Our goal is to work collectively to prevent abuse, improve the maltreatment reporting and investigatory systems, and pun
Working together to
PREVENT & DETER MALTREATMENT Maltreatment of older adults is unacceptable and must be stopped. Senior living providers express our deep regret that maltreatment of older adults occurs and take seriously the concern that the voices of victims and families have not been heard. Our goal is to work collectively to prevent abuse, improve the maltreatment reporting and investigatory systems, and punish perpetrators to the fullest extent possible. The Minnesota Legislature should work with all stakeholders to reform our regulatory system and provide the tools caregivers need to prevent abuse before it happens. Here are the areas we believe should move forward as first steps during 2018:
PREVENTION Establish New Laws for Electronic Monitoring / Cameras Enhance Data Analysis from Office of Health Facilities Complaints and Communication to Providers to Support Education and Training Shorten the Time Period for Surveys for New Settings and New Owners: within 90 days of providing services for new sites and within the first 6 months of operation for new owners.
TRANSPARENCY Create a Single State-Licensed Home Care Bill of Rights Clarify and Increase Communication to Responsible Parties when Maltreatment is Alleged Create and Implement Reporting Decision Trees for Providers and Regulators
ACCOUNTABILITY Enhance Criminal Charges for Perpetrators of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Strengthen Anti-Retaliation Laws to Protect Those Who Report Maltreatment Create Stakeholder Workgroups to: - Review and Improve an Assisted Living Framework / Licensure Mode - Develop Statewide Dementia/Memory Care Standards - Develop an Assisted Living Report Card We do not want to lose sight of the more than 100,000 dedicated caregivers who provide quality care and services to thousands of older adults each day in the places they call home. To ensure older adults live free of abuse, neglect and exploitation, providers conduct thorough background checks, require comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training, develop person-centered plans for residents, and implement quality improvement projects. When we work together to prevent maltreatment, older adults will feel safer living in the communities they love, families will regain faith and confidence that their concerns were heard, and caregivers will feel supported, valued and renewed by the common effort to improve care and support. The decisions we make this session will provide greater security and confidence to Minnesota’s older adults and their families. As our senior population continues to grow, passing the 1 million mark early next decade, we cannot afford to wait to act to prevent maltreatment of all forms.
CONTACT:
Kari Thurlow Toby Pearson LeadingAge Minnesota Care Providers of Minnesota
[email protected] | 651.895.3723
[email protected] | 952.851.2480
