LTC Survey Saga
In long-term care we are all familiar with the [annual] survey. Some of us worry about survey, some treat it like any other day, and then there are those that really worry about survey. While we should certainly have some degree of awareness of survey time, the 'golden rule' is to always be survey ready. This is true; yet, I relate the last minute things to tidying up before guests arrive. We've all done it. And it's ok.
The survey story I want to tell here is a comparison of my experience(s) with survey findings, compared through 2 decades.
1997:
My facility was in survey and I was inevitably interviewed by a surveyor. I was asked about Mrs. Smith's plan of care (Mrs. Smith was a 82 year old widowed female, with moderate dementia). As I began to talk about all the things that Mrs. Smith liked to do, her history, her daily routine, etc. I realized that the question I was actually being asked is "Why does Mrs. Smith have a coloring book and crayons?" I answered honestly and said, "because she likes to color." I noticed that the surveyor seemed perplexed. The interview was over within 10 minutes. The statement of deficiencies cited an F-tag related to Mrs. Smith's use of crayons and coloring book. "NOT AGE APPROPRIATE," the reasoning. "NOT MAINTAINING RESIDENTS DIGNITY."
2011:
Once again, my facility was in the middle of survey (not the same facility, but it was the same State). Here, Mrs. Brown (an 80 year old female, with mild-moderate dementia) enjoyed "coloring." In fact, it was clearly in her care plan. Everyone, even housekeeping, knew that Mrs. Brown loved to color butterflies and tuck her 'baby' in at night. So, what were the survey findings this time? No F-tags were received. In fact, we were encouraged to continue with person-centered care.
Seriously? Yes, I'm serious. The term used in 1997 was "age appropriate." Fast-forward a decade or so later and "person-appropriate" is now widely used and supported. Hold on, isn't that what we were doing in 1997? (Mrs. Smith and coloring was "person appropriate.") Yes, absolutely!
So, what's my point? Advocate for residents, question survey findings (professionally, of course). YOU know your residents best. Don't be afraid to ask questions or challenge ideas/findings.
*Note-- this is in no way meant to be negative regarding surveyors. In fact, I believe that surveyors work hard to increase quality in long-term care.
Peggy Farrington is President & CEO of Lyra Group, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing quality in senior living. You may reach Peggy at peggy@lyra-group.com