Considering that most residents in a nursing home are relatively vulnerable and could fall victim to a predator, I applaud the decision. Yes, it is requiring more regulation in an already seemingly over regulated industry, but it will make it easier to determine who is “eligible” to work in a nursing home and/or assisted living. I have heard past stories regarding employees who committed a crime and then switched to home health or another facility that may have looser policies that would overlook such issues due to being short-staffed or various other reasons.

With the baby boomers coming into Medicare age, a large percentage of them will eventually need nursing home or assisted living care. I contemplate why we have strict guidelines on our staff but ignore background screening future residents. For example, one of my colleagues learned after accepting a particular resident, that the resident had killed someone (in self defense). They never would have known about the resident if he didn’t tell them, and it was easily confirmed on the public record. I began wondering how commonly this occurs.

Nursing home residents tend to be vulnerable individuals that have likely left their criminal years behind them. But what about the individuals who are just there for rehab–younger, more agile, baby boomers that could cause potential damage to residents and/or staff members. In our area, it is hard enough to keep the facility census up (especially with particular payers) without having to worry about a background screening that could inhibit the process. Why would we go through medically and financially checking potential residents, just to skip the step that could provide additional safety in a vulnerable environment?

I will get off the bandwagon for now. It is just a thought…but, I know I would not want my parent living next to a convicted murderer. Would you?

“If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “The greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.”

Preparation is key to the best survival rates. It can make the difference between life and death, especially for the vulnerable nursing home resident population. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Every facility should have a weather radio. If you don’t have one, check out this link. HAM radios have also gotten a lot of good press lately for emergency situations — “works, when all else fails.” Check out this link.

2. Update your emergency preparedness manual and make sure every department head has a copy. Emergency contracts need to be current and able to meet regulations, but more importantly—your facility’s requirements. It’s just a worthless piece of paper unless you know it will workable solution in a time of crisis.

2a. Try out your contracts ahead of time as practice. Yes, this can be costly, but I bet you will be surprised how many of them will be unable to meet your needs. Transportation contracts often have these issues because of FEMA and other similar organizations that end up needing emergency assistance. Problem solve ahead of time by thinking out alternative strategies if something were to go awry.

2b. Consider developing relationships with churches in the area. They have been found to be quite reliable (CDL), and often go under the radar of available transportation during a disaster.

3. Practice, practice, practice! OK, we all know drills can be a bit hokey and tiresome. So try new ideas to keep your staff interested while at the same time reiterate the importance of these practice sessions. If your staff is goofing off—how will the react in a real emergency?

4. Be flexible! As we all know when a emergency occurs very rarely do things go as planned. If this were to happen at your nursing home, learn to adapt to the surroundings and think logically. This could prevent not only wasted time and energy, but possibly save someone’s life.

5. Last resort–relocation to another facility. While some may disagree, transporting nursing home residents to another facility can be more dangerous than the actual storm. From skin tears to death, uprooting fragile residents should be as stated, the last resort.

If anyone has any more tips to add, please comment on this post. Working together we can be better serve our residents!

For example, diabetic medication and supplies can be costly especially for individuals without insurance. Abbott Laboratories has a program that provides these things for FREE. Check out the links for more information.

This seemed to work quite well until one day Dad was exhibiting strange behavior. Instead of opening the car door as usual and getting in, he grabbed a hold of the car’s headlight and tried to open it. When Mom asked him what he was doing, he simply replied “I’m trying to get in the car.” This behavior was quite odd for my Father, and immediately we knew something was wrong. But, what was it? It was first thought that maybe he was experiencing a mini-stroke.

Since Dad did not want to go to the hospital that night, he decided to see his cardiologist the next day. The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong, but decided to do CAT scan anyway. After a week went by, they received a message from the doctor’s office that there was a small legion shown in the brain. They didn’t think it was of any great concern, but he should eventually go see a neurologist.

A couple weeks later, my Father experienced a similar episode again. Mom immediately rushed him into the hospital. And it was only then, the ER physician noted he had two cancerous brain tumors. Dad later died two weeks later from the cancer which had already spread throughout his body.

The reason why I tell this story is to help others realize the importance of a primary physician. If you have a cardiologist, that is wonderful! But, you should also have a primary physician who generally understands the whole body.

Here are some tips to live by:

• Don’t settle on a doctor you are unhappy with. Find a physician who will listen to your needs and address your concerns.
• It is also important to find a doctor that stays up-to-date in the medical field. Yes, continuing education is required for doctors. But the question is, do they apply it?
• Because your health has been “good” so far don’t assume that everything is perfect. Assumptions can be disastrous. Go in for yearly checkups. If you notice a medical change, contact your doctor right away.
• Get educated. Read articles and attend lectures, so you can make informed decisions, especially if you are aware of a medical issue.
• No one knows you, like you. Verbalize your concerns to your doctor. Don’t expect he or she will notice something is wrong. Your physician may see hundreds of patients a week. Unless they know you personally, it is unlikely they will notice a change.

I encourage everyone to get involved with your medical care. If anything, it may save your life one day.

ADAES led by Terrie Hardison in Ocala, Florida, equips caregivers with the knowledge they need to manage the challenges associated with caring for a loved one. This organization has already helped hundreds of people this year, even while still in its infancy. Check out their new site at www.adaesinc.org.

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Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Ocala, Florida