The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has initiated new changes to the survey process requiring surveyors to ensure that a facility is providing a “homelike environment.” CMS defines “homelike environment” as “one that de-emphasizes the institutional character of the setting, to the extent possible, and allows the resident to use those personal belongings that support a homelike environment. A personalized, homelike environment recognizes the individuality and autonomy of the resident, provides an opportunity for self-expression, and encourages links with the past and family members.”
As facilities across the country prepare for annual surveys, they must address environmental factors to ensure that the nursing home does not feel institutional. Here are a few tips that may help:
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Set goals to reduce or eliminate overhead paging, bed/chair alarms, and piped in music
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Remove institutional signage
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Encourage families to bring in favorite chair or dresser and other personal decorations that their loved one might have used prior to placement, or in a style they would’ve preferred.
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Avoid mass purchasing of items that will look identical such as bedspreads, furniture or drapes with an identical print.
A homelike environment can be a tremendous opportunity to provide personally meaningful engagement for our residents. Adapting the environment need not be a costly endeavor. If you are looking for suggestions or need assistance implementing a homelike environment, please contact us at (317) 218-5111 or www.alzcaregroup.com.
Tags: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease, annual survey, cms, facilities, homelike environment, nursing homes, people with dementia are not children, person centered care, personally meaningful days