Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. New CMS activities guidelines: A focus on quality of life February 2009

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February What is CMS? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS):  Pays for a large percentage of nursing home care  Regulates nursing homes  Oversees inspection of nursing homes through the state survey process

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February Why the new guidelines? To improve quality of life for nursing home residents by:  Ensuring that residents can pursue activities that are meaningful to them.

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February What is an “activity”? Activities can be:  Structured group events or past-times such as Bingo, group singing, attending a movie or show  Sitting alone reading, petting a dog, watching the birds  Chatting with a staff member over a cup of tea  Taking a nap  Going for a walk …or anything the resident feels like doing at the moment.

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February Whose job is it? ▪Everyone can (and should) be involved in helping residents to engage in life. ▪This means nurses, nursing assistants, housekeepers, administrators…and YOU! ▪Anyone who interacts with a resident can help to make life more meaningful for him or her.

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February What can you do? Ask about the resident’s:  Interests  Past hobbies  Dreams and hopes How does the resident like to spend his or her time? Does he or she:  Enjoy group activities or perfer to spend time alone (or a little of both)?

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February Who has time? Helping residents lead meaningful lives is one of the nursing home’s main goals. §As you provide daily care, learn all you can about the resident. §Share this information with other staff. §Ask family members for their ideas, and help get the resident any needed items (e.g., a radio to listen to talk shows or music; knitting materials; books)

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February The possibilities are endless Some ideas: §A resident who likes to cook?  Find ways for him or her to compile and share favorite recipes with staff; or to cook a simple meal §A resident who is a military veteran?  Express interest in his or her experiences; introduce the resident to another veteran §A resident who traveled?  Ask about his or her favorite experiences; share yours

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February What about residents with dementia? If the resident can no longer fully participate in activities he or she once enjoyed: §Serve favorite foods (ask the family) §Help the resident to enjoy a pleasant sensory experience  a favorite scent (vanilla, flowers), music, photographs §Find a way for the resident to safely handle familiar objects  sandpaper/wood, fold clothes, stroke a pet or stuffed animal

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. CMS activities guidelines February Relationships are most important §It’s not about keeping residents “busy.” §It’s not about passing state surveys. §It’s about helping residents to be:  “engaged” with life  “connected to others” Get to know the residents and nurture your relationships with them!