitors alike is as follows;
- Be clear with residents and families on admission, what kind of staff are on-site and immediately available. This communication should frame then, the services that can and will be provided.
- Be clear with resident physicians on the same information. Don’t encourage or allow physicians to become comfortable with providing orders for PRN (as needed) medications if the same medications require a professional assessment prior to administration, unless the facility has RN coverage on each shift. Effectively, this means that PRN orders for anxiolytics, hypnotics, anti-psychotics, narcotics, etc. are inappropriate without access to an RN for an assessment.
- Beef-up pre-admission screening and assessments with qualified, licensed personnel to fully understand, prior to admission and re-admission, the care needs of the resident. In many cases, I advise going to the resident’s current place of residency prior to admission.
- Make certain that any public (written in particular) or oral representations of Assisted Living as an alternative to nursing home care are gone and certainly, not made or implied. Assisted Living is not a substitute for institutional care if the institutional care is truly required.
- Create specific assessment and re-assessment periods to address care changes more frequently. I like quarterly reviews for Memory Care residents and no less than semi-annual for Assisted Living (non-Memory Care). I also like mandatory 30-45 days post admission, again at 90 days and then semi-annual. I also like this schedule to repeat whenever a resident is hospitalized and returns or returns after an SNF stay.
- Utilize evidence-based, best practice protocols for AL and Memory Care. AMDA is a good resource. Provide physicians with the information as well.
- Develop and utilize, a solid orientation and training program for staff. For Memory Care, there are some good resources available today from Leading Age, AHCA and ALFA. For facilities and organizations that are heavily invested in Memory Care, I also recommend exploring and using, TCI or CPI to augment training (specialized training in dealing with aggressive and combative behaviors).
- Be focused on staff levels based on care needs of residents. If increasing or integrating more professional staff is not an option, be vigilant on discharge planning or transition planning. Bottom-line: If you can’t effectively meet resident needs 24/7, say so and start discharge planning. Have sufficient numbers of staff trained and available, even PRN if required, to address resident care challenges.
For facilities/organizations capable of going to the “next” level, either by size or by financial status, I recommend the following as true “game-changers” for Assisted Living.
- Contract with a “house doctor” or Medical Director. Build a system that integrates elements of medical oversight and engagement with your resident population and staff.
- Expand the care team to include social workers, in Memory Care a psychologist or psychiatrist (or RN extender), a dietician, qualified activities professionals, and rehabilitation therapists.
- Employ a building or program administrator with appropriate degrees and training plus a demonstrable history of working in a post-acute/long-term care environment. Paying a bit more is worth it for someone with appropriate training and education.
- Become active participants in state and national trade associations. Encourage staff to participate as well. I also encourage networking with other professional organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Hold regular family meetings or focus groups to both inform and solicit feedback. I like at least semi-annual.
- Connect with a local home health provider for staff augmentation when residents need more care, temporarily or until discharge. I also recommend connecting with a hospice agency.
- Contract for pharmacy consultations on all residents and if possible, have a pharmacist as a resource to Memory Care staff.
Final Word: Communicate and be clear with residents and families regarding the services that are “truly” available and where the “appropriateness” line resides for the organization/facility. Don’t ever extend beyond what staff can provide and what the organization is capable of delivering on a consistent almost constant basis. Recognize that resident care needs change and that limitations exist as to what ALFs can and should provide. Be clear, be compassionate, and be honest – within the community and the organization.