There are many types of senior-friendly independent living communities in North Carolina, and they all offer different services to their residents. While there is no single “ideal” type of community for everybody, some communities may be better suited to your loved one’s needs than others. This guide provides an overview of some standard regulations that apply across the state to help you make an informed decision about finding a memory care in North Carolina for your loved one.
Health Care Standards
In North Carolina, the state healthcare standards are set by the Department of Health and Human Services. The standards are based on national guidelines and recommendations provided by professional organizations like the National Council on Aging.
Three categories measure the standard of care:
- Frequency – How often a person receives services or performs specific actions to help maintain their health
- Timeliness – When services are offered and/or performed (e.g., appointments)
- Quality – How well services match established expectations for quality of life
Meaningful Activities And Healthy Lifestyle
Meaningful activities are those that stimulate the mind and body. These can include:
- Exercise classes
- Painting
- Cooking classes
- Choir or music appreciation
Social interaction is also important to encourage in your loved one’s day-to-day life. This might mean encouraging them to join a book club, take part in outdoor activities like gardening, or enjoy time with other residents through games and other fun activities. It is also helpful to help them participate in religious services at the care center if they are interested in this option. Personal care refers to any activity that promotes personal hygiene and self-care skills, including grooming (shampooing hair), dressing appropriately for weather conditions, brushing their teeth, flossing daily, and more!
Staffing Levels In Assisted Living Facilities In North Carolina
In senior-friendly independent living communities, the number of team members is based on the level of care required. For independent living and semi-independent living, there are no specific requirements for team members to residents.
In communities that provide skilled nursing services, all facilities must have at least one RN or LPN on duty at all times. This requirement applies regardless of whether they are offering other care levels, such as assisted living or memory care services.
Staff Training Requirements In North Carolina Assisted Living Facilities
If you’re a caregiver in North Carolina, there are a number of training requirements that must be met. First and foremost is the requirement that all members who work with memory care residents complete at least eight hours of dementia care training every two years. In addition to this general dementia care training, specialized Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia require an additional two hours of regular education on these topics during each 12 months following completion of their initial eight hours.
In order to ensure that your facility is compliant with NC law regarding staff training requirements for memory care communities, it’s important to keep careful track of all certifications as well as attendance records for training sessions.Â
Administrator Training Requirements
In order to provide memory care services in North Carolina, it is important that you have the right administrator training. Administrator training requirements are fairly simple and straightforward. The first requirement is that the training must have been provided by an accredited program, meaning it has been evaluated by a third party to ensure that all of its standards are met.
The second requirement is that administrators renew their certification every three years with a refresher course or equivalent experience. This can be done through an on-site workshop or online course as long as it meets all of the state’s requirements.
Another thing to remember is that while there are no official state regulations for how often new administrators need to take courses, many communities require them within six months of employment or hire only individuals who have taken classes within two years before working at your community.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided a good overview of the laws and regulations related to memory care in North Carolina. If you have any questions about what we’ve covered here, please leave them in the comments section below.
