September 2019
Any day now, most likely on a Sunday, maybe even this Sunday, the AJC will publish articles on the state of the assisted living industry. The article will bring to light short-comings in the delivery of care and the fact that assisted living homes are serving people who are much more frail than in the past – those who were served in nursing homes twenty years ago. The article will question whether or not there is adequate regulation and surveying of assisted living homes and it will bring awareness to survey findings and police reports. According to the lead writer, Carrie Teegardin, the police reports were reviewed when DCH survey reports cited abuse, neglect or exploitation. She indicated individualized letters were sent to communities to make them aware of any police report findings to allow a response regarding the alleged incidences.
Walter Coffey and David Sprowl invited Yvonne D’Netto, MBA an executive coach from Spain to present via Skype at our Leadership Academy this week. Yvonne made a presentation on how to manage stress to improve performance. She said that when faced with a challenge, we need to pause and have a cognitive evaluation to think about how to have a constructive approach to thinking about the challenge and dealing with it.
We will use the assisted living expose as an opportunity to celebrate the great care in LeadingAge Georgia member communities and to have a cognitive evaluation of what we can do better. One member told me he received a letter from the AJC that gave them the opportunity to respond to police reports of two incidences where an in-home aide stole checks from a resident. In each case, the aide was brought in by the resident and was not with a licensed agency.
When I asked Elaine Wright, director of the survey division for DCH what she is seeing in terms of abuse, neglect and exploitation she said there is a problem with in-home aides being brought in by residents. She also said that while the aides are not employed by the communities, the communities are responsible for whatever goes on in the community.
To address this type of situation going forward, we could explore expanding the fingerprint background check statute to require that any paid in-home caregivers be required to have fingerprint background checks just like those employed by an agency.
Media coverage of challenges with the quality of care could happen in any type of setting – not just assisted living settings. So with the mind-set of a constructive approach to good, better, best, our members may need to be reviewing rules and agreements with in-home providers – whether private or agencies, and may review policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation as well as protocol for safety and resident care.
Let’s work together for any areas that need addressing through legislation, education and idea sharing for improving policies, procedures, protocols, and other avenues for ensuring the well-being of those we serve.
One of the best ways to ensure well-being of residents is to instill a person-centered culture. Please take advantage of the great Culture Change Summit coming up on October 3rd. The summit will feature Barbara Frank and Kathy Brady and will teach how to have a person-centered organization. There will be a lot of focus on fortifying the workforce. Click here to register.
We have a Coaching Supervision class coming up on October 20th in Macon. These classes truly help staff evolve and become better communicators and better leaders. Click HERE to register.
The Eden Associate training has helped shape so many of our members. It truly helps them become champions of elders and foster well-being. Training is coming up September 17-19 at Kingsbridge and October 15-17 at Wesley Woods Newnan. There are still scholarships available for nursing home staff to attend. Click here for more information.
Scott Bassett has worked hard to plan an extra special Georgia Night dinner so please plan to join us at the Sky Box in San Diego on October 28th. It is for LeadingAge Georgia members only. Click HERE to register.
Please plan to attend the Profiles of Positive Aging event on November 10th and help us celebrate individuals whose lives exemplify living well as an older adult. Tickets will be available soon.
Mark your calendar for our Annual Business Meeting which will be held on December 5th at Lenbrook from 9:30 am -1:30 pm.
Best,
Ginny
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