Retirement Home Regulations

Sending a loved one to a retirement home is a very emotional experience. It is in the best interest of everybody involved to make sure that the elders are receiving the proper care and attention. Fortunately, there are regulations that require a high level of care in retirement homes.

History

• Due to the abusive practices of some nursing homes in the 1980's, Congress enacted legislation in 1987 to regulate nursing homes participating in Medicaid and Medicare. The law was known as the Nursing Home Reform Act and demanded nursing homes to provide services and activities to keep the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of their residents at a high level.

Federal Nursing Home Regulations

• The passing of the Nursing Home Reform Act in 1987 required nursing homes to have a sufficient nursing staff; conduct an accurate assessment of each resident's functional capacity; develop a comprehensive plan for each resident; prevent deterioration of a resident's ability to bathe, dress, groom, transfer and ambulate, toilet, eat, and to communicate; provide services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal oral hygiene; ensure residents do not develop pressure sores; ensure adequate supervision; maintain an acceptable nutritional status; provide sufficient fluid intake to maintain proper hydration and health; ensure that residents are free of any significant medical errors; promote each resident's quality of life; maintain dignity and respect of each resident; ensure the right to chose activities, schedules, and health care; provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident; administrate effectively and efficiently; and to maintain accurate records on each resident.

State Regulations

• Aside from the federal regulations that apply to nursing homes participating in Medicaid and Medicare, there are also regulations by state. By law, states must follow all of the federal regulations, but many states have also added on additional laws. By contacting your local Department of Health, you can find out your states specific regulations.