SnrCoupleBeingCounseled_520x320
In order to choose the “right fit” for your loved one, you should first know the various types of elder care facilities, their licenses and some of the basic requirements.
First, there are two types: Nursing Homes and Assisted Living. Nursing Homes are a medical model and are not discussed in this article. Assisted Living licenses for the care of the elderly and disabled are issued by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (TXDADS) (www.dads.state.tx.us).
The Assisted Living licenses are designated “A” small or large and “B” small or large. To be designated an Alzheimer’s Facility, the facility must carry a “B” license (small or large). The Alzheimer’s Certified Facility must also meet many other requirements as directly related to the care and stimulation of residents with a dementia diagnosis.
Small facilities are 4 to 16 residents; large facilities are 17 residents or more. Having one to three residents in a home does not require licensing by the State. Anyone who houses more than 3 elderly or disabled residents in Texas without a license is breaking the law.
An “A” license is for residents who can perform most of their activities of daily living (ADLs) themselves. An “A” requires that the resident can self-evacuate the building without assistance in 13 minutes or less. An “A” requires a caregiver to be on premises at all times; but may sleep during the night. An “A” provides all meals and provides some activities. Also an “A”, large or small, may not administer medications or lock their doors to the outside. As of 2011 in Houston, an “A” licensed facility requires a fire alarm system, but may or may not require a sprinkler system.
A “B” license, on the other hand, covers frail residents who are not able to get around as well. The “B” facility, large or small, must have a fire sprinkler system as well as a fire alarm system before they can obtain a license in the State of Texas. Due to the resident’s fragile condition, the regulation states that the facility must have “adequate” staff to care for them. The State Surveyor makes this determination based on many safety factors. In addition, the night staff of a “B” facility, small or large, must have awake staff all night. A small “B” facility may plan its own menus and activities. A large “B” facility must also have a licensed nurse on duty at least 40 hours per week and employ a licensed dietician and certified activity director.
On the other hand, when a facility says or advertises that they are an Alzheimer’s Facility, they must have an Alzheimer’s Certification, which cannot be obtained until they have the “B” license described above.