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 basis. FIVES can be accessed here.. The provider letter can be accessed here. … [Read more...] about LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!
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, and medication management. For locations and times, you may download the letter here. DADS reminded nursing facilities (in a … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
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 Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross. There are links to state and local government agencies and organizations, and … [Read more...] about Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
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 guidelines for sufficient emergency training in 2004-2005. However, nursing homes didn't always follow the plans. For example, 5 of the … [Read more...] about OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes
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 social service assistance for food, housing, education, legal help, child care, physical and mental health, financial support, transportation, or emergencies … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: 211 System
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 for the able-bodied. But as the evacuations for hurricanes Katrina and Rita showed this year, the decisions made at nursing homes more likely could be a matter … [Read more...] about Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma
“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 convention center for people to come in. There are buses there. Is that clear to you? Buses parked. There are 4,000 troops there. People come, they get on a bus, they get on a truck, they move on. Is that … [Read more...] about “Don’t Get Stuck On Stupid, Reporters”
Here We Go Again: Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita is on its way and it's time for Coastal areas to think about their evacuation plans. The word on the street is that FEMA is starting to grab buses to evacuate the Katrina evacuees out of Houston. I have heard that bus companies are requiring payment up front from nursing homes. Things to be concerned about: 1. Chartering buses that end up being commandeered by FEMA or local authorities. 2. Are your local governmental entities working with nursing homes for Plan B in … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again: Hurricane Rita
Why Did This Happen?
The media is reporting the following: Authorities Wednesday began removing the remains of more than 30 people from a flooded nursing home in a suburban parish. The discovery at St. Rita's Nursing Home in lower St. Bernard Parish came as 25,000 body bags arrived at the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. (Full story) On Thursday, the official death toll from Hurricane Katrina stood at 294, but that number is expected to rise dramatically. Mortuary teams with refrigerated … [Read more...] about Why Did This Happen?
PPAT Information On Katrina Relief Efforts
I received an e-mail with the following information from PPAT: Private Provider and Family Assistance: 1.) Mr. Chris Tilly, Executive Director of CARSA (Community and Residential Services Association) in Louisiana shared that several thousand providers have evacuated New Orleans, and a number of their group and community homes were destroyed by the hurricane. Housing is the most immediate need, it is estimated that it will take 6-8 months to rebuild or relocate these individuals … [Read more...] about PPAT Information On Katrina Relief Efforts
