Team Advocacy ProjectTeam Advocacy ProjectSCARCH Spring ConferenceSCARCH Spring Conference

April 16April 16, , 20152015

Anna Maria Darwin, Attorney and Protection and Independence Team Leader

Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesYou 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?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 43-33-350)Inspections are led by the Team Advocate with

assistance from trained Volunteer(s) Funding sources: DMH and U.S. Dept. of HHS

Facility SelectionFacility SelectionNot in response to a complaintOrdinarily not more frequently than every two

years per licensed facilityFacilities are chosen from the DHEC list of

CRCFsCounty representationAvailability 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?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 ResidenceSurvey tools: Review of Residence

Safety & Compliance issuesHomelike atmosphereStaffingMeal observation Cleanliness

Survey tools: Resident InterviewSurvey 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?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?Who Receives a Copy of the Report?

DHECLLRDMHDDSNDSSAttorney General

SHARE: Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions

DHHSLong Term Care

OmbudsmanNAMIMHAVeterans Administration

What is P&A’ role? What is P&A’ role? We talk to the administrator, staff, and

residentsWe report dangerous items and situations

immediatelyWe compliment good works

Thank You!Thank You!Questions??