Tuesday, 02 March 2010 15:27

A.  The level of care a resident resides in determines not only the degree of freedom for movement, but, what responsibility we have as a facility to “govern”  that freedom. A resident in RCF can leave the building/facility as they wish and go where they desire to be. We only ask if the resident in the RCF leaves the facility, they sign the check out book so we know where they may be  if we need to reach them for some reason. Residents in the RCF can move about in the building and can attend all functions/areas designated for residents as long as they don’t intrude upon another resident’s living area (unless they have permission). They can ride the elevator without supervision. For those residents residing in SNF/NF level of care, our responsibility for supervision regarding the residents and their level of restriction for movement is greater. Our residents in NF/SNF (who are not in RUTH’S Way) can go about anywhere on the 2nd floor designated for resident use that does not intrude upon another resident’s living area (again, unless they have permission to be there). There may be times that a resident form the NF/SNF level of care may be downstairs not directly supervised as long as there is no issue regarding the resident’s cognitive ability or concern of the resident leaving the building undetected. They are expected not to use the elevator unless accompanied by either staff or responsible party/family/friend. We need to place more restriction if a resident wants to go outside by making sure they are accompanied by a staff member or responsible party/family/friend (unless, the resident/responsible party enters into a negotiated risk benefit agreement allowing the facility to have less supervision responsibility for the resident regarding outside/outdoor access). If a responsible party/family/friend takes the resident out of the building (with resident consent) we ask they sign the check out log before they leave and sign in when they return. Residents in RUTH’s Way may move about in the area designated for their care. We can not allow anyone in RUTH’s Way to leave without being accompanied by staff or being accompanied by responsible party/family/friend.