THE FAMILY HIRED A PRIVATE CAREGIVER. IS THE ALF STILL RESPONSIBLE?

A resident’s family hires a private caregiver to come into your assisted living facility every day.

The caregiver helps with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other personal needs.

So does that mean the ALF is now off the hook?

No.

THE RESIDENT STILL LIVES IN YOUR ALF

Under Rule 59A-36.007, F.A.C. — Resident Care Standards, an ALF has responsibilities for the care and supervision of its residents.

A family hiring a private caregiver does not make those responsibilities disappear.

The outside caregiver may provide specific services, but your facility still needs to know what is happening with the resident.

Problems happen when everyone assumes someone else is handling it.

The ALF should clearly understand:

What is the private caregiver doing?

What is the ALF staff responsible for?

What happens when the private caregiver isn’t there?

That last question is especially important.

If the private caregiver calls out, goes on vacation, or simply doesn’t show up, the resident’s needs don’t disappear.

Your facility needs to know how those needs will be met.

Your staff may notice that the resident is weaker, more confused, eating less, falling more frequently, or requiring additional assistance.

Don’t assume:

“The private caregiver handles that.”

Your staff still needs to observe the resident, communicate concerns, and take appropriate action when something changes.

Outside help can be extremely valuable.

But don’t let an outside caregiver create a gap in responsibility.

The resident still lives in your facility.

And the ALF still has responsibilities.

Rule 59A-36.007, F.A.C. — Resident Care Standards