Understanding and Coding MDS Item F0400H: Resident Interview - Lock Things to Keep Them Safe

Understanding and Coding MDS Item F0400H: Resident Interview - Lock Things to Keep Them Safe

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item F0400H, "Resident Interview: Lock Things to Keep Them Safe," is part of the Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities section of the MDS 3.0 assessment. This item addresses the resident's preference regarding whether they feel it is important to lock personal belongings to ensure their safety. Respecting these personal preferences is vital for promoting dignity, autonomy, and security in long-term care settings. Properly coding this item helps care providers understand the resident’s needs and helps to create a care plan that respects their personal preferences.

What is MDS Item F0400H?

Explanation:
MDS Item F0400H is part of Section F, which focuses on Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities. This item assesses whether the resident prefers to lock their personal items, such as valuables or personal belongings, to keep them safe. This preference reflects a resident’s need for security and their comfort with the safety of their possessions in the facility.

• Relevance: For some residents, the ability to lock personal items is closely tied to their sense of security and control over their environment. Allowing residents to secure their personal belongings ensures that they feel safe and respected in the facility.
• Importance: Accurately coding this item ensures that the resident’s preference for securing personal items is documented and incorporated into their care plan, which helps improve their overall experience and peace of mind in the long-term care setting.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item F0400H

Coding Instructions:

1. Ask the Resident About Their Preference for Locking Items:
   During the resident interview, ask the resident, “How important is it to you to be able to lock your personal items to keep them safe?” The resident should be encouraged to answer based on their personal preference without pressure or suggestion.

2. Document the Resident’s Preference:

   • Code 1 (Very Important) if the resident feels that locking their personal items is very important for their sense of safety.
   • Code 2 (Somewhat Important) if the resident believes it is important but not a primary concern.
   • Code 3 (Not Very Important) if the resident feels that securing their belongings is of low importance.
   • Code 4 (Not Important at All) if the resident does not care about locking their personal items or sees no need for it.

3. Documentation Requirements:
   Ensure that the resident’s response is documented accurately in the MDS. This information should be reflected in the care plan, ensuring that staff respect the resident’s desire to lock their personal belongings, if indicated.

4. Verification:
   If the resident is unable to respond due to cognitive impairments, family members or legal representatives can provide insight into the resident’s past preferences for securing personal belongings. However, if the resident is capable, their response should be prioritized.

Example Scenario:
Mr. Smith states that it is very important for him to lock his personal belongings, as he feels safer knowing his valuables are secure. In this case, code 1 (Very Important) for F0400H, as the resident places significant importance on locking his items.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Respecting Resident Preferences:
Ensure that the resident’s preferences for securing personal items are respected and reflected in their care plan. If locking personal items is important to the resident, provide them with a lockable storage space or offer alternatives to ensure their sense of security.

Incorporate Preferences into Care Planning:
Integrate the resident’s desire to lock personal items into their individualized care plan. Make sure that all caregivers are aware of this preference and that appropriate steps are taken to accommodate it.

Effective Communication:
Engage in open communication with the resident, their family members, and caregivers to ensure that the resident’s preferences are understood and consistently respected. Any concerns about safety or security should be addressed with sensitivity.

Conclusion

MDS Item F0400H is essential for capturing the resident’s preference to lock personal items for safety. Accurately coding this item ensures that the resident’s desire for security and control over their belongings is respected and integrated into their daily care routine. By prioritizing resident preferences, facilities can promote dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind.

Click here to see a detailed step-by-step on how to complete this item set

Reference

For more detailed guidelines on coding MDS Item F0400H, refer to the CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Chapter 3, Section F, Page 3-33.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item F0400H: "Resident Interview - Lock Things to Keep Them Safe" was originally based on the CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024. Every effort will be made to update it to the most current version. The MDS 3.0 Manual is typically updated every October. If there are no changes to the Item Set, there will be no changes to this guide. This guidance is intended to assist healthcare professionals, particularly new nurses or MDS coordinators, in understanding and applying the correct coding procedures for this specific item within MDS 3.0. The guide is not a substitute for professional judgment or the facility’s policies. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes or updates in the MDS 3.0 manual or relevant CMS regulations. The guide does not cover all potential scenarios and should not be used as a sole resource for MDS 3.0 coding. Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective practices.