Columbine Commons Assisted Living
ReSIDeNtFamIly HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
Columbine Commons Assisted Living Facility
opened in December of 2013. It is part of Columbine
Health Systems, which is locally owned
and operated. Columbine Commons Assisted Living offers a
contemporary approach to meeting the
needs of seniors.
It is Columbine Commons Assisted Living’ philosophy to empower
each resident to be active and as independent
as possible. Our goal is to provide a safe and
comfortable home while assisting residents with
activities of daily living that become difficult due
to illness or the aging process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TO BE READ OR EXPLAINED AT
THE TIME OF ADMISSION:
DISCHARGE POLICY
The Social Services Director is the discharge
coordinator in the facility. The Social Services
Director will coordinate the discharge with the
resident, the resident’s family or resident’s legal
representative, or the appropriate agency. The
Social Services Director will be responsible for
notifying staff and assisting with any services that
may be needed after discharge.
A thirty day advanced notice is required for
discharge for a non-medical reason. Advance
notice allows for more complete discharge
planning. The resident is charged for
the day of discharge.
A resident being discharged to the hospital or
another Columbine Health Systems’ facility will
not be required to give thirty day notice, if the
transfer is for medical reasons.
A resident may be discharged at the discretion of
the facility for the following reasons:
1. When the facility cannot protect the resident
from harming him or herself or others.
2. Nonpayment for basic services, including
rent, in accordance with the Resident
Agreement.
3. Failure of the resident to comply with the
Resident Agreement, which contains notice
that discharge may result from violations of
the agreement.
4. When the facility is no longer able to meet
the resident’s identified needs.
5. When a resident no longer meets Columbine
Commons’ guidelines for admission criteria
for remaining at Columbine Commons Assisted Living.
Columbine Commons Assisted Living will not admit or keep any
resident requiring a level of care or type of service
which the facility does not provide or is unable
to provide and in no event will admit or keep a
resident who:
1. Is consistently, uncontrollably incontinent
of bladder unless the resident or staff is
capable of preventing such incontinence from
becoming a health hazard.
2. Is consistently, uncontrollably incontinent
of bowel unless the resident is capable of
preventing such incontinence from becoming
a health hazard.
3. Is totally bedridden with limited potential for
improvement.
4. Needs medical or nursing services, on a
twenty-four hour basis.
5. Needs restraints of any kind.
6. Is in use of a catheter or colostomy unless
resident and staff can manage with no risk or
health hazard
7. Has a communicable disease or infection
that is potentially transmissible in the facility,
unless the resident is receiving medical or
drug treatment for the condition and the
admission is approved by a physician.
8. Has a substance abuse problem, unless the
substance abuse is no longer acute and a
physician determines it to be manageable.
9. Requires lifting to transfer.
10. Wanders or has potential to wander.
11. Is chronically mentally ill unless controlled
by appropriate treatment/ services.
12. Is combative, physically aggressive, or
harmful to self and/or others.
13. Is unwilling or unable to meet their personal
hygiene needs with supervision and/ or
assistance.
14. Needs to use a urinal unless completely
capable of self-care and keeping the urinal
sanitary.
15. Requires intravenous therapy unless directly
supervised by a home health agency.
16. Cannot self-administer injections.
17. Requires tube feeding.
18. Requires queuing and/or physical assistance feeding themselves
19. Requires suctioning.
20. Is dying and requires medical or nursing
21. Is smoking on Columbine Commons property. Residents are not permitted to smoke.
services for comfort and symptom relief
unless special arrangements are made to
meet the individual needs of the resident.
If you or your responsible party become aware, at
any time, that you do not meet the criteria listed
above for admission to, or continued residency
at Columbine Commons Assisted Living, then you and your
responsible party agree to promptly, and without
any delay, notify the Administrator in writing.
Written notice of discharge will be provided to the
resident or resident’s legal representative at least
thirty days in advance of discharge. A copy of
the 30-day written notice will be sent to the state
or local ombudsman on the same day that it is
provided to the resident.
Residents have the right to call advocates,
such as the State Ombudsman or the designated
local Ombudsman and the Adult Protection
Services with Larimer County Human Services,
for assistance.
In cases of medical emergency, or when the facility
cannot protect the resident from harming him
or herself or others, a resident may be transferred
to a hospital or other health care facility. The
responsible party will be notified of discharge as
soon as possible.
FIRE ALARM AND
EVACUATION PROCEDURE
When the general fire alarm sounds, it is an allbuilding
alarm. Sirens and strobe lights will be
activated and fire doors in the hallway will close.
The elevator will return to the first floor and the
door will open. If you are in your apartment when
the alarm sounds shut the door and stay in your
apartment. The door is designed to protect you
until the fire department evacuates you. If you are
in a common area, remain in that area until you
are further directed by Columbine Commons Assisted Living’ staff
or the Windsor Fire Department.
An automatic fire sprinkler system has been
installed by the facility.
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HOUSE RULES
We ask that you read and acknowledge your
understanding of the House Rules.
1. Every resident shall be mindful and
considerate of other residents by:
• Respecting the privacy of other residents.
• Reminding visitors of the smoking policy.
• Using television, radio, lights, etc., in a
manner that does not disturb others.
• Reminding visitors to be considerate of
other residents and staff.
• Cooperating in the conservation
of utilities.
• Using common areas in a manner that is
respectful of other residents.
2. Cooking is not allowed in the apartments.
Refrigerators are available in the kitchenettes
for the residents. Residents can bring their
own microwaves for use in their kitchenettes
to warm food and beverages as long as they are demied safe by Social Services.
3. Every resident has the responsibility to
question staff members when they are unsure
or in doubt about a staff action or request.
4. Gratuities and gifts to staff are not allowed.
5. Smoking is not allowed on Columbine Commons property. Smoking will not be permitted inside
at any time.
6. In order to maintain a high standard of
living at Columbine Commons Assisted Living, the residents
prefer that no one wear sleepwear (including
bathrobes) or hair curlers in the common
areas or in the dining room.
7. The use of profane language or
gestures is prohibited.
8. Resident’s belongings are not allowed in
the common areas of the facility, including
but not limited to, welcome mats and
statues in hallways, knick-knacks on tables,
bookshelves, mantles, etc.
9. Columbine Commons Assisted Living does not take
responsibility for money, bridgework,
dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aides or other
valuables retained in resident apartments.
Every resident apartment is equipped
with a lock box in which you may
store your valuables.
10. Supplies and equipment that is damaged due
to resident misconduct will be billed to the
resident and/or representative.
11. Staff members are afforded the amenities that
one would expect in normal social contacts.
12. Firearms and knives other than silverware
will not be allowed in the facility.
13. Behavior that is disturbing to fellow residents
is not acceptable.
14. Visitors are welcome at any time. Visitors
may be asked to leave the room temporarily if
staff is providing care for a resident.
15. Residents are expected to cooperate
in maintaining high standards of
personal hygiene.
16. Residents may leave the facility for visits with
friends and relatives. A sign-out book is
located at the front desk. Please indicate time
left and expected time of return. Notification
to staff in advance of leaving is greatly
appreciated. Staff will assist in securing
medication needed during the resident’s
absence. Dietary staff will be notified if the
resident will not be present for meals.
17. We solicit your assistance in helping us
meet the requirements of state regulations
concerning our operation. Please feel free to
discuss these with the administration.
18. In the event of an accident or change in your
physical, mental or emotional status we are
obligated to contact your physician. Unless
you direct otherwise, it is our policy to notify
your next of kin or responsible person in
such instances. Please let us know your
desires in this regard upon admission.
19. Columbine Commons Assisted Living reserves the right to
increase the rates at the facility with 30 days
written notice.
20. All receivables owed to the facility from
residents are to be received by the facility by
the 5th of the month they are due. A $25 late
fee is imposed for any late payments. It is
also understood that payment for services is
due in advance.
21. Alcohol is permitted for resident
consumption, in activities and in resident’s
apartments, with a written physician’s order.
22. Every resident’s apartment is wired for
telephone service to be used at the discretion
of the resident. Your cable and phone charges
will be added to your monthly bill.
23. Any visitor must follow all the above rules
and regulations. The facility reserves the
right to ask any person to leave the facility if
they do not comply with these rules.
24. Pets are allowed to reside in the facility,
if and when the resident, and the animal,
meet all criteria listed in the Columbine
Commons Pet Policy.
25. Residents may not prop open apartment
doors except when a magnetic or friction
catch has been installed.
26. Residents may not wear hats into the dining
room during meal times.
Columbine Commons Assisted Living, at its discretion, reserves the
right to provide verbal and/or written warning
and may discharge any resident if he or she
knowingly violates the House Rules and facility
regulations. Every attempt will be made to work
with the resident and family to assist the resident
in meeting compliance with the House Rules.
INTERNAL GRIEVANCE PROCESS
If at any time, a resident or representative has
a concern, it is their responsibility to express
it to the proper staff as soon as possible. Some
problems are caused by misunderstandings or
poor communication and can easily be solved by
the Social Services Director or others.
If these people are unable to resolve the problem,
the resident or representative should:
• Present the problem orally or in writing to
the Administrator within three days after the
complaint is originally submitted.
• If none of the solutions offered by the
Administrator are acceptable, the concern
will be presented to the Grievance
Committee. The committee is made up of
the Administrator, or an appointed delegate, a
resident elected by the residents of the facility
and a third person agreed upon by both.
• The complaint must be taken to the
committee within ten days after receiving the
proposed solutions.
• The Grievance Committee shall review all
information, consult with persons involved
and give a written report explaining findings
and proposed solutions to the resident or
representative within ten days of receipt of
the complaint.
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If further assistance or information is needed, the
following agencies may be of service:
Weld County Area Agency on Aging
Long Term Care Ombudsman
315C North 11th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80632
970-346-6950
Weld County Human Services
315 North 11th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
970-352-1551
Larimer County Human Services
Adult Protection Services
315 North 11th Avenue, Building C
Greeley, CO 80632
970-352-1551
Colorado Department of Public Health
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530
303-692-2800
Colorado State Long Term Care Ombudsman
455 Sherman St. Suite 130
Denver, CO 80203
303-722-0300
Weld County Long-Term Care
RaeganMaldanado, Ombudsman
970.346.6950 X 6128
RESIDENT RIGHTS
Each resident of Columbine Commons Assisted Living is entitled to
the rights enjoyed by any adult citizen under the
Constitution of the United States. In addition, all
residents shall share in the basic community rights
of Columbine Commons Assisted Living. Residents shall have the
following rights.
1. The right to be treated with respect
and dignity.
2. The right to privacy.
3. The right not to be isolated or kept apart
from other residents.
4. The right not to be sexually, verbally,
physically or emotionally abused, humiliated,
intimidated, or punished.
5. The right to be free from neglect.
6. The right to live free from involuntary
confinement, or financial exploitation and to
be free from physical or chemical restraints.
7. The right to full use of the facility common
areas, in compliance with the documented
house rules.
8. The right to voice grievances and recommend
changes in policies and services.
9. The right to communicate privately including
but not limited to communicating by mail or
telephone with anyone.
10. The right to reasonable use of the telephone,
in accordance with the house rules, which
includes access to operator assistance for
placing collect telephone calls. At least one
telephone accessible to residents utilizing an
auxiliary aid shall be available if the facility
is occupied by one or more residents utilizing
such an aid.
11. The right to have visitors, in accordance with
house rules, including the right to privacy
during such visits.
12. The right to make visits outside the facility in
which case the administrator and the resident
shall share responsibility for communicating
with respect to scheduling.
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13. The right to make decisions and choices
regarding their care and treatment, in the
management of personal affairs, funds, and
property in accordance with their abilities.
14. The right to expect the cooperation of the
facility in achieving the maximum degree of
benefit from those services, which are made
available by the facility.
15. The right to exercise choice in attending and
participating in religious activities.
16. The right to be reimbursed at an appropriate
rate for work performed on the premises for
the benefit of the administrator, staff, or other
residents, in accordance with the resident’s
care plan.
17. The right to 30 days written notice of changes
in services provided by the facility, including
but not limited to changes in charges for any
or all services. Exceptions are:
a. changes in the resident’s medical acuity
that result in a documented decline in
condition and that constitute an increase
in care necessary to protect the health and
safety of the resident; and
b. requests by the resident or the
family for additional services to be
added to the care plan.
18. The right to have advocates, including
members of community organizations
whose purposes include rendering
assistance to the residents.
19. The right to wear clothing of choice
unless otherwise indicated in the resident’s
care plan and in accordance with
reasonable house rules.
20. The right to choose to participate in social
activities, in accordance with the care plan.
21. The right to receive services in accordance
with the resident agreement and the care plan.
This policy does not exclude, take precedence over,
or in any way abrogate legal and constitutional
rights enjoyed by all adult citizens.
The rights of an assisted living resident who is
adjudicated incompetent under state law devolve to
the Resident’s legal guardian or sponsoring agency,
which are responsible to assure that the resident is
provided with adequate, appropriate and respectful
care that his/her rights are observed. In the case
of devolution, the facility shall observe these rights
with respect to the guardian.
SMOKING POLICY
As of July 1, 2006, Colorado, by law, is a smoke
free state. This legislation requires that all public
facilities in the state be non-smoking facilities. In
addition, smokers can only smoke a minimum of
(15) feet away from any public building entrance and in designated smoking areas.
The following Columbine Commons Assisted Living facility smoking
policy is in accordance with Colorado Law.
This policy applies to staff, volunteers, and
visitors. Smoking is allowed outdoors in designated
areas. Residents are not allowed to smoke on Columbine Commons property. Visitors may smoke outside
in designated areas.
Staff and volunteers may only smoke behind the
building by the picnic area, fifteen (15) feet away from any entrance.
Smoking is not permitted
inside the facility at any time.
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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
ACTIVITIES
Columbine Commons Assisted Living’ activity program is
designed to meet many of the needs of the
residents. Programs range from arts and crafts
to exercise programs, music, group activities,
educational programs, and a resident council to
offer input. Examples of activities include: bingo,
weekday aerobic and strengthening exercise
groups, van outings, shopping, instrumental
music programs with song and dance, socials
and Wii bowling. The activities staff identifies
and makes every attempt to meet the individual
interests of each resident. Transportation for
planned activities is provided.
Area churches are involved in providing
services for the residents. Church services are
held every Sunday with different representatives
presenting services.
Volunteers are an important part of Columbine
Commons’ Activity program. They assist with
activities, facilitate group activities, and provide
one-on-one visitation. Families and friends are
always invited to attend activities in the facility as
well as volunteer.
ADMISSION POLICY
Columbine Commons Assisted Living’ criteria for admission shall
be based upon its ability to meet all the identified
care needs of residents. Columbine Commons Assisted Living shall
consider at least all of the following in making its