Evaluation Process

AFA’s trained Excellence in Care Specialists will conduct biyearly, comprehensive reviews of care facilities, including on-site evaluations that examine program design and specific standards of care for individuals with dementia.

If shortfalls are noted, the Excellence in Care Specialists will provide specific guidelines and consultation on how facilities can upgrade their programs and settings to meet the qualification requirements.

The general areas of observation for the on-site evaluation are:

Safety and Security:

In common areas- All potentially hazardous materials are properly secured or locked so that unsupervised persons with dementia are unable to access them.

Interior walkways- Persons with dementia can move through the interior walkways free of obstructions.
Outside recreation space- Persons with dementia can safely enjoy outdoor recreation.

Procedure when fire alarm is activated- There is a plan for keeping the residents/clients with dementia safe when activation of the fire alarm unlocks the interior doors.

Procedure for locating residents/clients- There is a system for alerting staff that a person with dementia has exited an area unescorted.

Visual- The environment should be designed to enhance the safety and security of persons with dementia.

Auditory-All designated dementia care units minimize unpleasant sounds and promote pleasant ones.

Olfactory-All designated dementia care units minimize unpleasant smells and promote pleasant ones.

Observation of residents/clients with dementia in a common area:
Persons with dementia in common areas appear to be comfortable, socially engaged and attended to as needed.

Direct observation of residents/clients with dementia:
Personal Needs-Personal needs are met for residents/clients with dementia.

Room of resident with dementia:
Resident’s room is safe, easily identified, clean, home-like and provides privacy.

Toilet room:
The bathrooms are safe, easily identified, clean, and provide privacy.

Common bathing/ shower room:
The bathing/shower room is safe, easily identified, clean, home-like, and provides privacy for the residents/clients.

Interpersonal communication:
Staff members are respectful while communicating with persons with dementia, their co-workers and all visitors.

Direct care staff knowledge of needs of person with dementia:
Staff members are knowledgeable about the needs of residents/clients with dementia as instructed in their care plans.

Activity room observation:
The designated area where self-directed or group activities are provided for persons with dementia is safe, inviting and adequate for the use intended.

Activity offerings:
Activities are planned and offered to meet the needs of persons with dementia.

Dining room service:
Mealtime in the dining room is pleasant and encourages socialization, adequate hydration and nutrition, and independence.

Between meal nourishments:
Nourishments are provided between meals to help meet the nutritional and hydration needs of persons with dementia.

Nutrition and hydration:
Adequate nutrition and hydration are provided to meet the physiological needs and functional abilities of persons with dementia.

Elopement preparedness:
Documentation supports evidence of elopement drills.