24 Miss. Code. R. 2-25.3 - [Effective until 11/1/2024] Alzheimer's Respite Service

A. Each Alzheimer's Respite Service must meet the following minimum staffing requirements:

1. A full-time service supervisor with a Bachelor's degree in a mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities or social service- related field and at least one (1) year of supervisory experience in a mental health, social or health service setting or two (2) years of comparable technical and human services training, with demonstrated competence and experience as a manager in a human services setting; this person can also serve as the Activities Coordinator;

2. A full-time Activities Coordinator with a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in developing and conducting activities for the population to be served;

3. A full-time service assistant with a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in working with adults in a health care or social service setting; and,

4. If volunteers are utilized, people who volunteer must demonstrate willingness to work with people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, and they must successfully complete agency provider orientation and training. The duties of volunteers must be mutually determined by volunteers and employees. Volunteers' duties, to be performed under the supervision of an employee, can either supplement employees in established activities or provide additional services for which the volunteer has special talents.

B. In addition to General Orientation, Alzheimer's Respite Service personnel must attend training specific to address the needs of people with cognitive impairment including communication techniques, redirection techniques, and activity interventions.

C. The ratio of employees to people served by the service location must be at least one (1) full-time employee per four (4) people served. The service supervisor may be included in the staffing ratio if he/she is on-site and actively engaged in the service. Volunteers may be included in the employee ratio provided that at least two (2) service employees are at the service location.

D. The Alzheimer's Respite Service must provide a balance of purposeful activities to meet people's interrelated needs and interests (social, intellectual, cultural, economic, emotional, physical, and spiritual). Activities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Personal interaction;

2. Individualized activities;

3. Small and large group activities;

4 Intergenerational experiences;

5. Outdoor activities, as appropriate;

6. Self-care activities; and,

7. Culturally and ethnically relevant celebrations.

E. People served by the service location should be encouraged to take part in activities, but may choose not to do so or may choose another activity.

F. People must be allowed time for rest and relaxation and to attend to personal and health care needs.

G. Activity opportunities must be available whenever the service location is in operation. Activity opportunities are defined as structured opportunities for socialization and interaction that are available in large groups, small groups or individual formats. Opportunities for socialization should be individualized to meet the preferences of the participants.

H. Creative arts activities must be provided to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, and/or social functioning of people receiving services.

I. Family education and training must be made available at least monthly to family(ies) and/or caregiver(s) of people receiving services. This training must be designed to improve the well-being and functional level of the people served and/or family(ies)/caregiver(s). Provision of family education and training must be documented in the person's record. A family education log must be kept by the Service Supervisor.

J. Opportunities for case staffing (including problem-solving as to how to respond to challenging scenarios involving people who receive services) between supervisory and all service personnel must be made on a monthly basis or more frequently if determined necessary by the service supervisor.

K. The services must provide individualized assistance with and supervision of activities of daily living in a safe and hygienic manner, with recognition of a person's dignity and right to privacy, and in a manner that encourages people's maximum level of independence.

L. The service will ensure that each person receives a minimum of one (1) snack and one (1) nutritious noon meal, as well as adequate liquids throughout the day for services that operate four (4) or less hours a day. Services operating more than four (4) hours a day will ensure each person receives a minimum of two (2) snacks and one (1) nutritious noon meal, as well as adequate liquids throughout the day.

M. Each Alzheimer's Respite Service location must adhere to the following:

1. Must have its own separate, identifiable space for all activities conducted during operational hours. The Alzheimer's Respite Service must provide at least fifty (50) square feet of service space for multipurpose use for people served in the service location.

2. A single service may serve no more than twenty (20) people at a time.

3. The facility must be flexible and adaptable to accommodate variations of activities (group and/or individual) and services and to protect the privacy of people receiving services.

4. Identified space for people and/or family(ies)/caregiver(s) to have private discussions with employees must be available.

5. Restrooms must be located as near the activity area(s) as possible.

6. A rest area for people served in the service location must be available. This area must have a minimum of one (1) reclining chair per ten (10) people served.

7. An operable electronic security system that has the capacity to monitor unauthorized entrance or egress, or other movement through the entrance/exits must be utilized.

8. The use of outside space is encouraged but not required. If a service location utilizes outside space, the following guidelines shall be followed:

(a) Must have secure, exterior pathway(s), a minimum of four (4) feet in width.

(b) Adequate outside seating.

(c) Exterior fencing, a minimum of six (6) feet in height, must enclose the outside area(s) where pathways and seating for people receiving services are provided.

Notes

24 Miss. Code. R. 2-25.3

Section 41-4-7 of the Mississippi Code, 1972, as Amended

Adopted 7/1/2016 Amended 9/1/2020