COVID-19 Related Topics
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of people worldwide have found themselves staying home from work in an effort to slow the spread…
Beginning Thursday, May 14, facilities must make daily reports to the CDPH that include the following information: Suspected and confirmed COVID-19 infections among residents and…
We are now at week six of shelter-in-place orders. The crisis is no longer new and the end has no date. On a good day,…
Five weeks of shelter-in-place orders for COVID-19 are taking their toll. The isolation from family and friends, coupled with the lack of socialization with others,…
As a nursing home first responder, do you feel like the entire world has been turned upside down and landed on your shoulders? As you…
Trauma-Informed Care
While we don’t know exactly how the surveyors will assess compliance with the Trauma-Informed Care requirements, being prepared demonstrates an intent to comply and may…
The Mega Rule 3 requirement for trauma-informed care goes into effect November 28, 2019. This regulation reflects the importance of compassion and empathy when we…
Over the course of lives, many older people have experienced one or more potentially traumatic events. The impact of trauma can continue to affect people…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not proposed to delay implementation of Phase 3 requirements for culturally competent and trauma-informed care. Are you…
In the United States, 61 percent of men and 51 percent of women report exposure to at least one lifetime traumatic event. Nursing homes are…
Regulation Trainings and Information
Skilled nursing facilities must take the following steps to comply. Nursing homes now must provide verbal and written notice to residents, including new admissions, when…
PDPM assures that the Resident Care Plan is patient-centered with a focus on early intervention, patient involvement and an eye toward discharge. It shifts the focus of MediCare reimbursement…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on Long-Term Care Facility Requirements allowing Arbitration Agreements (84 Fed. Reg. 34718) last month. The…
On July 16, 2019 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule, “Medicare & Medicaid Programs; Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities:…
On January 1, 2019, California’s SB 1152 went into effect. This law requires hospitals to modify their current hospital discharge policies by including a written…
Residents in long-term care facilities often have conditions that require treatment with psychotropic medications. Informed consent ensures the resident is aware of the facts about…
Survey Issues
Phase 3 Regulations went live on 11/28/2019. However, it will be several months before CMS releases any guidance on the new requirements. In a memo…
Our Consultants in California have provided the following information regarding recent facility surveys Surveyors: 6 surveyors, including one trainee and one Pharmacist, x4 days. Surveyors…
A recent Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center study shed light on the impact of social service staff in nursing homes. The study found that increasing…
Resident Rights
Do you know what is cultural competency is? The Mega Rule 3 requirement for Trauma-informed care requires that trauma survivors receive culturally competent trauma-informed care.…
Resident rights is the largest section of the Mega Rule. It guides the facility on providing quality of care and quality of life for our residents.…
Residents in long-term care facilities often have conditions that require treatment with psychotropic medications. Informed consent ensures the resident is aware of the facts about…
Social services are required to be part of a facility-initiated discharge or transfer (see F-Tag 745) to help ensure resident needs are taken care of…
Persistent pain is an unfortunate reality for many nursing home residents. Compared to young to middle-aged adults, older adults are especially vulnerable to the debilitating…
Theft is an unfortunate reality in many nursing homes. Nursing home residents are often the target of theft because they have difficulty detecting and reporting…
Behavior, Dementia, and Psychotropic Medications
1. Define clear expectations Many residents cannot cognitively process or remember what we have told them. However, residents who are manipulative DO display an ability…
Persistent pain is an unfortunate reality for many nursing home residents. Compared to young to middle-aged adults, older adults are especially vulnerable to the debilitating…
The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as “a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.” A common symptom…
Downloadable Version There are a number of behavior problems that sometimes accompany Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses. These behaviors may include resistance, wandering, agitation, incontinence,…
Downloadable Version Reassess: Is there a physical problem, UTI, constipation, pain, etc.? Reconsider: Is the behavior truly a problem to the resident or just to…