F-Tags related to Holiday Decorations and Activities in the Nursing Homes

F-Tags related to Holiday Decorations and Activities in the Nursing Homes

?Introduction

The holiday season is a time for joy, but in nursing homes, it also brings unique challenges. Ensuring a safe, festive, and compliant environment is essential for protecting residents and maintaining regulatory standards. This article outlines practical safety tips and highlights key F-tags related to holiday decorations and activities.

Key F-Tags to Consider

Understanding federal regulations can guide your holiday preparations. The following F-tags are particularly relevant:

• F-921 (Safe/Functional Environment): Requires that facilities maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. This includes ensuring decorations and lighting do not pose hazards.
• F-837 (Emergency Preparedness): Facilities must have a plan for emergencies, including risks related to holiday decorations, electrical hazards, and increased visitor activity.
• F-880 (Infection Control): Decorations should not interfere with infection control protocols, particularly in common areas or resident rooms.
• F-689 (Free of Accident Hazards): Includes avoiding trip hazards from cords or bulky decorations.

2. Christmas Lights: Safety First

• Electrical Safety: Use LED lights as they emit less heat and reduce the risk of fires. Check all lights for damaged wires or broken bulbs before use. Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords to prevent overheating.
• Cord Management: In common areas, secure cords with tape or cord covers to eliminate trip hazards. Keep cords out of pathways and under rugs, ensuring compliance with F-689.
• Placement Guidelines: Position decorations so they don’t obstruct exits, handrails, or emergency equipment. Avoid hanging lights near flammable materials, like paper or artificial trees, unless they are fire-retardant. Make sure your activities department is trained.

3. Holiday Decorations and Fire Safety

• Artificial vs. Real Trees: I recommend you opt for fire-resistant artificial trees. If real trees are used, keep them well-watered and away from heat sources. (I do not recommend this in nursing homes. May be appropriate in Independent or Assisted Living Facilities)
• Flame-Free Policy: Replace candles with battery-operated alternatives to prevent fire hazards. (No Candles please).
• Wall and Door Decorations: Ensure that decorations do not cover or block fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, or alarms. Limit the use of flammable materials and confirm compliance with local fire codes.?

4. Infection Control During Holidays

• Shared Decorations: Clean and disinfect shared decorations before storage and reuse.
• Resident Rooms: Encourage residents to use small, personal decorations that can be cleaned easily.
• Visitor Policies: Post visible signage reminding visitors to follow infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene and mask-wearing, during holiday events.

5. Resident and Staff Safety

• Mobility Concerns: Avoid placing decorations where they could limit wheelchair or walker access. Use non-slip mats for displays to prevent accidents.
• Staff Education: Train staff on safe setup, monitoring, and removal of decorations. Include holiday-specific safety tips in shift huddles especially if your center is having a holiday decoration contest.

6. Emergency Preparedness for Holiday Events

• Ensure that fire drills and emergency procedures are practiced and updated to account for increased visitor activity and decorations.
• Keep emergency always exits and fire extinguishers accessible and visible.

A Real-Life Example: Learning from a Citation

Happy Holidays Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was cited for improper use of holiday decorations under F-921 (Safe/Functional Environment) and F-689 (Free of Accident Hazards).

The violations included:

• Non-UL-listed Christmas lights.
• Overloaded electrical outlets.
• Decorations obstructing fire sprinkler heads and emergency exits.?

Steps to Regain Compliance:

1. Remove Non-Compliant Items: All unsafe lights and decorations were immediately removed.
2. Upgrade Decorations: Installed UL-listed, fire-retardant decorations. Used power strips with surge protection to prevent outlet overload.
3. Staff Training: Conducted fire safety training for all staff, focusing on proper decoration setup.
4. Develop Policies: Established a holiday decoration policy aligning with the Life Safety Code.
5. Regular Inspections: Implemented routine checks to ensure ongoing compliance.

?By implementing these corrective actions for the cited deficiencies, the facility not only resolved the citations but also ensured a safer holiday environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

?Conclusion

Remember, a joyful holiday season in nursing homes requires careful planning to balance festivity with safety and compliance. By following these guidelines, facilities can create a warm, inviting atmosphere without compromising resident safety or risking citations. Be proactive so your nursing facility can celebrate the season while fostering a safe and comfortable environment for all.

?For more detailed guidance on holiday decoration safety in nursing homes, refer to the American Health Care Association's recommendations.

AHCA/NCAL

Wishing each and everyone of you many Blessings in 2025

For your 2025 Regulatory Compliance Needs, reach out-

Aysha Kuhlor MSN, RN, PAC-NE

Chief Clinical Advisor

Phone: 808-688-7459

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.theinspac.com

Courses: https://courses.theinspac.com- explore our courses and certifications

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theinspac to book an appointment

Contact: [email protected]

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