AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
July 20, 2004
ADSA: AFH #2004-004
RECENT Educational Sessions
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
I want to personally thank those of you who attended the recent Residential Care Services (RCS) communications sessions, “Residents First, Communicating for a Better Outcome”. The RCS management team was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with staff and providers to answer questions and provide accurate information. In our continued commitment to improve communications with providers, we discussed:
- The RCS mission and our common goals with providers
- Tools, such as exit conference protocols
- The threshold for finding deficient practices
- Provider letters as the department’s vehicle for informing providers about emerging issues and updated requirements
- Communication Principles & Procedures (online at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/default.htm#rc)
In addition, a panel of your peers and regional RCS staff also presented excellent examples of communications are effective in working together to enhance the quality of life of residents.
Session participants stated that the following were the most valuable pieces of information they took from the sessions:
- That communication between provider and DSHS is essential – especially to avoid problems and surprises
- A better understanding of inspection/deficiency/citation
- A better understanding and value of the website
- An appreciation for the new Communication Principles and Procedures
Based on the evaluations participants committed to addressing the following:
- Becoming more familiar with the WACs
- Increasing communication with the licensors
- Appreciating different styles of communications
- Recognizing common goals with DSHS and providers
RCS is committed to our partnership with adult family homes to better serve the residents. I encourage open dialogue with RCS staff to remain informed and proactively solve problems. Attending your Regional Quality Forum is another way to be proactive in your service to your residents.
Sincerely,
Patricia Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
