Professional Caregiver Blog

Last week the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) released a set of “Guiding Principles” designed to assist providers in improving disclosure, services, and care.

The three documents that make up the Guiding Principles include:

• Guiding Principles for Assisted Living
• Guiding Principles for Providing Information to Consumers
• Guiding Principles for Quality in Assisted Living

Each document provides recommended principles and practices to improve that particular aspect of service. Whether you are looking to open a new facility or fine-tune your existing operations, these principles provide an excellent starting point for self-analysis.

Below is a brief summary of the principles addressed in each area:

Guiding Principles for Assisted Living

1. Definition of Assisted Living
2. Size
3. Physical Plan
4. Move-In and Occupancy
5. Services
6. Advertising, Sales, and Marketing
7. Health Needs
8. Aging in Place
9. Staff Qualifications and Training
10. Staffing Patterns
11. Resident Rights
12. Licensure and Certification
13. Measuring and Improving Quality

Guiding Principles for Providing Information to Consumers

1. Contracts
2. Finances
3. Fee Increases
4. Resident Transfer or Move-Out
5. Special Care and End of Life Care
6. Public Posting of State Contact and Other Information

Guiding Principles for Quality in Assisted Living

1. Person-Centered Care
2. Ethical Practices and Financial Stewardship
3. Facility Mission and Vision Statements
4. Quality Improvement
5. Workforce

Use the links above to download a copy of the Guiding Principles or click here for the official NCAL press release.

Tags: , assisted living, RCFE, Resident Care //