What is a care area trigger (CAT)?

A care area trigger (CAT) is specifically designed as a resident-specific response indicating a need for further evaluation. In gerontological nutrition and care, CATs serve as benchmarks or alerts that highlight specific areas where a resident may require additional assessment or intervention. This approach facilitates more comprehensive care by directing healthcare providers to focus on particular aspects of a resident's health or well-being that may not be immediately evident.

In the context of geriatric care, it's crucial to respond to these signals as they can lead to improved outcomes for residents. Identifying a CAT allows care teams to explore underlying issues and implement necessary nutritional or health interventions that can significantly enhance a resident's quality of life.

This option is distinct from the others, which do not encapsulate the function or intention of a care area trigger. For instance, while a signal for potential medication issues may alert caregivers, it does not represent the holistic approach that triggers aim to address. Similarly, completing paperwork or performing budget assessments do not directly pertain to the evaluation of individual resident care needs, which is the essence of what a care area trigger is intended to do.