DOJ Fingerprint Alert

The Department of Justice is upgrading their fingerprint system which will require them to take it offline for about a week starting November 9,2011.  If you're planning on sending someone in to get fingerprinted I'd suggest getting it done today.  You can still utilize the Livescan services but a complete report will not be available until after November 15, 2011.  Please be aware of this.  Go to the CCLD website to read the actual alert by clicking here.

EVICTION PROCEDURES - New for the Evaluator's Manual

A really hot topic with administrators I've met across the state is how to properly evict and stay out of trouble doing so.  Now, The Evaluator's Manual (aka The Blues) has been revised a bit to address this procedure.  The first noted change is that you no longer need to seek approval from licensing to give a 30 day notice. 
Thirty (30) day evictions do not need prior approval by the licensing agency.  A resident may only be evicted for the reasons cited in California Code of Regulations, title 22, section 87224(a).
This change effects 17 pages in the Evaluator's Manual.  Please click here to view and download a new copy from the state website.

NEW DVD from ALZ.ORG

This week I am in Southern California at the CALA Conference.  I will share with you next week a little about it.

This week I just wanted to bring to your attention a new educational DVD from the Alzheimer's Association.  It is a two program disc which includes "Understanding Alzheimer's" and "Alzheimer's and Safety".  It's a really great DVD to have and for those of you who care for Alzheimer's residents it should be shared with your staff and families.  Here is the link where it can be purchased.  New Education DVD.

Check back next week.  Thanks for listening.

CAREGIVERS UNDER STRESS

This article focuses on the home caregivers, the so called "Sandwich Generation", those who find themselves caring for both elderly parents and their own children.  While it's not something our employees are dealing with it is something that is worth considering if these folks decide to place mom or dad in an assisted living.  It provides us with a chance to show some empathy and by doing so we might move in a new resident.  It is also worth considering that our own staff may experience similar kinds of stress and depression as the people they are caring for become in need of heavier care or pass on.  Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.  See the article here.

CCLD ETHICS HELPLINE

This week I just want to draw your attention to something at the CCLD Website.  It's a little link at the bottom of the page called CCLD Ethics Helpline.  I'm encouraging you all to check this page out only to be familiar with it in case you should need it.

In the past there have been incidents of CCL employees involved in inappropriate situations involving gifts, favors and  power struggles.  The helpline exists to aid in discouraging this kind of behavior with CCL employees as well as stop it quicker if it should occur.   In my experience  CCL employees have been top notch and by the book, as they should be.  This little tool is there for the protection of the residential care providers.  Share it with your staff  and colleagues.  The link is here at CCLD Ethics Helpline.