Pre-Screening for Success: Balancing Business and Care

So you have an open room and the pressure is on. If you’re a nurse manager, we know your main focus is on the medical needs and care for your residents. But you are also employed by a business that has to pay the bills. This can feel like a pull between your marketing team, your Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD), your staff, and prospective resident's family expectations. You want to admit a new resident to keep the doors open, but you also need to find a resident who can be safely cared for in your setting. Sound familiar?

Ask the Right Questions

Assessing prospective residents can be a stressful process, but getting your questions answered early can save you a lot of trouble later. Your primary goal is to ensure that every person receives the safest and best care possible, no matter what setting that may be. It takes good communication and planning to ensure a new resident will succeed in your community.

• Does the prospective resident have a need that is outside of your standard of care?

• Can that need be met in a way that fits into your facility's standards?

• Is the need outside of what you provide on your UDALSA (Uniform Disclosures of Assisted Living Services and Amenities)?

  
  

Your Best Resources

Don’t try to figure it all out on your own. It's crucial to gather information from all available resources. Ask all the questions and plan well!

• Primary Care Providers: Get a clear picture of their medical needs.

• Discharging Social Workers: They can provide valuable context and history.

• Current Homecare Agencies: These professionals have firsthand experience with the resident's day-to-day care.

• The Resident's Family: They know their loved one best and can offer important insights.

  
  

Some prospective residents really do need a higher level of skilled care, but some needs might be able to be managed by an outside provider. It's all about good communication and planning to ensure your new resident will succeed in your setting.

If you’re struggling with pieces of the pre-screen process and preparing for your prospective residents, reach out to us! We want to chat with you!