Preparing for the Unthinkable
Greetings
Preparing for the Unthinkable
Providing security in the workplace is a daunting task but for those who provide care to the state ’ s most vulnerable populations , it is an even greater challenge .
With increasing episodes of workplace , school and other types of violence , both physically and virtually , safety has become a prominent concern in today ’ s business environment . Providing security in the workplace is a daunting task but for those who provide care to the state ’ s most vulnerable populations , it is an even greater challenge . Whether a residential care facility or senior housing site , LeadingAge New York members have populations of people who may not be able to move quickly or understand the danger and be able to appropriately protect themselves . Also alarming is the quantity of personal information , both financial and health related , that members are responsible for protecting .
This issue of LeadingAge New York Adviser features information on safety and security . Much of the issue focuses on cybersecurity . There are very stiff penalties for failing to adequately guard protected health information , resident privacy and financial information and providers of long term care services and supports are under both increasing threat and scrutiny . Facilities are beginning to look at solutions that have long been standard practice on the acute care side and in other non-related industries . This issue explores some solutions and provides a framework for thought as members either augment their security measures in the wake of significant threats like Crypto Locker or begin to implement an integrated security protocol .
Surprisingly , there was little feedback from members during the call for stories on physical safety . Active shooter scenarios are a hot topic for education but it has become apparent in conversations with members and by the lack of response in this area , that creating and implementing policies and procedures that work in the long term care setting is significantly challenging . Like primary schools and unlike many general businesses and higher education , members serve populations who likely cannot flee on their own and may lack the cognitive ability to make necessary decisions during this type of event .
LeadingAge New York staff will continue to review and collect resources to share with members . If readers have effective policies or training protocols or have worked with experienced consultants to prepare for an active shooter or similar type of attack in a long term care setting , feel free to share with Kristen Myers at kmyers @ leadingageny . org .
As always , thank you to all of the members who contributed material for this issue and to the businesses who support Adviser with their advertising and educational contributions .
Sincerely ,
James W . Clyne Jr . President and CEO
3 Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Fall 2016