Source anchor
CMS MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.20.1 is the governed baseline currently attached to this lookup item.
Error message
MDS Lookup
Long-term Memory OK
Item Rationale
Matrix review
6 matrix group(s) are already attached for review on this item.
Answer coverage
2 governed answer row(s) are attached for this item.
Answer Codes
Code 0
Memory OK
if the resident accurately recalled long past information.
Code 1
Memory problem
if the resident did not recall long past information or did not recall it correctly.
What this item is
Item Rationale
When to use it
Use this item when the facility is completing content tied to Section C and needs to stay anchored to v1.20.1.
Reminders
- Current source status: Published.
- Item locator: Manual page C-23
- CMS exact locator: Manual page C-23
- This item has 2 governed answer row(s) attached.
Source awareness
This page is grounded in CMS MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.20.1. Review the exact text and locators before treating the item as final reference content.
Source & Review
Manual
CMS MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.20.1
Status
Published
Effective start
2025-10-01
Item locator
Manual page C-23
CMS exact locator
Manual page C-23
Full CMS Text
Item Rationale
Health-related Quality of Life
An observed “long-term memory problem” may indicate the need for emotional support, reminders, and reassurance. It may also indicate delirium if this represents a change from the resident’s baseline. An observed “long-term memory problem” should be taken into consideration in
Planning for Care.
Planning for Care
Long-term memory problems indicate the need for: — Exclusion of an underlying related medical problem (particularly if this is a new observation) or adverse medication effect, or — possible evaluation for other problems with thinking — additional nursing support — at times frequent prompting during daily activities — additional support during recreational activities.
Steps for Assessment
1. Determine resident’s long-term memory status by engaging in conversation, reviewing
memorabilia (photographs, memory books, keepsakes, videos, or other recordings that are meaningful to the resident) with the resident or observing response to family who visit.
2. Ask questions for which you can validate the answers from review of the medical record,
general knowledge, the resident’s family, etc. Ask the resident, “Are you married?” “What is your spouse’s name?” “Do you have any children?” “How many?” “When is your birthday?”
3. Observe if the resident responds to memorabilia or family members who visit.
4. Observations should be made by staff across all shifts and departments and others with close
contact with the resident.
5. Ask direct care staff across all shifts and family or significant others about the resident’s
memory status.
6. Review the medical record for clues to the resident’s long-term memory during the look-back
period.
Coding Instructions
Code 0, memory OK: if the resident accurately recalled long past information.
Code 1, memory problem: if the resident did not recall long past information or did
not recall it correctly.
Coding Tips
If the test cannot be conducted (resident will not cooperate, is non-responsive, etc.) and staff were unable to make a determination based on observation of the resident, use the standard “no information” code (a dash, “-”), to indicate that the information is not available because it could not be assessed.
Matrix Applicability
Nursing Home Subsets
NC - Comprehensive
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
NQ - Quarterly
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
NP - PPS 5 Day
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
Program and Policy Use
Care Area Triggers
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
PDPM
Marker: +
supporting item
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
Swing Bed Subsets
SP - PPS 5 Day
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
OBRA Stand Alone Assessments
OBRA Admission A=01, B=99, F=99, G=^, H=0
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
OBRA Quarterly A=02, B=99, F=99, G=^, H=0
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
OBRA Annual / Sig Chg A=03, B=99, F=99, G=^, H=0 A= 04, B=99, F=99, G=^, H=0
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
D/C Items (Only when A0310F = 10 or 11)
A0310G=1 PDC
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
A0310G=2 UPD
Marker: x
applies
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4
Item Subset Required Use ISC Skip Patterns
PDPM (A0310B = 01 or 08)
Marker: +
supporting item
Locator: MDS Item Matrix v1.20.1 v4