Eventually, most individuals (or at least their families) will consider, at some point in their lives, living in a “community”. In easrlier times, these were called “The Home”, “The Old Folks Home”, “The Nursing Home”, and other names that, while not necessarily inaccurate in all senses, are sweeping generalizations that not only conjur negative thoughts, but don’t do justice in all situations.
Thers are many types of ‘communities’ that are available. Some are quite nice, some are of questionable quality, and ALL have excellent sales teams. I point that out, because successful sales teams focus on the things they want you to know about, and sales teams that are not successful go away. As such, you will either be dealing with somebody focusing on things that are important to the sales team, or inexperienced personnel who don’t really know much about their community (no matter how many manuals they have read, or how many seminars they have been to).
As a person who has previously held a leadership position in an Assisted Living organization, let me share with a couple of things with you. I entered that industry, with the thought that I could try to make a difference in peoples lives by spending time with my residents, and helping to ensure that appropiate levels of care were being adhered to. It was quickly made clear that sales were the highest priority at all levels, from the size of the office and catering to the sales teams (vs the compensation and treatment of the rest of the team), to some actual specific statements made to my by others in leadership positions.
As an Emergency Medical Technician, the first “hurdle” came when I mentioned, in passing, that I was going to recertify my CPR Certification, as I felt it was important given my surroundings. Immediately, corporate leadserhip advised me that they do not permit their employees to take CPR classes. After my initial dose of incredulousness, I reminded them that I had to have it to maintain my EMT certification, and they were aware of this when I was hired. The company (including the corporate nurse) then advised me that it would not be acceptable to perform CPR while at work. I reminded our corporate nurse that, in carrying certain certifications, we have a “duty to act”, and while not in that official capacity, I would not withhold life saving measures without presentation of a valid DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. She then said that if I chose to act, I would need to, “make it clear that (you are) not performing those services as a representative of the company”.When asked about getting AEDs, the machines that REALLY save lives, I was laughed at.
Now it became clear. It was fear of liability. In our litigious world, we want to make sure that we create a safe and caring environment for our loved ones, but there is trememndous fear that there will be an ‘expectation’ that their lives will be saved if their heart stops.
As an active Emergency Responder, and someone who teaches CPR classes, I make a lot of contacts in our communities with leadership at similar locations. I inquire about CPR. I am continually shocked that, not only do these companies not offer CPR classes to their employees free of charge, but that they actually discourage them from having a certification. In fact, I know of a couple of facilities that won’t even attempt to help a person who is ill or injured. They immediately call 9-1-1. Now, on the face, this seems like a good selling point. I can see the Director of Sales saying, “Any time we have somebody who is ill, we don’t mess with it. We immediately medevac them to an appropriate care facility, just to be on the safe side.”
Sounds good, right? Where do I sign up? What that also means is that, “We don’t want you to sue us if we can’t save them. Further, we don’t want to have to train our staffs, because that is expensive, and then we might have to pay them more for their knowledge.”
So, some questions I would encourage you to ask, while you are researching these communities:
* Let me see copies of everybody’s CPR and First Aid certifications
* What is your course of action if someone is injured?
* What hours is your staff doctor or nurse on duty? Note: This is different than a “Medical Technician” or a “Med-Tech”. A Med-Tech is typically somebody who goes around with a list, dispensing medication. Most states do not require any education, certification, or real responsibility in naming folks to this position”.
* In what instances do you call 911?
* Where is your AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)?
Don’t get me wrong: There are a LOT of great communities out there, with a lot of great activities. However, do your homework, and find out what is more important to them: The health and well being of their patients, or their legal team.
