Assistive care devices are essential to help individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. However, the use of these devices comes with inherent risks, which must be managed and regulated to ensure the safety of the residents using them. In Florida, the 59A-36.007 Resident Care Standards provides regulations for the use of assistive care devices in assisted living facilities. In this blog post, we will discuss these regulations and provide suggestions on how to follow them to ensure that all assistive care devices are inspected and fixed accordingly.
The regulation, as states
(a), requires facilities to have policies and procedures that include the requirements and methods for assessing the physical condition of assistive devices that may injure the resident. This means that the facility must have a system in place to identify devices that are damaged, worn, or outdated and need repair or replacement. The facility must ensure that staff members are trained to assess the physical condition of assistive devices properly. The staff members should be able to identify hazards or any risks associated with the use of the device and recommend repair or replacement as necessary.
(b), requires that documentation of each assistive device a resident uses be included in the resident’s record. This is an essential requirement, as it provides a comprehensive record of the resident’s needs, the devices they use, and any maintenance or repair issues. It also ensures that the devices are available and easily accessible to the resident when needed. MAKE SURE IT IS NOTED ON THE 1823
(c) requires that direct care staff members who use assistive devices while rendering personal services to residents must know how to operate and utilize the equipment. This ensures that the staff members are trained and qualified to operate the devices safely, reducing the risk of injury to the resident or the staff member.
(d) mandates that all assistive devices must be clean, in good repair, and free of hazards. This means that facilities must have a regular maintenance program for the devices to ensure that they are in good working condition. It also means that staff members must be trained to identify hazards and take appropriate action to eliminate them.
(e) requires that the facility must encourage and allow the resident to function with independence when using the assistive device. This means that the staff members should provide necessary support and assistance but also encourage the resident to use the device independently as much as possible.
To follow these regulations, facilities must establish policies and procedures that ensure that all assistive devices are inspected regularly and maintained in good working condition. The staff members must be trained to assess the physical condition of the devices and take appropriate action to repair or replace them when necessary. The facility must also maintain documentation of each resident’s assistive devices and ensure that direct care staff members are trained to operate the devices safely.
In conclusion, the regulation for assistive care devices in Florida assisted living facilities is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. To follow these regulations, facilities must establish policies and procedures that ensure regular inspection and maintenance of the devices, staff members trained to operate them safely, and documentation of each resident’s devices. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that residents continue to enjoy the benefits of assistive devices while minimizing any risks associated with their use.
Regulation
(9) ASSISTIVE DEVICES. Facilities are responsible for ensuring the safe usage of a resident’s assistive devices.
(a) The facility must have policies and procedures that include the requirements and methods for assessing the physical condition of assistive devices that may injure the resident and procedures for recommending repair or replacement for the continuing safety of a resident’s assistive device.
(b) Documentation of each assistive device a resident uses must be included in the resident’s record.
(c) Direct care staff using assistive devices while rendering personal services to residents must know how to operate and utilize the equipment.
(d) All assistive devices must be clean, in good repair, and free of hazards.
(e) The facility must encourage and allow the resident to function with independence when using the assistive device.
Helpful Documents
Assistive Device Policy and Checklist