Document Actions
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
What is it called?
· Assisted Living Residence
What services are provided?
· Facility provides
o Assistance with activities of daily living
o Assistance with instrumental activities of daily living
o Self-administered medication management
§ Medication may also be administered by a family member, a practitioner, or a nurse
· Third-party services
o Health or hospice services are allowed from a certified provider
Who can be admitted?
· Need for assistance with activities of daily living
· Need for skilled nursing care as long as the care is not provided by the facility
Who is inappropriate?
· Need for skilled nursing care (unless the care is provided by a third-party provider)
What training is required for direct care staff?
· Seven-hour orientation before active employment, covering such topics as:
o Elder abuse
o Safety and emergency measures
o Infection control and universal precautions
o Dementia/cognitive impairment (at least two hours)
o Resident health and related problems
o Sanitation and food safety
o Self-administered medication management (at least one hour)
· 54 hours of training including:
o Personal hygiene
o Self-administered medication management
o Mobility
o Home safety
· Personal care staff must be one of the following:
o Licensed nurses
o Certified nursing assistants
o Certified home health aides
o Qualified personal care homemakers
o OR, complete a 54-hour training course
· Minimum of ten hours per year of ongoing education and training
o At least one hour on dementia and cognitive impairment
o At least one hour on self-administered medication management
Is any public payment available?
· Yes, the Medicaid program may pay for assisted living services through a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver
· According to the 2007 Assisted Living State Regulatory Review, a Medicaid state plan covers personal care services.
More Information
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
(617) 727 - 7750
Massachusetts Long Term Care Ombudsman
(617) 727 - 7750
www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=eldersubtopic&L