Physical requirements of the ALR
Many administrators of assisted living residences do not have the opportunity to be included in the plans of developing the facilities they operate, meaning there is a possibility the design team is not thoroughly versed in the regulation concerning the communities they build. With that said, you should have a good understanding of the following regulation to avoid being out of compliance with the physical plant standards that the Executive Office of Elder Affairs provides:
12.04: General Requirements for an Assisted Living Residence
(1) Physical Requirements.
(a) An Assisted Living Residence shall provide only single or double Units with lockable doors on the entry door of each Unit. Residents shall have exclusive rights to their Units with lockable doors at the entrance of their individual or shared Units, however, as part of a Resident’s Service Plan, keys or access codes may be readily available to specified shift staff;
(b) All Newly Constructed Assisted Living Residences shall provide a private bathroom for each Unit which shall be equipped with one lavatory, one toilet, and one bathtub or shower stall;
(c) All other Assisted Living Residences shall provide at a minimum, a private half-bathroom (i.e., equipped with one washstand and one toilet) for each living Unit and shall provide at least one Bathing Facility for every three Residents;
(d) All Assisted Living Residences shall provide at a minimum, either a kitchenette or access to a refrigerator, sink, and heating element for all Residents, however, as part of a Resident’s Service Plan, such access may be limited to supervised access; and
(e) Every Assisted Living Residence shall meet the requirements, of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the state sanitary codes, state building and fire safety codes and laws and regulations governing use and access by persons with disabilities.
Top Takeaway:
- (b) All Newly Constructed Assisted Living Residences shall provide a private bathroom for each Unit which shall be equipped with one lavatory, one toilet, and one bathtub or shower stall;
(c) All other Assisted Living Residences shall provide at a minimum, a private half-bathroom (i.e., equipped with one washstand and one toilet) for each living Unit and shall provide at least one Bathing Facility for every three Residents;
You must adhere to this regulation prior to receiving your license to operate as an ALR. As a newly constructed facility if you are not providing private amenities, you will be unable to meet the criteria to receive your licensure.