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Assisted living facilities are a middle ground for individuals who need some supervision, but do not require 24-hour medical care. This service is not just for the elderly, although that is often the clientage. This environment is for anyone with a disability. The expense of nursing homes has given new life to this industry along with jobs opportunities.
Administrators
The administrative staff handles all the accounting and paperwork. A typical member of this office community would need to have training in medical coding and billing practices including terminology. This is not a medical position with hands on resident interaction.
Nursing Staff
The certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is responsible for basic care of patients such dressing and bathing. For medical procedures that require a nursing degree, facilities rely on licensed vocational and practical nurses. They see to managing patients records and monitoring the residents overall health, as well as dispensing medication and supervising CNA staff. Registered nurses are the top management that supervise LPN and LVN staff plus deal with emerging care for residents that become suddenly ill.
Therapists
A number of therapists find employment at assisted facilities. A recreational therapist, or RT, provides hobby and leisure activates to help keep residents active. Physical therapists come in to improve mobility for patients healing from a fracture, dealing with the after effects of a stroke or to do range of motion exercises for patients with disabling conditions. Occupational therapists educate patients in basic living skills to improve their quality of life. For example, a OT might help train a resident going back to living in an unassisted environment. All therapists require education in their professional and state certification.
Support Staff
Support staff would include building maintenance, kitchen and front desk crew. The educational requirements will vary by facility. These positions do not necessitate advanced degrees or formal training. The facility may hire maintenance or cooking staff based on experience, instead of requiring specific training. Cooks may undergo special in-house training to deal with restricted diets.
Social Worker
Depending on the size of the facility, a onsite social worker may monitor the quality of life for residents. The social worker could be a part-time position that serves as a liaison between the facility, residents and the government. They would help process forms for Medicaid and other state and federal programs.
Assisted living is a good alternative for individuals who require medical supervision, but not full care. It is the ideal environment for elderly on medication or who require monitoring. The decision to put a love one in any facility is difficult. This is an option that goes beyond a nursing home.
Learn more about Assisted Living Facilities in Ohio. Need an author? Contact Stephen Craig