OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
• Our work with older adults is a responsibility governed by our organizational focus of exceptional care, as well as by Federal and State regulations
• Anyone who works within a care environment (like ours) has a responsibility to report suspected abuse
• No matter your role, no matter the situation if you see abuse or neglect, or have a concern about abuse and neglect, it must be immediately reported
• If you see it: → Stop It → Report It
Physical Mental Sexual
Neglect
ABUSE CAN TAKE MANY FORMS
Corporal Punishment
Involuntary Seclusion
Misappropriation of Property
WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT ABUSE?
• Federal law requires that you report to BOTH law enforcement AND the state survey agency
• You must also contact the Deerfield administrator and the Deerfield Director of Nursing
• If you believe the crime involves serious bodily injury, including criminal sexual abuse, you MUST report immediately but no more than 2 hours after forming the suspicion
• If the crime does NOT appear to cause serious bodily injury, you still must report within 24 hours
• No exceptions
WHO MUST REPORT?
→ Owners
→ Operators
→ Employees
→ Managers
→ Agents
→ Contractors
Organizations cannot punish or retaliate against you for lawfully reporting a crime under this law; your right to report is protected
WHAT HAPPENS
IF YOU DON’T REPORT?
Individuals who fail to report are subject to fines up to $300,000 and possible exclusion from ever participating in a Federal healthcare program
HOW DO I REPORT?
Contact the following agencies regarding the suspicion of a crime at Deerfield:
→ Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110
→ North Carolina Department of Health Service Regulation at 800-624-3004
→ To file a complaint if you believe you have been punished or retaliated against for reporting a crime, contact the North Carolina Department of Health Service Regulation at 800-624-3004
→ You can call, fax or email a complaint at any time
SILVER ALERT
SILVER ALERT: INTRO
Definition
A Silver Alert is an emergency notification system that assists in locating missing seniors, particularly those with cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Importance
Prompt response is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents who may wander away from our health center premises.
Collaboration
If needed, Deerfield will work closely with local law enforcement agencies and community resources to initiate a swift and effective response to a missing resident.
COMPONENTS OF SILVER ALERT RESPONSE
Immediate Action
Staff members conduct a thorough search of the premises, utilizing our silver alert ID form, including common areas, rooms, and outdoor spaces within the unit and, if needed, expanding to campus grounds.
Notification
If initial search does not to locate a missing resident, authorities are notified of the missing resident, providing critical information such as physical description, medical conditions, and last known whereabouts.
Mobilization
A coordinated effort is made to mobilize search teams, deploy tracking resources, and alert the community through media channels and digital platforms to include the Deerfield campus and expanding to local communities.
SILVER ALERT IN ACTION
When Deerfield initiates a Silver Alert, Deerfield staff searches for the missing resident throughout all building and grounds
Dring a Silver Alert, all two-ways radios should be tuned to Channel 8
Override Switches on doors should NEVER be used unless instructed to do so by a supervisor
A Silver Alert Risk Assessment Form helps the nursing team identify risk factors for elopement, with a particular focus on those with three or more risk factors
WANDERGUARD SYSTEM
• Promotes safety for residents at risk due to cognitive or other concerns
• Active in Skilled Nursing, Haden Hall/Assisted Living and the Community Center
• When alarm is activated, designated staff will use Access Cards to de-activate the alarm after locating the resident
• When the alarm is activated; our Life Safety System will notify the Skilled Nursing Desk, some select radios, and some select staff work phones
NEXT STEPS
COMPLETING YOUR TRAINING
TIME TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
• Scan the QR code to take your online quiz OR visit this link: 2025 Virtual Staff In Service
• Contact askhr@deerfieldwnc.org or your supervisor with questions or if you need assistance
