General Information Regarding Arizona Nursing Homes
As part of the decision process, you need to understand the basics of how a Arizona nursing home is operated.
Who Provides The Care?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
CNAs are not licensed professionals like nurses, yet they perform 90% of the patient care in a nursing home.
The CNAs dress, groom, and feed the residents. They change the linens and are the backbone of a nursing home.
Nurses
The nurses pass medication, perform treatments ordered by the physician, and communicate with the patient’s physicians and family.
The nurses chart the status of and the care provided to the patient.
The nurses supervise the CNAs.
Physicians
Physicians visit the nursing home on a regular basis or when called by the nurses for a specific reason.
Who runs The nursing home?
Director of Nursing (DON)
The DON supervises the nurses and manages the nursing department.
Medical Director
The Medical Director coordinates the medical and nursing care in the nursing home and is a consultant to the Administrator.
Administrator
The Administrator is the General Manager of the nursing home and reports to the Governing Board.
Do Residents/Families Have a Voice?
Resident Council
Federal regulations require that every nursing home have a resident council made up of residents who choose to participate. The purpose of the council is to provide a voice to the residents about the operation of the nursing home. The resident council is only effective if its individual members become advocates.
Family Groups
Families have the right to meet together at the nursing home to discuss common issues and to communicate as a group with nursing home management.