Team Advocacy Project SCARCH Spring Conference April 16, 2015 Anna Maria Darwin, Attorney and Protection and Independence Team Leader

Learning Objectives You will be able to ◦ Know how P & A has access to CRCF’s ◦ Identify who Team Advocacy is ◦ Understand how Team chooses a facility ◦ Recognize the parts of an inspection ◦ Use resources that Team Advocacy provides to benefit your facility and residents

What is Team Advocacy? Conducts “unannounced visits to review the living conditions of a residential facility, including the plans of care for individuals in a residential care facility and a community mental health center day program” (SC Code ) Inspections are led by the Team Advocate with assistance from trained Volunteer(s) Funding sources: DMH and U.S. Dept. of HHS

Facility Selection Not in response to a complaint Ordinarily not more frequently than every two years per licensed facility Facilities are chosen from the DHEC list of CRCFs County representation Availability of a trained volunteer. The law that grants us access requires the use of a trained volunteer at all times

What happens during an inspection? Team Advocate: ◦ Reviews resident records ◦ Medication & MAR review ◦ Staff records ◦ Emergency evacuation plan ◦ Inspects condition of facility Volunteer: ◦ Interviews residents ◦ Observes a meal ◦ Takes notes ◦ Inspects facility with Team Advocate

Survey tools: Review of Residence Safety & Compliance issues Homelike atmosphere Staffing Meal observation Cleanliness

Survey tools: Resident Interview Open-ended and yes/no questions about: ◦ Resident’s feelings about the facility, food, and the rooms and roommates ◦ Resident’s clothing, hygiene, and special equipment supplies ◦ Personal Needs Allowances ◦ Access to the doctor ◦ Access to the community

What happens after an inspection? A written report is mailed within 5 business days to the administrator of the facility, all involved agencies, and advocacy organizations Agencies follow up on issues addressed during the inspection Administrator is encouraged to respond

Who Receives a Copy of the Report? DHEC LLR DMH DDSN DSS Attorney General SHARE: Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions DHHS Long Term Care Ombudsman NAMI MHA Veterans Administration

What is P&A’ role? We talk to the administrator, staff, and residents We report dangerous items and situations immediately We compliment good works

Thank You! Questions??