Who Regulates Senior Living Facilities?

Are you a soon-to-be retiree looking for assisted living in North Canton, OH, or a caregiver ready to help a loved one move into a facility offering around-the-clock care? If so, you're likely researching different centers and communities to find the best option for your needs. Like many people, you might also ask, "Who regulates senior living facilities?"

At Heritage Retirement Communities, we know how overwhelming it can be for families to transition members into senior living communities. For your peace of mind, our post below explains regulatory requirements for different kinds of assisted living facilities.

What Agency Regulates Senior Living Facilities?

Who regulates senior living facilities? People often assume the answer is the federal government, but that's false. The states regulate assisted and senior independent living communities.

State regulating agencies for these communities typically include the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services. For instance, in Ohio, the Department of Health regulates senior living facilities.

Do Nursing Homes, Memory Care Facilities, and Assisted Living Facilities Have the Same Regulations?

Although residential care settings and nursing homes provide similar services, including medication management, some health care, housing, meals, and personalized assistance, they don't have the same regulating bodies.

The federal government regulates nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These centers provide 24/7 senior care for residents needing a higher level of medical oversight than those living in independent or assisted living facilities. They follow a medical model of care due to residents' serious or chronic health conditions that leave them unable to live alone without constant care.

Memory care facilities have the same state regulatory bodies as senior living communities. However, they're licensed as a specialized form of assisted living, providing additional security features and staff trained to assist residents with dementia and provide cognitive support. Still, these care centers may receive funding from the federal government, so some federal rules may apply.

What Are the Basic Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities?

If the answer to "Who regulates senior living facilities?" is the states, what do states require of residential care communities?

Licensing

All senior living communities require licensing according to their state's licensing process. Typically, these centers submit an application, pay a fee, and pass an inspection to become state-licensed, which they must renew according to their state's mandated schedule. In Ohio, facilities obtain licenses through the Office of Health Assurance and Licensing.

Staff Training and Qualifications

Staff working at assisted living facilities must have appropriate qualifications through rigorous training. They may need to have and provide evidence of certain degrees or certifications to gain employment. Staff must also submit to ongoing training to ensure they can provide the care all residents need.

Facility Maintenance and Environment

Not every environment is suitable for senior living. To become licensed, residential care centers must meet the health and safety requirements set by state-level agencies like the Department of Sanitation or the Department of Public Health. The community and its buildings must be clean, well-maintained, and accessible to staff and residents.

Staff-to-Resident Ratios

Every state has staffing requirements according to the number of residents at the care facility and their needs. Having too few caregivers and too many residents creates an imbalance that could overwhelm workers and leave some residents with insufficient care.

How Are Assisted Living Regulations Enforced?

So, who regulates senior living facilities? State licensing agencies, and sometimes the federal government, will ensure senior living facilities stay in regulatory compliance through facility inspections and audits. Inspectors will schedule some visits, while others remain unannounced.

These visits focus on not bothering the facility's staff and residents but ensuring the facility consistently follows all essential protocols, rules, and procedures. If inspectors and auditors uncover problems, they can impose hefty fines and other penalties.

Depending on a state's laws, details about senior living inspections and audits may be available to the public. That information can help you decide whether a community works for you or your loved one.

Contact Heritage Retirement Communities Today To Explore Senior Living Options

Who regulates senior living facilities? The states, not the federal government. Every state has its own licensing, health, and safety standards for assisted living. Memory care centers sometimes receive federal funding, but the federal government only regulates nursing homes.

If you're ready to explore senior living options for yourself or a loved one, turn to Heritage Retirement Communities in Ohio. We have multiple assisted living and nursing home locations, including North Canton, where our trained caregivers provide superior 24/7 care and assistance to residents we treat like family. For more information, call (330) 846-1499.

‍