Final Answer:
The facility must have a full-time qualified social worker if they have 120 beds or more.
Step-by-step explanation:
In accordance with industry regulations and standards, the requirement for a full-time qualified social worker is determined based on the number of beds in a facility. The threshold for mandating a dedicated social worker is set at 120 beds. This criterion ensures that larger facilities, which accommodate a substantial number of individuals, have the necessary support and resources to address the social and emotional well-being of their residents.
This decision is grounded in the understanding that as the size of a facility increases, so does the complexity of the social dynamics and individual needs of the residents. A qualified social worker plays a crucial role in assessing, planning, and implementing interventions to support residents in adapting to the social environment within the facility. This threshold strikes a balance, ensuring that facilities with a significant number of beds allocate adequate resources to meet the social and emotional needs of their residents while smaller facilities may have a different resource allocation model.
By setting a specific bed count as the trigger for requiring a full-time qualified social worker, regulatory bodies aim to ensure a standard of care that recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities associated with different facility sizes. This approach helps create a framework that promotes the overall well-being of residents and maintains a high standard of care within long-term care facilities.