bigchris

Good Article Pen! I would advise that everyone actually read the guidance for surveyors. In Georgia, they are using this guidance for thier surveys. bigchris

You can always go to the CAREPLAN forum on this site. I look for and answer questions regarding care plans and the "I" careplan. There are also examples. ALso, there will be a CarePlan class on this site. bc

Not a problem....anytime bc

Hi Ella, Yes, I can answer that easily.... Have you ever played skee ball?? Well Holi board is a lot like that. You get a 3x3 piece of plywood and cut 3 holes in them (ever play corn hole?) Anyway, the largest (6'') is the least points and the smallest (4'') is the most...You can also play with one hole based on the most gotten into the holes. You take a set of washers...I use 8- 3'' washers for each team and go to it. There are a variety of ways to play....at the facility we do 2 on each team for three rounds. Highest score wins.....think redneck horseshoes.... Let me know if you need more.... : ) BC

Also, depending on where you live. There are many pet therapy groups that will come in and visit. I have (in the past) had staff members let thier pets into the facility after a "certification" process. Since there are no hard and fast rules on certification, it may be a good idea to contact your local humane society or the Delta Society. BC

(Before you read and or use this example, remember that you need to make it your own. I would strongly suggest that you also have some type of documentation that is kept on file and signed by the resident that states that they "are volunteering under thier own free will and under no threat of duress" or something like that. Contact your legal department on that one-bC) So here is a sample careplan for a resident volunteer, hope you like it.... Problem Statement- I find great pleasure in delivering magazines to resident each week, ,please make sure that staff help me when needed. (Basic statement, you could get more specific on why they enjoy helping) Goal- I will continue to volunteer in the facility with the magazine cart each week with no concerns of__________________ Then your approaches could be simple, you can move away from the "I"format if you like.... I will contact the activity staff for any supplies that I need weekly. I will let the staff know in advance if I am unable to volunteer on Tuesdays at ______pm. Et cetera, et cetera....... As always, questions are welcome.... Until next time....bC

So I have had several questions regarding the I careplan and the "ramifications" of writing one for the residents in my facility. This week, someone asked " If the careplan says the word "I" the surveyors might ask them what is written in thier careplan, what happens if they don't know?!?" This was actually a good question, after a while I saw the point....since the "I" care plan is basically a statement, shouldn't the resident be able to repeat it when asked? Well...here is my answer kind viewers...... The "I" careplan has the same basic construction as the more traditional version. However, it is written to expose and identify strengths, rather than issues. The careplan is not so much as a statement from the resident (yes it could be) but a narrative of what the resident can/will/normally will do in regard to activities. It is not testimony in a court of law, it is a new way to describe and illustrate our residents in a "culture positive" way. Now, with that said...you may get a surveyor who takes everything to the next level and tries to grill you on it, if so....tell em bigchris said to call him! Questions are encouraged as always.....

Update: Georgia Surveyors have tagged 6 activity programs( for a total of 9 tags) for thier use of adaptations with residents in need. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CAREPLAN REFLECTS THIS!!!!!

In Metro Atlanta Chris: If you don't mind me asking, where are you located? Ella

We have noticed at our facility, some distinct trends in other facilities and even on the hospitals. Other facilities have "loosened" thier admissions and are taking residents who problably wouldn't be there in better times. We just found "on the news" that more hospitals are keeping thier patients longer than the average. Is this happening in your area? If so, why? Have you seen the same results??? BC

Being a male Activity Director, I wanted to run away from this when I saw it!!!!!!! 1) How much liability would it be to take a senior with health issues??? Think heart attack by overstimulated eyeballs. 2) Think Long Island Iced Teas + Lortab + Dulcolax + Strip Club Buffett = Nothing good whatso evah! 3) Do you really want ( or would your administrator want?!?!) The wheelchair van wit hthe company logo pulling up to the club???? 4) Finally, didn't read what time of day but let's assume......lunchtime activity..... Do you really want your A) Mother in law Preacher/Priest/Spiritual Leader c) child's kindergarden class field trip D) Grandmother See you load residents into a nudie bar????? Ok, I had my fun..... But really, some things that are brought up in Resident Council can be vetoed.....if a surveyor wants to tag you on that, so be it!

All, As my facility is dealing with the H1N1 Flu (so far 4 confirmed, 19 suspected in GA). The CDC has reported that there is a significant difference in the incubation period for the virus in adults and children. You see, we have had 2 confirmed in our county and 1 adult. (Disclaimer: as I am in no way shape, form or idea; any expert on anything medical, please refer to the CDC website for clarification) In adults, the period is 7 days after confirmation of the "official" H1N1 flu. Therefore, folks with compromised immune systems should be protected for 7 days.... In children, that same period is 14 days after confirmation...... Therefore the period of "isolation" takes longer. There is your unofficial health minute by BC. Night all......

Yes, all residents who serve as "volunteers" must have some form of volunteer documentation. While it does not need to be a formal application, it does need to have some information about "I serve at ABC Facility under no threat of coercion" or something like that...... each facility would be different. Also, it will need to be Care Planned....there will be a section in the careplan forum on this soon, so be on the lookout. bigchris

I agree, we have 2 now and we are "experimenting" with all types of games. I work out with Fit every night and wish they couls come up with something for my residents.....maybe a seated balance board?!?!?!? I have the rights to that!!!!

McKnight's Long-Term Care News & AssistedLiving. May 8, 2009 A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection finds that therapydogs acquired measurable levels of MRSA and C. difficile while visitingacute-care and LTC facilities. Therapy dog handlers were also found tohavethe infection-causing bacteria on their skin which would suggest that thedogs can retransmit the bacteria to humans. Researchers recommendthoroughbaths for therapy dogs after visiting any facility, and handlers shouldcarefully follow hand sanitation guidelines.

Activity Adaptations, What are they???? We all know that most of our residents require some kind of adaptation in regard to activities. These may include therapeutic or nursing interventions such as splints, wheelchair mods, etc. But usually, in regard to activities, they are "simple" tweaks to existing supplies, or modified products that we have created or purchased. A few examples include: Magnifyers, card holders, larger print, larger screens, amplified sound, etc. So why are surveyors tagging facilities that provide these adaptations to thier residents? The adaptations are not included in the CARE PLAN!!!!!! Think about some of the adaptations that you use and share them with us!!!

In an effort to address the "worry" about the H1N1 Flu, we decided to postpone our group activities for a few days. Recently, there was a case declared near by and we are following the CDC guidelines.... Anyone Else doing these precautions? bigchris

If anyone wants to link up let me know.... bigchris

Microsoft Publisher has invitations premade and is usually on new computers for free.

BTW heaven-----Heidi Moonhooter??????

heaven, The easiest thing to do would be to use the "restriction" on your access page. But my answer with my folks is this...since my folks don't have "free for all" access to the computer I would problably be the person to navigate Facebook with them. Plus, I try to make sure that I don't have naked pictures (that I know of) on my facebook page. I dunno....but as of right now, I am not really sweatin it.

I thought that we should bring this one back, we all need to have a plan for Nursing Home Week. BC

Crystal, Call Belinda at 678-289-6555 Tell her what you need, I think the next one is in November. Our convention is in October. Tell her bigChris sent you....

We actually have an entire forum based on CarePlans, come by and see me! Bigchris

OK folks, I had my computer class for my residents and I did a lesson on FaceBook for them. I recently joined and was amazed at all of the people that I had lost touch with...... Of course they only really hear of all the bad stuff on there so I went on the news sites ( I can't access FB at work) and explained all of the positives and negatives to them. One of the ladies started by saying that it would be nice to talk to her neice in Arizona. I looked her up and gave the information to my lady and it started the surge!! I am thinking about getting them started but I wanted to post to you and see ifa anyone else has tried it.... Lemme know! Bigchris