2025 Session Last amended: 2021 session

§ 144G.84 — Services for Residents With Dementia

Plain-Language Summary

Assisted living facilities with dementia care must provide specialized services beyond the standard minimums. These include dementia-specific assistance with daily living activities in a person-centered way, non-drug approaches to managing behaviors, education on care transitions, and meaningful social and community engagement opportunities. Each resident must have an individualized activity plan based on their personal history, current abilities, and social and emotional needs.

Practical Notes
Residents with dementia in a licensed dementia care facility are entitled to a higher level of individualized service. The facility must try non-medication approaches to managing challenging behaviors before resorting to drugs. Each resident must have a personalized activity plan — not just a general activities calendar. Ask to see your family member’s individualized activity plan to confirm it reflects their actual interests and abilities.