Feb. 20, 2019
Safe Care for Seniors: Pledge and Action Plan Timeline
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
The momentum for Safe Care for Seniors continues to build – from the 700 people who took the Safe Care for Seniors pledge at Institute & Expo earlier this month to the members who have since made their public commitment to respect, safety and dignity via the Make the Pledge link on our web site. This week, we provide a more detailed review of Safe Care for Seniors and what members can anticipate receiving from LeadingAge Minnesota to effectively implement the program in their organization or setting.
What is Safe Care for Seniors
Safe Care for Seniors is a comprehensive approach that provides the structure and support for individuals and organizations to keep those they serve safe from harm and to provide care with respect and dignity always. This starts with an individual pledge followed by organizations pledging their commitment to implement key actions within their organizations with support from LeadingAge Minnesota and shared learning with peers.
Why Take the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge?
The Safe Care for Seniors Pledge is our public commitment to do all that we can as caregivers to address the intentional and unintentional harm that can occur in our settings. It is a commitment we make as individuals and as organizations, and one we share with staff, residents and families.
What is the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan?
Making the pledge to Safe Care for Seniors is your individual commitment. The 5-Step Action Plan is your organizational commitment to identify opportunities for improvement and implement actions that will help prevent harm before it occurs. The plan includes:
- Engage and Train Leadership in Safe Care
- Designate Safety Care Champion(s) to lead initiatives and organization efforts.
- Participate in at least one Collaborative Learning and Improvement Opportunity
- Partner in New Ways with Residents and Families to Improve Communication, Safety and Quality
- Build and Strengthen Our Safety Culture
I Took the Pledge. Now What?
Thank you for renewing your commitment to respect, safety, dignity and quality of life for those you serve and your fellow team members
- Organization leaders – you will soon be receiving information on the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan, immediate steps you and your team can take, and an invitation to participate in a workshop to help you effectively implement the plan in your community.
- Leader from corporate offices/multi-campus organizations - we ask that you consider how best to implement Safe Care for Seniors across your organization. You, too, will be receiving information on the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan, immediate steps you can take, and an invitation to participate in a Safe Care for Seniors workshop.
- Staff member who took the pledge - you will receive information on tips, best practices and recommendations on how to live out the words you committed to: respect and dignity for all, getting to know the seniors you serve, and speaking up if you see something that is unsafe or makes you feel uncomfortable. In addition, we ask that you share the pledge and these resources with your fellow team members and leadership teams to build support for Safe Care for Seniors in your community.
When Will Safe Care for Seniors Training and Resources Be Available?
LeadingAge Minnesota will begin to roll out comprehensive training, resources and shared learning opportunities in March. Per member request, LeadingAge Minnesota will host training in regional areas of the state and create a Virtual Resource Center to allow members to easily access on-demand education and resources. A quick glance at what’s to come:
February:
- Safe Care for Seniors Informational Webinar – Feb. 27. REGISTER HERE.
March:
- Launch Make the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge in Your Community Toolkit – March 11
- Host Safe Care for Seniors Workshop – March 28 in Roseville
Note: This is the first in a series of five workshops that will take place throughout Minnesota. We will provide a detailed agenda and registration link in next week’s Advantage.
April
- Distribute 5-Step Action Plan Implementation Guide, Toolkit and Resources – April 1
- Launch Virtual Resource Center and eCommunity – April 1
- Host Regional Safe Care for Seniors Workshops – TBD
May
- Host Regional Safe Care for Seniors Workshops – TBD
- Launch Virtual Safe Care for Seniors Training – May 1
June
- Launch Earned Media Campaign on Safe Care for Seniors
As Safe Care for Seniors is a pillar of our work as an Association, you will also begin to see education and training opportunities embedded in all of our conferences, education and certificate programs.
How Do I Engage My Entire Community – Staff, Residents and Families – in Safe Care for Seniors?
LeadingAge Minnesota will soon release a Make the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge toolkit that will provide you with all you need to launch the pledge campaign in your community.
Have Questions? Want to Share What Your Organization is Doing to Prevent Harm?
Questions about Safe Care for Seniors should be directed to Julie Apold, Vice President of Quality and Performance Excellence, at japold@leadingagemn.org or 651.659.1407.
We are also very interested in learning more about what you are doing to prevent harm in their settings, improve resident engagement, enhance communication with residents and families, or empower you staff to speak up when they see something that is unsafe or could prevent harm. Please share those stories with Julie as well.