In today's rapidly aging society, senior living facilities play an essential role in providing care and support to our elderly population. These facilities, whether they be assisted living centers, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities, are entrusted with the well-being, safety, and health of countless older adults. It's a trust that's not to be taken lightly and occupational testing plays a large part in ensuring this trust isn’t broken.
While many facilities rightly prioritize background checks as a primary method of ensuring the quality and safety of their staff, it's imperative that this diligence doesn't end there. Integrating comprehensive occupational testing solution from a screening company such as MyHRScreens into the hiring and ongoing assessment processes can be equally important.
Occupational Testing: Beyond the Background Check
Background checks are crucial for weeding out potential employees with a history of crimes or behaviors that would make them unsuitable for a caregiving role. They serve as a foundational tool in safeguarding against risks. However, these checks, although essential, are only a part of the picture. In addition to background checks, occupational testing plays a major role in ensuring safe and quality staff. A few examples of occupational testing in the Senior Living industry include:
Drug Testing: The last thing a vulnerable senior needs is to be under the care of someone impaired by drugs. Regular drug testing ensures that all staff members are fit to perform their duties and ensures the safety and well-being of the residents. It also protects the facility from additional risks of theft from a drug abuser being in the facility and having access to patient medications.
Physicals: Senior care can be physically demanding. Employees might need to assist with lifting, moving, or supporting seniors. A physical can ensure that potential hires are fit for the role and won't endanger themselves or the seniors they are assisting. It also can alleviate the facility from potential workers’ compensation claims due to hiring individuals that are not physically able to perform their duties.
TB Testing: Tuberculosis (TB) can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, whose immune systems may be compromised or weaker due to age. Regular TB tests ensure that staff members are not carriers of this contagious and potentially deadly disease.
Vaccination Testing: The elderly are at a higher risk for many diseases. Vaccination testing ensures that employees are not carriers or at risk of contracting illnesses that can then be passed onto the residents.
Meeting State Requirements and Beyond
Each state might have its regulations and requirements regarding the necessary occupational testing for staff members of senior living facilities. While adhering to these regulations is a must, facilities should strive to go beyond the bare minimum. By taking a proactive approach to occupational testing, facilities can offer residents and their families additional peace of mind, as well as reduce their financial risks.
The Consequences of Neglect
Failure to conduct thorough occupational testing can lead to a multitude of problems:
Compromised Resident Safety: Without proper testing, there's no guarantee that staff members are physically and mentally fit for their roles. This can lead to accidents, negligence, or other incidents that can seriously harm residents.
Increased Worker’s Compensation Claims: Hiring employees that cannot physically perform their duties leads to additional injuries and can increase worker’s compensation premiums. In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, healthcare workers experienced a staggering 623,000 injury and illness cases in 2021.
Increase In Theft: Without proper drug testing, employees that are drug abusers could have access to drugs held in the facility and steal them for use or resell.
Legal Ramifications: If an incident does occur and it's found that the facility didn't conduct the necessary tests, they can be held legally responsible.
Reputation Damage: In the age of digital communication, news of a single incident can spread rapidly, potentially harming the facility's reputation and trustworthiness.
Senior living facilities have a profound responsibility. They not only cater to the day-to-day needs of residents but also ensure their safety, health, and overall well-being. By integrating comprehensive occupational testing into their standard operating procedures, these facilities can significantly enhance the quality and safety of the care they provide. Background checks are only the beginning; a holistic approach to staff assessment is the way forward.
MyHRScreens Provides A Complete Screening Solution - Including Occupational Testing
MyHRScreens can provide your healthcare facility with the background check and occupational testing services you need to protect your residents and your company. Contact us today at klewis@myhrscreens.com, 866-899-8970 xt 118 or schedule a consultation HERE.