The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), an organization committed to supporting “meaningful assisted living state laws and regulations” recently released its annual report on 10 of the most common citations in assisted living in the U.S. in 2014.
The report — based on years of experience ensuring compliance in senior living — can not only educate us about assisted living, but also improve the care of seniors in these communities for years to come. Learn more about the top deficiencies in assisted living.
Top 10 Violations in Senior Living
While collecting and reviewing assisted living data from 49 states and the District of Columbia, ALFA found some common violations across the U.S.
These 10 common deficiencies in assisted living communities included:
1. Medication Administration
Described as violations relating to aspects of medication administration, which could include: failure to properly document pre-pours, secure a physician’s order or discard expired medication.
2. Resident Care
Defined by ALFA as any citation that is due to an aspect of resident care.
3. Maintenance and Building Code
Labeled as a deficiency of any regulation that pertains to the construction and maintenance of the physical building of the community. This could include: cleanliness and place of furniture as well.
4. Ongoing Resident Assessment
Described as a violation of not reevaluating a resident or residents’ condition and not updating an aspect of their care plan as required.
5. Resident Admission Requirements
Defined as a citation for not including specific requirements upon a resident’s move-in to a community. This could include: TB tests, evaluation or documentation.
6. Staff Training
Labeled as a deficiency attributed to the improper training or orientation of new hires to a community. This could also include a training lapse in other employees.
7. Food Service
Described as a violation that relates to the safe handling, storage and deliver of meals at an assisted living community.
8. Administrative Record Keeping
Defined as a citation for a deficiency that is paper-oriented, which does not fall into any other category.
9. Emergency Preparedness
Labeled as a deficiency for a community that has not created or has not conducted drills of an adequate disaster plan.
10. Abuse/Neglect Reporting/Investigation
Described as a violation that related to the reporting and/or investigation of any suspected cases of abuse or neglect, and the reporting of any proven cases of abuse or neglect.
Advancing Senior Living Care
Although mistakes can occur, these violations must immediately and effectively be resolved, in order to create a safe senior living environment with the highest quality of care, for loved ones.
Fortunately, ALFA’s report provides us with the insight needed to improve the operations of assisted living, this year, and for many years to come.
If you are interested in learning more about your state’s assisted living regulations, visit our Assisted Living Laws by State page.
Are you and your family looking for the right assisted living community to call home? Contact us to get started.
