DUBOIS – The DuBois Continuum of Care Community Inc. (DCCCI) and the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW) has reached an agreement in relation to the DCCCI’s operation of the independent living apartments, Village View.
“An agreement between DCCCI (Village View) and the DPW has been reached and is acceptable to both parties,” wrote Debra L. Harris, Village View manager in an e-mail correspondence this morning.
On July 29 DCCCI representatives met with DPW officials in Harrisburg. During the meeting, DCCCI explained its vision and presented additional information to help the DPW officials understand “independent living” at Village View, stated Harris.
“We also understand now just what they felt was lacking in oversight of an area, where [we had] a number of seniors with some needs [and] others with none,” she stated.
“Although we are in an area of new construction, using L2 construction guidelines, which are highly safety-oriented and the same found in hospitals and nursing homes, they were not truly aware of this and the fact that, with our current Home Care Licensure, we do have regulations that protect our clients.
“. . . They chose then to suggest measures that we would ensure are in place to protect our clients, in addition to our current Home Care regulations. They are areas that we already monitor and safety and infection control practices that are current and up-to-date in our unit.”
These measures, Harris stated, will require some written policies from DCCCI and increased monitoring and auditing to make certain that they are upholding their end of the agreement. She said little to no change will be noticed by their tenants/clients. Further, she said there will possibly be an increase in fire drill participation with closer documentation of outcomes.
“This agreement states that neither party is admitting to wrongdoing. The agreement remains in effect as long as Village View remains on this property,” stated Harris.
“I foresee, in the future, some sort of regulatory commission that will look at CCRC’s and attempt to combine regulations, so that all types of care – skilled nursing, personal care or independent living – will have clear, concise oversight that will not overlap and thereby overregulate these types of senior living retirement communities.”
Harris continued, “Until that time, I am pleased that with help, we have made it possible to continue to offer this service, a valuable and affordable service, to our seniors. Also, remembering that DPW was willing to negotiate with us, [it was] also ensuring this service can continue to be available to our seniors.”
Harris thanked everyone who assisted DCCCI with this effort.
