Memory Care

Requirements for Accepting Memory Care Residents in RCFE

To care for residents with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other cognitive impairments, the RCFE must:

1. Have Dementia Care Plan Approved

You must:

• Submit a “Plan of Operation” with Dementia Care Addendum to Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)

• Include:

  • Staff training plans

  • Physical plant safety measures

  • Activity programming

  • Behavioral management strategies

  • Admission and retention criteria

        📄 Regulations: Title 22 §87705 (Care of Persons with Dementia)

2. Ensure Physical Environment is Safe

• Secured perimeter if you plan to prevent wandering

• Delayed egress doors (must follow fire safety code)

• Audible alarms on exits

• Visual cues for residents (e.g., color-coded signs)

3. Provide Dementia-Specific Staff Training

Staff must receive:

• Initial 6 hours of dementia care training within first 4 weeks of employment

• 8 hours annually of continuing education in dementia care

4. Follow Admission Criteria

You cannot admit a person with:

• Comatose state

• Ongoing skilled nursing needs (unless waiver is granted)

• Active communicable TB

• Inability to communicate basic needs even with assistance (depends on staffing)

But you can admit residents with:

• Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s

• Memory loss due to aging

• Wandering tendencies (with proper supervision)

5. Update Facility Policies and Admission Agreement

Your documents must reflect:

• Dementia care services offered

• Staffing policies

• Activities tailored to memory care needs

⚠️ Special Considerations

• RCFE is not a skilled nursing facility, so you must assess whether you can meet the resident’s needs with your staffing level.

• You can request a hospice waiver and bedridden waiver, if applicable.