Description
Dementia Care Plan – RCFE’s providing care to residents with a diagnosis of dementia are required to include in their Plan of Operation details on how dementia care is managed. As of January 1, 2025, with the introduction of new dementia care regulations in Section 87208 Plan of Operation, an update or replacement to existing dementia care plans is required. All new RCFE license applications created by Community Care Options will include this Dementia Care Program.
The Dementia Care Plan includes descriptions as required by licensing to address philosophy, goals, program design, resident activities, staff training, and more.
If the current facility plan of operation is not in compliance with the updated regulations, licensees must update their plan of operation. Licensees should review their plan of operation and update as needed to reflect the updated regulations. Section 87208, Plan of Operation, has been updated in multiple areas. A facility plan of operation must now be updated to include the following:
- Plan for training staff, as required by law and regulations.
- Description of the ways in which they will address resident behavioral expression, as defined in Section 87101, Definitions.
Licensees are required to have and maintain a current, written definitive plan of operation for the facility. As required by the updated regulations, the licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the terms specified in the plan of operation and may be cited for not doing so. Any significant changes in the plan of operation which would affect the services to residents must be submitted to the Department for approval.
This is not a stand-alone dementia program. This is an addendum to your Plan of Operations to inform licensing and any stakeholder your general plan for delivering dementia care. It is the responsibility of the licensee to develop and deliver a dementia program at the facility.
