To: All AL Providers
As most of you know much has been made in the press and many questions have been asked in recent years in the General Assembly regarding the “mix” of population …mentally ill and elderly/disabled living together in adult care homes. The 2009 Session of the General Assembly mandated another study be completed regarding this topic…the difference this go-round….the study is being done by the NC Institute of Medicine…..which I believe will be more meaningful, well-grounded and more valid than previous studies. The Task Force will be meeting monthly during the months of February, March, April and May. They will take the months of June, July and August off and will resume in September and finish in November, 2010. The first meeting was held on February 3rd.
Representing NCALTCF on the Task Force are Kenny Burrow, Therapeutic Alternatives and Dr. Sandy Spillman, Salem Senior Housing. I am serving as a member of the Steering Team and two other adult reps Hugh Campbell, Hedgehog Management and Tracey Hennessee, Ridge Care are attending each meeting.
This could well turn out to be one of the most important policy changes that has occurred for our industry in many years, therefore I will be keeping you all informed as we progress. Below is an explanation of the Study:
Task Force on the Co-Location of Different Populations in Adult Care Homes
The North Carolina General Assembly directed the NCIOM to study “short-term and long-term strategies to address issues within adult care homes that provide residence to persons who are frail and elderly and to persons suffering from mental illness.” (Section 10.78ff(3) of Session Law 2009-451). The Task Force on the Co-Location of Different Populations in Adult Care Homes will also examine co-location of other people with behavioral health disorders, such as substance abuse or intellectual or other developmental disabilities, with frail elderly or other people with disabilities. The General Assembly asked us to provide an interim report to the 2010 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly and a final report to the 2011 Session.
According to the Division of Health Services Regulation, almost two-thirds of residents of adult care homes, and more than three-fourths of the residents of family care homes had a primary diagnosis of mental illness, intellectual or other developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s or other dementia in 2009. Some of these individuals have significant behavioral disorders, which can create safety concerns for themselves, other residents, or the staff. Staff do not always have the training or expertise to appropriately manage people with significant behavioral disorders. Thus, the legislature asked the NCIOM to convene a task force to develop strategies to address this concern.
The Institute does a very good job of posting all hand outs and draft recommendations. Thus, I will be sending to you information after every meeting. Below is a link to presentations, handouts and meeting summary for the February 3, 2010 meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2010.
As always thanks for your support of NCALTCF!
Lou
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