If this is your first time reading about PASRS principles, we’d like to point you to our earlier content, which you can read here.
To spread awareness around the principles of best practice used by PASRS (The Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists), we’ll share the five most prominent principles each week.
This week, we’ll explore the fifth principle below.
PASRS Best Practice #5: Fingerprinting
PASRS Senior Referral Specialists Members will have and hold a current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the State of Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Taking on the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent can present significant challenges for a concerned adult child. The task of managing the intricate and sometimes overpowering realm of senior care can be daunting. The process involves many choices, ranging from selecting a suitable facility to locating the appropriate care provider. It is imperative to collaborate with experts who genuinely prioritize the well-being of your loved one. Choosing to work with a placement agent who adheres to PASRS Best Practices ensures that your senior receives the best possible care.
Fingerprinting is considered necessary within the senior placement services space according to PASRS Best Practices for several reasons:
- Safety and security: Fingerprinting helps ensure the safety and security of senior citizens who are entering a new living environment or receiving care services. By conducting fingerprint-based background checks, one can easily verify the identity and history of placement agents. This helps prevent individuals with criminal records, particularly those involving abuse or violence, from working in close proximity to vulnerable seniors.
- Protection against fraud and identity theft: Fingerprinting can aid in verifying the identities of individuals involved in senior placement services, minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities and protecting seniors from financial exploitation or other forms of harm.
- Compliance with regulations and standards: Many jurisdictions have established regulations and standards for senior care facilities and providers. Phoenix is, unfortunately, not one of them. Fingerprinting is often a requirement to comply with these regulations. By adhering to fingerprint-based background checks, senior placement agents demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring the well-being of seniors.
- Peace of mind for families: Families entrusting the care of their senior loved ones to placement agents seek reassurance that their loved ones will be in safe and capable hands. Fingerprinting provides an additional layer of confidence, demonstrating that the placement agent has taken proactive measures to ensure safety and credibility.
Fingerprinting is a crucial tool within the senior placement space to enhance safety, minimize the risk of fraud and abuse, comply with regulations, and provide peace of mind to families. It helps create a secure and trustworthy environment for seniors needing care and assistance.
At Options for Senior Living, this best practice is fundamental to our daily operations with every senior and family we interact with. If you need advice, a trusted referral, or assistance with senior resources, contact us directly by calling 602-845-1320 or email us at support@optionsfsl.com.