kanga2647

http://cms.hhs.gov/manuals/Downloads/som10...elines_ltcf.pdf I ran across this site not too long ago when I was looking for some clarification on F248 and F249. This goes through the state survey requirements and explains what they are to the surveyors. It also talks about the specific things that surveyors are looking for and what kinds of things need to be present for a specific citation to be issues. Lots of info, and it was last updated on June 12th, so it is recent information as well. P.S> The activity information starts around page 80. It is a HUGE document.

We have both structured and unstructured pet times in our facility. I bring in my own animals (cats) once per week for a few hours and go room to room with them (when I do my initial assessment, one of the questions I ask is if they are ok with pet visits). We also encourage families to bring in the family pet if they are ok with that - some do, some don't. Also, one day per week we have a Hospice volunteer who comes in with her dog to do visits with residents. We also have two cats who actually live in our facility, so we have built-in pet visits with them. Overall, it has been a great experience - the residents really seem to enjoy the time with the animals. Many of our folks are not in good enough health to be able to care for their own animals any more, so they really enjoy seeing them while they are here. Just out of curiosity - what is the issue that you have been having with them and why does your Administrator want to discontinue it? Maybe we can brainstorm and idea....

My name is Bonnie, and I am the Resident Program Coordinator for a 64-bed Skilled Nursing Community in Fountain Hills, AZ. My background includes some work in our Assisted Living building, doing activities on our Memory Unit. I have only been in the field for a short time, so I am still trying to figure it out, but it is definitely getting easier as I go along. My background is mostly in mental health - I worked in a group home in Pennsylvania for about two years and have done a lot of things in mental health. I am currently working on my MEPAP courses so I can get my actual certification. It's been a challenge so far, but it's been fun. I enjoy our residents and have learned a ton of things from them...

I have been an activity director full-time for about 10 weeks, so I certainly feel your pain when it comes to getting help from the other staff. We have some staff who will always help me out when I ask them to...but it has taken some time to gain their trust. Sometimes it helps to just sit down and listen to the CNA's and other staff. I have heard stories about the last several Activities Directors, and have kind of pieced together what traits and characteristics the staff liked and didn't like. Ultimately, they have known the residents longer than I have, so when they suggest things that have or have not worked, I really try to take that to heart...the other thing that I have tried to do is help out with the things that I CAN do for them - helping take residents to the dining room so that the CNA's can get people ready, helping to pass trays at lunch for the residents who don't come out, things like that. The "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" really does work, because it shows that you are not asking them to help you when you won't do something for them. Little things go a long way. It will take a little time, but be patient. You are probably not the first person that they have seen come onto the stage, and, depending on the reasons and the circumstances that the last person left under, they are probably a little leary of you. Don't make promises that you aren't willing to keep, and be willing to listen when someone gives you some advice of their own. They usually know what they are talking about!