Expert: Violet Argo RN - 6/8/2010

Question
Hello Violet  I am confused as far as a caregiver can do in a "assisted living facility" and a "Nursing Home", I had recently worked in a "Assisted Living" facility where alot of the things I thought would be allowed were not being done such as: charting and modifying positions the elderly are in, using the gait belts when transferring and proper props for sitting in a wheelchair.I am in Napa County,california. Thank you

Answer
Cara, each states has differences in licensure. In Florida where I live, some ALFs have minimal charting, the residents should be able to be fairly self sufficient not requiring modification of positions or gait belt use. The term assisted is truly that, they should need some assistance but more minimal than maximum. If they require that much help they should be in a nursing home. I hope this helps.