You can usually find your local Elder Abuse program under
the Human Services section of your phone book, or you can report suspected
abuse by calling 800-677-1116
Summary:
Most assisted living facilities
adhere to strict sanitation standards. However, sanitation is not
regulated in assisted living facilities as it is in nursing homes.
Occasionally, facilities are cited for having unsafe
or even dangerous sanitation conditions.
Written by: The staff at Assisted Living Directory
Sanitation is something that might not be at
the top of your checklist when you are considering an assisted
living facility for you, or perhaps a loved one. Usually the
items that receive the most attention are amenities, level of
care, and cost. I would venture to guess that sanitation and
food safety are only an after thought for most people going
through the process of choosing a facility. For those already
living in a facility, sanitation is most likely not ever talked
about unless there is an obvious problem.
Although is is not an epidemic, problems with
sanitation and food safety do occur in the assisted living world,
and when they do, they can be quite serious. We were reading
a news story today about an assisted living facility in Oregon
that was cited for having unsanitary kitchen conditions and
multiple other code violations. There is suspicion that this
facility and the owners are having financial difficulties.
One might assume that assisted living facilities
are carefully regulated when it comes to sanitation and food
safety, just as nursing homes are. However, this is not the
case. Unlike nursing homes, there are no federal quality standards
for assisted living facilities, only a state agency that performs
health and safety inspections.
The dining model of many assisted living homes
and facilities is often times much different than that of restaurants
or nursing homes. Residents may have a choice of eating in common
areas, or having their meal brought to their room or apartment,
making the meal travel farther for delivery, adding to the inherent
sanitation risks. More support personnel may be needed for the
entire food service process in an assisted living facility than
you might find in a normal dining room or situation. This also
adds to the amount of possible contact between humans and the
food served. Again, all of this happens in an environment of
heightened vulnerability.
Residents of assisted living facilities are
many times much more susceptible to bacteria, germs or illness
due to
their age, and compromised immune systems due to other illnesses
or conditions that they may have.
Should we as family members and concerned citizens
trust that assisted living facilities will be regulated by the
appropriate state agencies frequently or thoroughly? Probably
not, since often times these agencies or inspectors will go
as far as announcing when they will be visiting, giving the
facility a 'heads up' to clean up their act. This may not happen
every time, but state agencies do not usually visit facilities
frequently enough to really keep the standards in place. It
is then up to each facility to monitor themselves, and provide
a safe and sanitary environment. I don't think it is unreasonable
for a family member or a potential resident to ask to see the
kitchen and dining areas unannounced. Perhaps more involvement
from the family level will help keep facilities on their toes.
Asking about staffing and staff-training is
also important. How are the staff in each facility trained?
Does the facility have and employ a 'Standard Operating Procedures"
manual? Are there adequate facilities for staff to wash their
hands, and are these facilities stocked with soap and towels?
Being involved and aware of the operation and standards of "your"
facility will go a long way in making sure that remains a safe
and sanitary environment for you or your loved one.
Is it a stretch to suggest that the standards
set for sanitation in any facility would likely be a mirror
image for the standards set for the rest of the facility's operations,
including the care provided, the management, upkeep, and overall
level of service?
Who to contact if you are concerned about the sanitation of
an assisted living facility (generally):
Human Services Licensing Department or your State Health Department
Marcus
Wrote:
One of the telltale ways to learn how clean a facility is or is
not is to just smell the air. Is it stale, fresh, or does it smell
like old towels. Seriously, when you visit a facility, take a deep
whiff and that could tell you volumes.
16 November 2011 at 5.41 am
Heli
Wrote:
This is a good, practical article, which addresses an often neglected
issue. Food borne illness is common in Assisted Living Facilities.
When taking a tour of one, it is also a good idea to take a careful
look in the kitchen as well as the dining room. Heli heperrett @ aol.com www.thesafefoodhandbook.blogspot.com
23 February 2011 at 6.43 am
Anonymous
Wrote:
Page Place Assisted Living, , Longview, TX needs to be reported
for having a nasty kitchen and refrigerator. Who would I report
it to? It is outside the city limit of Longview and it is considered
Harrison County.
16 December 2009 at 2.39 pm
Barbara
Wrote:
someone is using their home im my neighbor, strictly zoned residential,
to house 4 people. this person has moved her family out. How do
I determine if this is legal?
1 November 2009 at 10.29 am