If a Resident is living in your facility and is receiving assistance with his or her daily activities, then there is a requirement for the resident’s weight to be checked and recorded bi-annually (every six months).

You are also required to weigh and record the resident’s weight upon initial admission into the facility. This means each resident must be weighed when they first come into your ALF and then again every six months thereafter.

Even though the regulation states you only have to do it every six months, it is highly recommended that you weigh residents more often than this. How often is up to your ALF, but once a month (two, at most) is a good idea. Weighing more regularly provides your ALF with helpful data that can help to identify any possible health issues so the resident’s health care provider can be promptly notified. This action can also potentially prevent hospitalization, lawsuits and even discharges.