Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters and three federal survey letters: Information Letters License Capacity in Adult Day Care (ADC) Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facilities – DADS reminds providers that all licensed ADC facilities participating in the DAHS program must not exceed their licensed capacity. Download [...]

Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two provider and three information letters: Survey About Vehicles Used for Transportation of Individuals DADS requested that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) participate in a survey of providers regarding vehicles used to provide transportation of individuals enrolled in DADS programs. The deadline is October 1, 2008. [...]

Tropical Storms and Texas

There are two tropical storms presently aimed at the Texas Coast. Here is the latest on Tropical Storm Erin: Here is its projected path: In the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical depression Five took shape last night, and has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Erin at 10 am CT moving northwest toward the southeastern Texas Coast. [...]

LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!

In a provider letter dated June 1, 2007, DADS is notifying Texas long-term care facilities that it will be conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise “involving local, state, federal, and private sector partners.” DADS is requesting that you update your number of vacancies in the Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status application (FIVES) on a daily [...]

Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments

In a letter dated May 14, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified assisted living providers, provider organizations, and surveyors about a conference called, “Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities.” The conference will be held on July 19, 24, and 31. Topics to be presented include aging in place, emergency preparedness, [...]

Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline

Hopefully this hurricane season won’t be as devastating as the last, but it’s good to be prepared. Texas providers (and all residents) should visit the disaster preparation resource page at TexasOnline to stay up-to-date on current news and tips. You’ll find links to organizations and agencies that specialize in preparing for disasters, including the Federal [...]

OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services has released a report titled, “Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness and Response During Recent Hurricanes.” OIG reviewed 20 nursing homes for the study. According to the report, 94 percent of nursing homes met government guidelines for emergency plans, and 80 percent met [...]

Provider Letter: 211 System

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued a provider letter (July 17) to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA) and Adult Day Care Facilities (ADC) on using the 211 system. The 211 system is a telephone number that connects callers to local health and human services agencies. People looking for [...]

Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma

Providers are bracing themselves for another hurricane and more tough decisions. Nursing homes are faced with whether to evacuate patients, some connected to feeding tubes and oxygen tanks, or ride out Hurricane Wilma in place. From the Washington Post: The decision to stay or flee in the event of a hurricane can be difficult even [...]

“Don’t Get Stuck On Stupid, Reporters”

General Honore takes no guff from the reporters in New Orleans(HT Radioblogger): Honore: And Mr. Mayor, let’s go back, because I can see right now, we’re setting this up as he said, he said, we said. All right? We are not going to go, by order of the mayor and the governor, and open the [...]

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