Dementia Care Required in Massachusetts Nursing Homes
A new Massachusetts law requires direct-care workers employed in nursing homes to be trained in dementia care.
The law — signed earlier this month by Governor Deval Patrick (D) — applies to all nursing homes licensed in the state, regardless of whether they offer specialized dementia-care units.
In addition, the law requires nursing home supervisors and activity directors to receive dementia-specific training.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will collaborate with the state’s Alzheimer’s Association and representatives from the nursing home industry to develop specialized training requirements for direct-care workers.
The bill requiring dementia training was first proposed in the Massachusetts House earlier this year.
An estimated 120,000 people with Alzheimer’s live in Massachusetts.
– by Matthew Ozga
