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Texas Requirements for Senior Centers

Rules pertaining to senior centers in Texas are governed by the Texas Assisted Living Code, which is under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The code provides specific rules and provisions that must be carried in the state's assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Policies range from mandatory training of staff members to communicating with residents about their rights.

  1. Staff Training

    • Staff at Texas senior centers must be at least 18 years-old and have graduated high school. In order to qualify to work in a senior center, a staff member must undergo four hours of orientation on topics such as reporting abuse or neglect of a resident, correct and incorrect living conditions, rights of residents and emergency procedures. Staff who provide direct care to a resident must have six hours of academic classes every year and 16 hours of training on topics such as the health of residents and issues that may arise in care giving, prevention of mishaps, first aid and managing different behavior patterns.

    Clarifying Senior Center Policies

    • Before a resident is officially accepted into a senior center, staff at the center must provide a copy of the rules and policies of the center to the potential resident or the potential resident's legal guardian or legal proxy. The person responsible for the potential resident must read and sign the appropriate documents. If the resident needs any kind of rehabilitation care, the center must make clear to the resident and/or family that rehabilitative services do not fall under state review or censure. The center must also provide the potential resident with a list of his or her rights while living at the center (the patient's Bill of Rights). The center must also make clear under what circumstances residents can be physically retained or placed in seclusion.

    Standards for Residency

    • If the center cannot provide for the specific needs of a potential resident, the center is required to refuse admission. Once the person has been accepted for residency, decisions regarding necessary care measures are the responsibility of the center, with the permission of the legal guardian or physician of the resident. The resident is also required to provide a list of expected services and standards of care and the resident and the center must come to an agreement regarding this list. The resident must undergo a physical examination either within the 30 days preceding moving in or in the 14 days that follow.

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