Managing Care Challenges in a Group Home Setting: Is Staffing Adequate for Unplanned Incidents? Ron Ordona, DNP, FNP-BC, GS-C, WCC and Deb Bakerjian, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN | April 24, 2024

Managing Care Challenges in a Group Home Setting: Is Staffing Adequate for Unplanned Incidents? Ron Ordona, DNP, FNP-BC, GS-C, WCC and Deb Bakerjian, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN | April 24, 2024 https://psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/managing-care-challenges-group-home-setting-staffing-adequate-unplanned-incidents In this WebM&M Case, an elderly patient residing in a group care home, requiring assistance with all activities and having a history of autism-spectrum disorder, experiences fecal leakage issues despite daily medication. During a weekend shift with reduced staffing, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) discovers the patient soiled in bed, necessitating a shower. While attempting to assist the patient, another bowel accident occurs, leading to a fall and head injury when the CNA calls for help. With limited staff available, the patient is eventually taken to the hospital for suturing and further evaluation, where it's determined she requires a higher level of care due to hazardous conditions in the bathroom. The commentary discusses the challenges in providing adequate care in group home settings, especially during weekends with reduced staffing levels.