The Advocate E-Newsletter, January 5, 2016

Although only a fraction of Iowans are Medicaid members, the changes coming to Iowa’s Medicaid system have the potential to significantly impact all Iowans, especially those who are dependent on others for care or assistance with daily activities. That’s because Iowa’s ability to transition to managed care is contingent upon ensuring that Medicaid members have an advocate when it comes to protecting their rights, health, safety and quality of care. Managed Care Ombudsman Program prepares to advocate for Iowa's Medicaid members. Iowa's Office of Substitute Decision Maker provides education, assistance.

Safe Visiting, March 20, 2103

For most of us a cold, or even the flu, poses nothing more than a minor inconvenience, some time at home in bed, and maybe a trip to see your physician. For residents and tenants in long-term care settings, however, coming down with the flu can be life threatening. Compromised immune systems and respiratory or cardiac issues can become more than just a challenge. Because of this, it is important to think about how a safe environment can be maintained while at the same time allowing for visitors and social activities.

Long Term Care: an Emotional Journey for Family Members, January 16, 2013

Many times, moving a loved one into a long-term care facility is a true act of love and unselfishness. If the caregiver and the care recipient cannot leave the house, you have both become very isolated. Imagine mom being able to go outside her door to find someone to talk with. There are activities, meals to be shared with friends, and a barrier free area where she can roam.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Role in Involuntary Discharges, November 25, 2014

Iowa law requires that a copy of the Notice of an Involuntary Discharge action given to residents of nursing facilities or residential care facilities also be given to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. In addition, the law requires that a copy of the Notice of an Involuntary Transfer/Eviction action given to tenants of an elder group home or assisted living program also be given to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

SLTCO Poster, September, 29 2014

AGENCIES AVAILABLE TO ASSIST Residents, Tenants and/or Family Members

Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney, July 28, 2014

What is a financial power of attorney (FPOA)? A FPOA is a document authorizing an agent to make financial management decisions for the principal. The agent is the person that will be managing the principal’s finances, so it is important to choose someone trustworthy; someone who will not abuse or exploit this power, will listen to the principal’s wishes included in the document or otherwise communicated to the agent, and will look out for the principal’s best interests.

Long-Term Care Facility Disaster Preparedness, June 19, 2014

Long-term care facilities have very difficult decisions to make in terms of evacuating residents/tenants or providing “shelter in place”. Long-term care facilities need to be actively involved with the Emergency Management Teams at the county level and work with them to develop effective disaster preparedness plans. When it comes to disaster preparedness it is important to write a plan, exercise the plan, revise the plan, re-exercise the plan and identify the best practices.

Guardianship/Conservatorship, June 27, 2014

Guardians and conservators are appointed by the court to make personal and financial care decisions on behalf of another (the “ward”). However, the fact that one has been appointed a guardian or conservator does not mean that their authority to make decisions is necessarily unlimited. Courts are legally obligated to consider the least restrictive alternatives before issuing a guardianship or conservatorship that would grant full decision-making authority.

What is an Ombudsman? 2014

The focus of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office is to advocate for the rights and wishes of residents and tenants in long-term care. In fact, resident’s rights are guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. This law requires nursing facilities to promote and protect the rights of each resident and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Iowa has incorporated these rights into state law for residential care and nursing facility residents, assisted living and elder group home tenants. The Long-Term Ombudsman helps residents, tenants, and their families and friends understand and exercise these guaranteed rights. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s responsibilities are outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act.

Person-Centered Care Training, May 16, 2014

A FREE training event that will offer valuable and timely information about:  *LifeLong Links Network Statewide Expansion  *Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) in Iowa  *Magellan Health Services—SeniorConnect and Integrated Health Homes (IHH)  *The role of the Long Term Care Ombudsman

IPOST Essentials, April 28, 2014

IPOST stands for: Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. The IPOST is a standardized, clearly identifiable one page, salmon colored form. The IPOST allows an individual to communicate their treatment preferences for life-sustaining treatments. This is a communication tool that is complementary to an advance directive. An IPOST is appropriate for individuals who are frail and elderly, have a chronic, serious critical medical condition, or terminal illness. To date, the following counties have launched the IPOST program: Linn, Jones, Johnson, Muscatine, Scott, Dubuque, Polk, Blackhawk, Woodbury and Webster.

Know Your Rights, June 24, 2016

In Iowa, the Managed Care Ombudsman Program was established to advocate for the rights and wishes of Medicaid managed care members who receive care in a health care facility, assisted living program or elder group home, as well as members enrolled in one of the following seven home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs.

Long-Term Care Options, March 26, 2015

Information on when and how best to explore Long-Term Care options on a power point presentation.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, March 26,2015

Exclamation of what the duties are of a Long-Term Care Ombudsman and why to call. Residents of long-term care facilities are entitled to many rights.

Resident Rights, March 26, 2015

Resident rights are guaranteed by the Federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law and Iowa Code. It requires long-term care facilities to promote and protect the rights of residents and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Staff shall provide privacy and maintain dignity and respect. Residents shall be free from abuse and restraints. Residents may participate in planning of care and medical treatment.