• HCFD providing education to staff on vulnerable adult financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect;
• Actively work to increase staff satisfaction and morale;
  • Staff are honored for their good work through an Employee of the Month program which may be done by hanging their picture near the facility entrance, choosing a gift or receiving a gift card.
  • Daycare is available within the facility for staff making it easier for parents to create a healthy work/life balance as they can interact with their children while on breaks.
• Provide stimulating activities for the residents to allow them to stay engaged with family and friends;
  • Various themed festivals are held throughout the year where special activities are scheduled that may include costume parties, family water balloon fights on the patio, cookouts, or movie nights with special treats.
  • If daycare is provided within the facility residents are able to interact with the children by reading them books or participating in games or activities.
• Residents are allowed the opportunity to have an active role in solutions to an identified concern.
  • Audits are completed by residents when extended call light wait times are identified, residents report feeling as though they have a little control over their care.

• Wound treatments not being completed as prescribed;
• Medication not being available;
• Medication being administered incorrectly;
• Briefs not being changed for a long time;
• Hygiene care not occurring on a regular basis;
• Extended call light wait times;
• Inadequate staffing, especially during evening, night, and weekend hours;
• Facility maintenance issues that could lead to injuries;
• Staff not completing jobs assigned to them;
• Lapsed nursing licenses or certified nursing assistant certifications;
• Improper documentation of controlled substances being administered;
• Resident to resident verbal, physical, and sexual assaults;
• Staff to resident verbal and physical assaults; and
• Lack of ongoing education on resident care procedures for nursing staff.

The Sentinel Project is alerting the nursing home industry of the Attorney General’s focus and of the legal penalties that may come for failing to care for our elderly and other vulnerable adults.

Most staff are doing their best to provide the greatest care. However, some facilities may still have challenges that could lead to regulatory and/or criminal violations.

Our goal is four-fold:

1. Ensure facilities improve their operations and quality of care.
2. Bring awareness and educate facilities about gaps in care.
3. Prevent adverse events from happening.
4. Improve the physical and mental well-being of residents.

This ensures our loved ones receive the best care possible now and in the future!