The goal of a specialized community for Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases is to provide those people with a safe and secure area for them to thrive in midst of their disease process. While there may be many similarities to typical ALF communities these areas are designed to meet the unique physical and mental attributes of disease. The dementia care community shall be inclusive of all residents with dementia-related diseases and give them the opportunity to have a fruitful remainder of life. See the following regulation provided by the Minnesota ALLHRD to determine if you are in compliance with your dementia care community:
144G.84 SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA.
(a) In addition to the minimum services required in section 144G.41, an assisted living facility with dementia care must also provide the following services:
(1) assistance with activities of daily living that address the needs of each resident with dementia due to cognitive or physical limitations. These services must meet or be in addition to the requirements in the licensing rules for the facility. Services must be provided in a person-centered manner that promotes resident choice, dignity, and sustains the resident’s abilities;
(2) nonpharmacological practices that are person-centered and evidence-informed;
(3) services to prepare and educate persons living with dementia and their legal and designated representatives about transitions in care and ensuring complete, timely communication between, across, and within settings; and
(4) services that provide residents with choices for meaningful engagement with other facility residents and the broader community.
(b) Each resident must be evaluated for activities according to the licensing rules of the facility. In addition, the evaluation must address the following:
(1) past and current interests;
(2) current abilities and skills;
(3) emotional and social needs and patterns;
(4) physical abilities and limitations;
(5) adaptations necessary for the resident to participate; and
(6) identification of activities for behavioral interventions.
(c) An individualized activity plan must be developed for each resident based on their activity evaluation. The plan must reflect the resident’s activity preferences and needs.
(d) A selection of daily structured and non-structured activities must be provided and included on the resident’s activity service or care plan as appropriate. Daily activity options based on resident evaluation may include but are not limited to:
(1) occupation or chore related tasks;
(2) scheduled and planned events such as entertainment or outings;
(3) spontaneous activities for enjoyment or those that may help defuse a behavior;
(4) one-to-one activities that encourage positive relationships between residents and staff such as telling a life story, reminiscing, or playing music;
(5) spiritual, creative, and intellectual activities;
(6) sensory stimulation activities;
(7) physical activities that enhance or maintain a resident’s ability to ambulate or move; and
(8) outdoor activities.
(e) Behavioral symptoms that negatively impact the resident and others in the assisted living facility with dementia care must be evaluated and included on the service or care plan. The staff must initiate and coordinate outside consultation or acute care when indicated.
(f) Support must be offered to family and other significant relationships on a regularly scheduled basis but not less than quarterly.
(g) Access to secured outdoor space and walkways that allow residents to enter and return without staff assistance must be provided.
Top Takeaway:
- (1) assistance with activities of daily living that address the needs of each resident with dementia due to cognitive or physical limitations. These services must meet or be in addition to the requirements in the licensing rules for the facility. Services must be provided in a person-centered manner that promotes resident choice, dignity, and sustains the resident’s abilities;
While ALFs provide assistance with ADLs, the ADL needs for dementia-related disease symptoms can be much greater. Your facility should have special techniques for assisting those residents while ensuring their independence is promoted.
- (d) A selection of daily structured and non-structured activities must be provided and included on the resident’s activity service or care plan as appropriate. Daily activity options based on resident evaluation may include but are not limited to:
An activity program for residents with a dementia diagnosis is designed to engage residents and create a structure for their life. The program should have events and activities that promote inclusion and brain activity.