What is a KIT Inspection? & Heat Related Information

We have been getting a lot of questions on the new "KIT" Inspections process by the LPA's.

"KIT" stands for "KICKED in the TUSH"!

Just kidding, it stands for Key Indicator Tools.  The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) is continuing to test the Key Indicator Tools (KIT) that have been developed for use during inspections to facilities and homes to check for compliance with licensing standards. This test will be used to further refine the KIT inspection protocol and develop additional tools for all facility types. All inspections are still subject to all laws and regulations regardless of the type of inspection.  For example, if during a KIT inspection, CCLD observes a violation that is not listed on the KIT, CCLD will still address that violation. For additional information, visit the MYCCL website at http://www.myccl.ca.gov/ and click on New Directions.

Heat Related Information

Tips for Licensees to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses:

http://ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/heat.pdf

 

Tips for Licensees to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses (Spanish):

http://ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/heatSP.pdf

Office of Emergency Services - Heat Preparedness:

http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/ALL/AA07C0C051F70991882572F3005C15CF?OpenDocument

CA Department of Public Health Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness:
http://bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/EPO/BeInformed/NaturalDisasters/ExtremeHeat/TipsPrevHeatIllness.htm

Licensing News on Hospice and Oral Syringes

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads and bless all you Moms for putting up with us.

News from Licensing.  Licensing is now asking the facilities that have the Hospice Waiver to apply for a "Total Care Exception" and submit it as an addendum to be added to your Hospice Waiver.  Once your Total Care Exception is approved you will still have to notify licensing when a resident on hospice becomes total care.  We will have this available to purchase next week.  Please call the office, if you purchased the Hospice Waiver from us then the addendum will be $49.00.  If you need the Hospice waiver with the addendum the price is $159.00.

Medical Marijuana is a hot topic.  Licensing has little to say about it but did say to treat it as any other medication.

Clarification on the use of oral syringes.  It is now clear that unlicensed trained staff can use an oral syringe to draw up and measure liquid oral medications.  The oral syringe can then be handed to the resident to self administer.  Staff may not administer the medication.

Our Irrational Fear of Forgetting

One of our members shared a great article with us last week while we were at RENO 2011.  It addresses what has become a hyper-sensitive topic among the "Baby-Boomer" generation - getting Alzheimer's Disease.  We are huge supporters of the Alzheimer's research movement but it stands to reason that all the talk has caused people to become fearful of dementia.  What we need to remember is that simply forgetting a name, struggling for a word, or losing track of your thoughts does not equate to Alzheimer's Disease.  Please read the article here and give it some thought.

Additionally,  RENO 2011 was a huge success.  We had 280 attendees including vendors.  Unfortunately, we missed a few handouts for you, so, they are available for download here.

Hug a Nurse Today

It's National Nurses Week!

Take some time to voice your appreciation to the nurses who work so hard to care for those in their charge.  Visit the American Nurses Association online to read more about this celebration and learn some history behind the profession.

 

http://www.nursingworld.org/NationalNursesWeek

Sun and Heat Protection

The warm weather is approaching.  Soon it will be hot.  This is the time of year when we start taking our residents outside for cookouts and garden parties.  You've planned out all the details for your parties - the food, the drinks, the music - but don't forget the most important details for your residents - THE SUN PROTECTION!

As people grow older their skin gets thinner.  Skin damage among the elderly is a high concern since their aged skin cannot rejuvenate as well as it once could.  Elderly people may forget that fact.  Sun damage is the greatest threat to skin, especially among the very young and the very old.  We must be diligent about protecting their skin.  Here are a few tips to help out.

• Sunbathing is a bad idea.  Use an umbrella or sunshade whenever sitting outside in the sun.  Any shade will help.  Trees are our friends.
• Use sunblock that protects against UV-A & UV-B with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Limit outside time between the hours of 10am-4pm.  The sun is strongest during these times.  If your residents like to walk have them do so before 10am or after 4pm.  Mornings are best!
• Don't forget the eyes.  Eyes can burn as well.  Be sure the sunglasses have a UV protection rating.
• Stay hydrated!  Drink plenty of water.  After coming in from the sun drink juice or Gatorade to replenish salts and electrolytes.
• Limit physical activity.  Lay low on hot days to prevent heat related illnesses.

For information on heat related illness try the following links:

Download this guide from Californian Department of Social Services on Heat Related Illness

http://www.ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/heat.pdf

Download this guide from the American Cancer Society on Skin Cancer

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003184-pdf.pdf

If you have a question that you would like to have answered on Tuesdays with Tom send him an email.  Use the subject line Questions for Tom in your email. 

Email Tom at info@communitycareoptions.com