Qualified and safe employees are important in all fields, but especially when they're caring for our loved ones.
MSU researchers have created a system to prevent bad care in nursing homes, home care and hospices. The system, which was implemented Saturday, requires background checks be made for caretakers applying for employment at long-term care facilities.
Patient and dedicated people are necessary in care-taking positions. A system like this is a great way to ensure such people are caring for the elderly.
Many families can't personally take care of sick or dying relatives because they can't afford to quit their jobs. It is important these families have a trustworthy and secure alternative to guarantee their loved ones are being cared for properly.
The new system, which is coupled with state legislation, requires employees' names be screened. And even if a name is screened and comes up clear, the new employee still has to undergo fingerprint scans to be thoroughly checked against federal records.
Digital fingerprint scans cost about $70 per employee, but the new system will save money for facilities because only people who pass the initial name-screening process will have their fingerprints checked.
Controlling the types of people who are employed should help to cut down on abuse and neglect within long-term care facilities.
The old system wasn't standardized, which made it harder to check a new employee's complete history. Individuals with criminal records in other states were able to get jobs at facilities in Michigan because employers weren't required to check the multiple state and federal registries.
The baby boomer generation's need for long-term care facilities is right around the corner. With such a large population heading in this direction, the new system's reforms have come at an important time.
Last year, MSU was granted $4.1 million of a $5 million grant received by Michigan from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to improve background checks for long-term care facilities, and a new system is now in place.
It looks like MSU spent its money well.
