Is Your Coffee Too Hot?

There are no requirements in facilities for coffee temperature. The preferred temperature for brewing is 195 degrees or greater -— but it only takes 1 second for a serious burn to occur from liquids starting at 155 degrees.

The issue with turning the temperature down is that the coffee doesn’t brew as well and people complain about the
flavor -— we can’t turn the coffee machines down low enough to be safe without sacrificing quality. So, the answer is to eliminate the risk of burns by taking preventative steps: locking machines, moving the machines, making public coffee only available in air pots, using travel mugs with spill-resistant lids, etc.  

If burns are happening from coffee pots -— leave pots open in the kitchen after filling, before covering and putting in resident reach or add ice cubes to the pot to achieve a safer, yet still palatable temperature.

Time and Temperature for Water to Cause a Serious Burn in a Healthy Adult
155ºF               68ºC               1 second
140ºF               60ºC               5 seconds
127ºF               52ºC               1 minute
120ºF               48ºC               5 minutes
100ºF               38ºC               safe bathing temp

For more information on health and safety practices visit our website at srcaresolutions.net.

Read More:

WHAT, WHEN and WHY of an Investigation

WHAT, WHEN and WHY of an Investigation: What Warrants an Investigation

Are Use of Electric Recliners Lifting You Toward a Deficiency?

A powered recliner may be considered a physical device which may be used by or for the care of a resident to promote, supplement or enhance resident’s function and/or safety. To ensure the residents’ safety, it is recommended to have this device included in your physical device assessment and ensure that it is appropriate for use and added to the plan of care.

Skilled Care Reimbursement: Recipe for Reimbursement

Blog Post by Michelle Stober RN, BSN, PHN, CEO Senior Care Solutions — The MDS assessment is your invoice for getting paid and unless you are occasionally checking the coding of your “invoices” you might be losing out on significant revenue.

The Benefits of Mock Surveys in Hospice

Mock surveys rehearse official inspections for hospices, pinpointing areas for improvement before real surveys. This helps staff prepare, identifies weaknesses, and boosts confidence.

Lores Consulting and Senior Care Solutions Proudly Announce their Strategic Partnership!

Senior Care Solutions (SCS) announces a partnership with Lores Consulting, expanding into Home Care and Hospice services. Lores Vlaminck, a retiring expert, joins forces with SCS's Michelle Stober. Both are passionate about quality care and aim to serve a wider client base. SCS is also affiliating with relevant industry groups in Minnesota.

Hospice Compliance and Oversight

A recent surge in concerns about hospice care quality led to stricter regulations. The Hospice Act of 2021 requires tighter oversight, improved quality metrics, and stronger patient protections.

Nursing Home OSHA Ergonomics Program Law Effective 1/01/24

The 2023 Legislative Session passed a law effective January 1st , 2024 stating healthcare entities must have an ergonomics program (healthcare entity includes Nursing Homes).

The Heart of the Holidays: Meals in Assisted Living

Assisted living holiday meals are social events, but food safety is crucial. Staff should prioritize proper hygiene, temperature control, storage, and kitchen checks. Consider adaptations for resident needs while maintaining festive flavors. By following these tips, communities can celebrate safely and spread holiday cheer.

Navigating the Holidays through Grief

The holidays can be tough for those grieving. This blog post offers tips for coping, like acknowledging your feelings, creating new traditions, and setting boundaries. It also suggests honoring your loved one and practicing self-care. Remember, grief is personal, so be kind to yourself.

Five Creative Ideas for Leaders to Help Keep Your Team Engaged

We offer tips for leaders to bring fun into the workplace. Ideas include holding meetings in new locations, having team lunches, taking walks, incorporating fun elements into stand-up meetings, and organizing monthly team-building activities. It emphasizes that having fun boosts morale and shows investment in employees.

How Supplemental Nurses and Caregivers Can Help Your Assisted Living Staffing Plan

This blog post tackles healthcare staffing shortages. It highlights the use of supplemental staffing agencies and offers 3 key tips for facilities: 1) Verify agency accreditation, 2) Ensure staff meet facility requirements, and 3) Conduct thorough agency orientations. These steps help maintain quality care and compliance during staffing shortages.

Latest Updates on the MDH Assisted Living License Survey Trends

This blog post by Julie Dietz, a senior assisted living consultant, summarizes the most common deficiencies found in recent Minnesota assisted living facility inspections.

Get Updated on the 2022 Legislative Changes to the Assisted Living License

This blog by Julie Dietz summarizes changes to Minnesota's assisted living laws. Key changes include updating resident rights regarding privacy and adding contact info for complaint reporting. The assisted living contract must now include termination grounds and the facility ID number.

Reduce Immediate Jeopardy Tags With Appropriate Sling Use

High staff turnover and COVID-19 focus on infection control have led to more regulatory scrutiny in nursing homes. Inappropriate sling use is a growing concern. Facilities should ensure proper sling size, documented plans, staff training, and regular audits to prevent resident injuries.