May non-licensed ARF staff assist a resident with changing colostomy or ileostomy bags?

In the context of assisted living facilities in California, non-licensed staff can indeed assist residents with changing colostomy or ileostomy bags, as long as they have received appropriate training. The assistance provided by non-licensed staff is usually focused on helping residents with their daily living activities and ensuring their comfort, and this type of support is considered part of personal care services.

It's essential that the staff are trained to ensure they perform these tasks safely and correctly, maintaining the dignity and health of the resident. Providing support in this area helps promote independence for the resident while ensuring their health needs are being addressed effectively.

Conversely, options that suggest a blanket prohibition or the requirement for supervision or only trained medical professionals to perform this task do not align with the regulations regarding personal care services in assisted living facilities. Such restrictions may unnecessarily limit the support that non-licensed staff can provide, which could lead to reduced quality of care and support for residents who need help with these specific health needs.