Assisted living homes' regulations maintain quality care for the elderly.
The Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code Part 295 establishes regulations and standards for assisted living homes in Illinois. The Division of Assisted Living of Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the implementation of these regulations. The Code Part 295 aims to sustain quality care and services for the elderly and disabled persons. The state of Illinois supports assisted living facilities as fostering homelike environment that promotes the health, dignity and welfare of residents.
License Requirements
Assisted living facilities in Illinois cannot operate without a valid license issued by the Department of Public Health. Applicants' requirements include contact information of the establishment and the owner, mandatory and optional services offered, proof of compliance to the regulations and a copy of the contract provided to the patients. The assisted living establishment must also supply financial documents reflecting ability to shoulder operating expenses. Examples of documents are a public accountant report, audited financial standing report and recent bond rating.
Admission
Assisted living facilities can only admit adults for residency. The facilities are also prohibited to admit persons who pose a threat to themselves and others and who need more than minimal assistance in moving to a safe area during emergencies. In addition, assisted living homes are not for individuals who require more than one caregiver to assist them in daily activities. These facilities cannot admit persons whose medical needs do not meet the type of service the facility is licensed to offer.
Staff Requirement
All assisted living homes must have an adequate number of staff to render service to residents on a 24-hour basis. Staff members must have appropriate education background and sufficient skills and undergo proper training before performing their duties. At all times, there must be at least one direct care person who has cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training certification on duty. Assisted living facilities must maintain files for all employees. Individual files must include employee's details, documentation of orientation and other training.
Service Plan
The assisted living home administration will draft a written service plan based on a doctor's assessment and establishment evaluation. The facility and the resident must agree on the conditions stated on the service plan. The service plan may indicate the level of care the resident needs, specific personnel responsible for certain services, dietary needs and special accommodation, if necessary. The service delivery contract between the assisted living home and the resident is based on this service plan. This plan will be reviewed every year or when details on the service plan need change.
Tags: service plan, living facilities, Assisted living, Assisted living facilities, assisted living homes, living homes