When Does My Certification Expire?

This is one of the most common questions we receive from administrators calling our office.  It is important, of course, to keep track of your certification status at all times.  But, just in case you have misplaced that important date, the California Department of Social Services (DSS) is now maintaining an Administrator Registry on their website.   (more…)

Budget Woes Continue for California DSS

The California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) continues to struggle to develop a budget that balances the fiscal needs of the state with its mission to protect the well-being of the more than 1.4 million residents being served in CCLD-licensed facilities.  (more…)

Stay Out of Court

Every assisted living and residential care provider has a very real fear of being sued.  Whether it comes from family members who are upset over their mother falling in your facility, or a staff member who feels he or she has been wrongly terminated, the threat of litigation is very real.  But don’t be mislead to think that lawsuits are entirely the result of circumstances beyond your control; there are steps you can take to help stay out of court.  (more…)

Tuesday Tip: Dementia Care

With your hectic schedule, it is sometimes easy to overlook simple compliance issues. Advanced Healthcare Studies’ “Tuesday Tips” will bring you a quick, helpful idea each week that can assist you in your operations related to regulatory compliance. (more…)

Hot Weather Is Just Around the Corner

While we are enjoying beautiful spring weather, hot days are ahead.  Are you ready?  Residents need access to out of door areas that are protected from excessive sun and heat.  Now is the time to make sure your residents will be comfortable and safe.  Remember that some medications (e.g., certain psychotropics, antibiotics, etc.) our residents use put them at even greater risk for sunburn.  Check that your outdoor areas are protected. (more…)

Assisted Living Residents Stay Active with the Wii Video Game

In front of a crowded conference room full of senior care professionals Debbi Cavallo, MBA, corporate director of dementia care for San Diego-based Senior Resource Group Senior Living (SRG), entertained the audience with a demonstration of the Nintendo Wii video game system as an activity alternative for residents living in assisted living and residential care communities. Debbi demonstrated how the interactive game can be used to encourage physical activity and maintain important functions like balance at our Southern California Dementia Care Intensive earlier this year. But while Cavallo brought the game to our attention, researchers have also been looking closely at the use of the Wii in senior care. (more…)

PRN Authorization

We know it.  It is nothing new.  However, a number of providers are overlooking the requirement for PRN authorization anytime a resident has an “as needed” medication ordered, even an over-the-counter.  (more…)

Tuesday Tip: Employee Workplace Rights Poster

With your hectic schedule, it is sometimes easy to overlook simple compliance issues. Advanced Healthcare Studies’ “Tuesday Tips” will bring you a quick, helpful idea each week that can assist you in your operations related to regulatory compliance. We know that many of you implement outstanding practices in your community, and we welcome your ideas as well. If you have a tip that you would like to share, just reply by email and we may share your tip in a future “Tuesday Tip.” (more…)

Cal OSHA and Fire Extinguishers

Consider this scenario. An electrical fire breaks out in the kitchen. You run to get the fire extinguisher, you aim it at the base of the fire and nothing happens. It seems the extinguisher has not been checked and/or charged since it was mounted on the wall. You can imagine the possible consequences. Fortunately, this scenario is easily avoidable. Here is some pertinent information that we hope will assist you in being prepared for a fire on your property. (more…)

Systems for Keeping Promises

Often times families, responsible parties or even residents will initiate a complaint to licensing, simply out of desperation. They have made a request to a caregiver or supervisor and were reassured something would result. Yet, the promised care was never received. (more…)