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Project Description:
Training for Operators of Small Assisted Living Facilities. This activity addressed the unmet need for training opportunities for the providers of small assisted living facilities. This program provided training for staff in unregulated homes (1-3 beds) where no training or skills are required of caregivers and in other small (4-6 bed) certified facilities or licensed assisted living facilities (ALFs) with minimum training requirements and limited access to training resources.
The Ombudsman Program identified 48 of these providers. There were 39 different owners / operators; 17% were licensed ALFs; 79% were unlicensed care homes; and 17% were certified or affiliated with a state agency (i.e., Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation or Texas Department of Human Services). Total bed capacity was 194 or an average of 4 beds per facility. Of the 119 total residents, the profile was 71% female and 29% male; 74% Anglo, 21% African American, and 5% Hispanic; and 36% aged 25-59, 49% aged 60-74, 15% over 75. The activity started as a 3-month demonstration project. The Ombudsman met with groups of providers and professionals to develop the logistics, select topics and develop resources (e.g., the Red Cross did CPR classes for free). It worked! The activity has continued. Attendance has been 3-29 staff. After starting with a 4-hour monthly format and experimentation with others, the activity evolved to one-day, quarterly sessions jointly sponsored by TDHS Adult Foster Care. The
Impact:
Providers have a local resource to access training. Through their participation and networking, providers are more knowledgeable of care practices, the quality of care giver. to residents has improved, and their access to resources has increased. This activity has given the Ombudsman program access and legitimacy to these providers. In addition to the formal training classes, they now call the ombudsman program for information and assistance. |
