ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018

This session will describe the current functional and physical activity of assisted living (AL) residents and the importance of addressing function and activity among these individuals to prevent further decline. A theoretically based, practical approach using a four-step process will be shared as a way to implement a function focused care approach into any AL setting. The steps include: (1) Assessment of the environment and policies; (2) education of staff; (3) development of appropriate service plans based on resident capability; and (4) mentoring and motivating. Exemplars will be shared as well from real world implementation activities. Participants will receive the necessary tools and techniques to implement a function focused care approach into their settings as well as the ways in which to over the barriers commonly encountered.

Learning Objectives:
(1) Describe the current functional status of older adults in AL settings.
(2) Define Function Focused Care and provide examples of this type of care.
(3) State the four steps to implementing Function Focused Care in AL environments.
(4) Describe three challenges and the ways to overcome those challenges and successfully implement Function Focused Care in AL settings.