Article from the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
(Posted 2022 March)
A person receiving long-term care services has the right to receive individualized care. Services and activities should strive to attain or maintain a person’s highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Often this can be addressed in a person’s initial assessment and plan of care (POC). During the assessment, many things should be taken into account, to include their life history, strengths, functional abilities, and nutritional status. Preferences regarding food, communication, and daily routines should also be honored to enhance quality of life. Staff, family members, and the person receiving the services should work together in creating the POC to ensure all medical and non-medical issues are discussed and agreed upon. A POC can be updated at any time as an individual’s preferences or condition changes.
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights in order to ensure quality of care and quality of life. For more information about care planning, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact by email.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).