Those persons who are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases typically require care that is far outside of the normal needs of other residents residing in an assisted living facility. When a facility decides to take on the care needs a dementia resident, they must have an understanding of how this community is separate and different than the assisted living facility due to the unique needs of the inhabitants. The dementia care community also has further guidelines issued by ALLHRD. Take a look below:
144G.82 ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADMINISTRATION FOR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES WITH DEMENTIA CARE.
Subdivision 1.General.
The licensee of an assisted living facility with dementia care is responsible for the care and housing of the persons with dementia and the provision of person-centered care that promotes each resident’s dignity, independence, and comfort. This includes the supervision, training, and overall conduct of the staff.
Subd. 2.Additional requirements.
(a) The licensee must follow the assisted living license requirements and the criteria in this section.
(b) The assisted living director of an assisted living facility with dementia care must complete and document that at least ten hours of the required annual continuing educational requirements relate to the care of individuals with dementia. The training must include medical management of dementia, creating and maintaining supportive and therapeutic environments for residents with dementia, and transitioning and coordinating services for residents with dementia. Continuing education credits may include college courses, preceptor credits, self-directed activities, course instructor credits, corporate training, in-service training, professional association training, web-based training, correspondence courses, telecourses, seminars, and workshops.
Subd. 3.Policies.
(a) In addition to the policies and procedures required in the licensing of all facilities, the assisted living facility with dementia care licensee must develop and implement policies and procedures that address the:
(1) philosophy of how services are provided based upon the assisted living facility licensee’s values, mission, and promotion of person-centered care and how the philosophy shall be implemented;
(2) evaluation of behavioral symptoms and design of supports for intervention plans, including nonpharmacological practices that are person-centered and evidence-informed;
(3) wandering and egress prevention that provides detailed instructions to staff in the event a resident elopes;
(4) medication management, including an assessment of residents for the use and effects of medications, including psychotropic medications;
(5) staff training specific to dementia care;
(6) description of life enrichment programs and how activities are implemented;
(7) description of family support programs and efforts to keep the family engaged;
(8) limiting the use of public address and intercom systems for emergencies and evacuation drills only;
(9) transportation coordination and assistance to and from outside medical appointments; and
(10) safekeeping of residents’ possessions.
(b) The policies and procedures must be provided to residents and the residents’ legal and designated representatives at the time of move-in.
Top Takeaways:
- 3.Policies.
- philosophy of how services are provided based upon the assisted living facility licensee’s values, mission, and promotion of person-centered care and how the philosophy shall be implemented;
The memory care community should not just be an area to hold residents suffering from a terrible illness. This unity shall be a community in itself with dignified meaning for residents who need specialized care. You should include services based upon each individual resident needs as well as having fruitful programming of activities.
- 3.Policies.
(5) staff training specific to dementia care;
Surveyors will ensure to focus on areas of training, especially when it comes to the training records of those held responsible for maintaining the care of residents who suffer from dementia related diseases. You must have a system set up for any care staff that could possibly be assigned for the unit. It is recommended that you or your designee verify the completion of these trainings.