- How can senior living communities better prepare for future health crisis?
Residents and staff in senior living were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 virus and learned a great deal in how to respond in the case of a public health emergency. They also learned that CARF standards can position assisted living providers to prepare for and respond to a pandemic using an approach that promotes the health and safety of residents and staff, fosters a culture of transparency, and focuses on individual needs. Promotion/prevention - Each community must adhere to the regulations set forth by the state in which it operates; however, CARF policies can help organizations prepare for infection control well in advance of an outbreak to reduce implementation times when a public health crisis occurs. Communication and transparency - The CARF standards foster a culture of transparency and require an organization to implement written procedures for reporting critical incidents to CARF and all external authorities. In addition to complying with legal and regulatory requirements, CARF-accredited-programs must communicate emergent and ongoing issues with staff.Person-centered approach - The CARF standards require an adequate workforce to deliver care, and CARF’s person-centered approach extends to staff as well. It is important to balance the risk of infection spread with the risk of deteriorating emotional well-being due to resident isolation and loss of support.Continuous quality improvement - CARF’s comprehensive standards go beyond state regulations to guide assisted living providers in their response to a pandemic and mitigate risk to residents and staff.
- How to prevent burnout in caregivers
Caring for a loved one can be a full-time commitment. Recognizing the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of being an unpaid caregiver is crucial in keeping yourself from becoming overwhelmed. Asking for help does not mean you are any less committed to your loved one; it will only make you a better caregiver to arm yourself with resources in order to provide the best care possible. Here are three ways you can reduce your threat of burnout.Don’t expect perfection. You may not be able to handle every element of your caregiving job on your own, or you may need to go part-time. Believe you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can at any given time.Set realistic goals. Establish boundaries by saying no to actions and events you know to cause too much stress, such as taking your loved one on a distant trip or hosting a major family gathering on their behalf.Don’t isolate yourself. Spending every day focusing on your loved one without other socialization can make you feel alone. Schedule time with other family and friends who can support you in your caregiving goals, and pursue activities you find relaxing and enjoyable.
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