In Tennessee, regulations mandate specific dementia care training for staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and long-term care facilities to ensure appropriate care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Nursing Homes: Tennessee regulations allow for the designation of structurally distinct parts of a nursing home as special care units for ambulatory residents with dementia. A key requirement for this designation is that nurse aide training, in addition to the standard training required in all nursing homes, includes specialized instruction pertinent to dementia care. Alzheimer’s Association
Assisted Care Living Facilities (ACLFs): The Tennessee Department of Health oversees the regulations for ACLFs, which are permitted to provide memory care services to seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The state has specific regulations that establish which communities can provide memory care and the requisite training for their staff. For detailed information on these regulations, it is advisable to contact the local long-term care ombudsman. A Place For Mom
Residential Homes for the Aged: These facilities may house individuals with dementia during the early stages of the disease. Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia must undergo quarterly assessments to ensure that the facility can continue to meet their individual needs. Dementia Care Central
- Staff Training Requirements: Both ACLFs and Residential Homes for the Aged require any staff working in a secured unit to have annual in-service training covering, at a minimum, the following topics:
- Basic facts about the causes, progression, and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Techniques for addressing the unique needs and behaviors of individuals with dementia.
- Communication strategies for interacting with individuals with dementia.
- Appropriate activities for individuals with dementia.
- Safety measures to prevent wandering and injury.
The Tennessee Alzheimer’s dementia training requirements reflect Tennessee’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings.
Regulation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-08-06-.15 (2014)
Justice in Aging
