In Georgia, 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.
Memory Care Centers:
Georgia House Bill 987, effective July 1, 2021, introduced comprehensive requirements for memory care centers:
- Staff Training: All staff must complete a minimum of 16 hours of specialized training in dementia care within the first 30 days of employment. Training topics include understanding dementia, effective communication strategies, behavior management, and promoting independence in activities of daily living.
- Ongoing Education: Staff are required to participate in regular continuing education to stay updated on best practices in dementia care. These provisions are detailed in House Bill 987.
Hall Booth Smith
Assisted Living Communities and Personal Care Homes:
- The Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division oversees training requirements for these facilities:
- Direct Care Staff Training: Direct care staff must receive training that includes dementia care principles, communication techniques, and behavior management.
- Continuing Education: Ongoing training is mandated to ensure staff remain proficient in providing quality dementia care. These regulations are outlined in the Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Communities and Personal Care Homes.
Department of Community Health
The Georgia dementia training requirements reflect Georgia’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings.
