In a significant move for aging advocates and family caregivers, the Governors’ Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) has approved a new set of regulations for assisted living facilities that specialize in memory care. This decision marks a crucial step toward enhanced standards in a sector heavily scrutinized for its service quality.
GRRC Decision Faces Industry Opposition
The decision did not come without contention. Despite some resistance from long-term care lobbyists who criticized the rules as “unclear and confusing,” the motion passed with the support of the GRRC. Vice Chair Frank Thorwald initiated the process, followed by John Sundt, a GRRC member, who proposed the motion to proceed with the rules.
Trevor Laky, representing the Arizona Assisted Living Federation, voiced concerns regarding the timing, suggesting, “We can address these issues before the rule making is done…there’s nothing that’s preventing us from pushing these back a month or two to get these resolved.”
New Rules Stem from Recent Legislation
The regulations are part of a legislative initiative signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs last year. This law mandates minimum training standards for memory care staff, focuses on personalized care planning, and aims to prevent resident elopements. For more details on the legislation, visit here.
“That doesn’t mean everything automatically is going to change on July 1. There needs to be some time for implementation, and DHS testified to this that they are going to be working with the industry.”
– Tory Roberg, Alzheimer’s Association, Phoenix
Real-Life Implications
First responders like firefighter Steve Wagner have firsthand experience with the challenges posed by current standards. Wagner recounted a recent incident involving a disoriented man who wandered away from a memory care facility: “We found him a quarter-mile away from the facility, injured, scared and disoriented.”
Amy Scoville-Weaver, whose mother resides in a group home due to Alzheimer’s, highlighted financial concerns: “The average care worker makes $27,000 per year. The average cost of memory care for dementia is $7,500 per month, per family.”
Implementation on the Horizon
While the rules will take effect on July 1, as highlighted by Tory Roberg, implementation will be gradual, with the Arizona Department of Health Services working closely with the industry to ensure a smooth transition. Despite previous concerns from the industry, many stakeholders have been involved in discussions since early 2023 to address these issues.
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