VERMONT

What is it called?

·        Assisted Living Residences

What services are provided?

·        An assisted living residence is a program that combines housing, health, and supportive services to support resident independence and aging in place.

·        The facility must provide services such as, but not limited to: 1) 24 hour staff supervision to meet emergencies, and scheduled and unscheduled needs; 2) assistance with all personal care activities and instrumental activities of daily living; 3) nursing assessment, health monitoring, routine nursing tasks, and intermittent skilled nursing services; 4) appropriate supervision and services for residents with dementia or related issues require ongoing staff support and supervision; and 5) medication management, administration, and assistance. 

Who is inappropriate?

·        Resident needs are measured through a state-developed assessment protocol.  Under the protocol, an individual cannot be admitted or retained if he or she has an excessive need for assistance with activities of daily living, a cognitive impairment of greater than moderate severity, or behavioral symptoms that do not respond to intervention.

What training is required for direct care staff?

·        Staff must have access to the administrator and/or designee at all times.  At least one personal care assistant must be on-site and available 24 hours per day to meet residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs. On-site trained staff must be available in sufficient number to meet the needs of each resident. An RN or licensed practical nurse must be on site as necessary to oversee service plans.

·        All staff providing personal care must be at least 18 years of age. All staff must be oriented to the principles and philosophy of assisted living and receive training on an annual basis regarding the provision of services in accordance with the resident-driven values of assisted living. All staff providing personal care must receive training in the provision of personal care activities (e.g. transferring, toileting, infection control, Alzheimer’s, and medication assistance and administration). Staff who have any direct care responsibility must have training in communication skills specific to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Is nurse staffing required?

• A facility must provide medication management under the supervision of a licensed nurse. 
• Unlicensed staff may administer medication when a registered nurse conducts assessment, delegates responsibility, and teaches designated staff the proper techniques.

Is any public payment available?

·        Two programs cover assisted living services: The Assistive Community Care Services Program is a Medicaid State Plan service that pays for services below nursing home level of care. Any resident who qualifies for the setting and is enrolled in Medicaid is eligible.

More Information

·        Fran Keeler

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, Division of Licensing & Protection

Frances.keeler@dail.state.vt.us

www.dad.state.vt.us/lp/