Texas has a new law for assisted living communities that serve residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. While stand-alone memory care facilities have always required employees to complete dementia care training, this mandate differs. Now, all employees at assisted living communities caring for residents with dementia must complete specialized training.
This move comes in response to the growing needs of the seniors affected by these conditions, and The Gardens at Shadow Hills caregiving team is excited about this development. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that approximately 42 percent of older adults living in residential care settings have Alzheimer’s, and this mandate clearly benefits them. Let’s go over Texas HB 1673.
What is Texas HB 1673?
Introduced in September 2023 with a September 2024 compliance date, Texas HB 1673 fills a crucial gap. It requires Alzheimer’s and related dementia training for team members working in assisted living communities that care for residents with those conditions. The goal is to ensure person-centered, high-quality care for residents.
The training requirements apply to caregivers, administrators, and housekeeping team members in these communities. These individuals may not provide direct care to residents with dementia until the training is completed.
Here are some, but not all, of HB 1673’s rules:
- Team members must complete four hours of training and pass an exam.
- There must be a supportive, therapeutic environment for residents with dementia that enhances the sense of community.
- Community team members like front desk employees who have “incidental but recurring contact” with these residents must complete different training and exams.
- After completing the exams, team members must complete annual continuing education.
The training and exams cover topics like person-centered care, assessment, care planning, activities of daily living, and common behaviors and communications associated with residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Understanding the Need for Training in Assisted Living
For memory care to be supportive and effective, it must be sensitive to the person’s needs and reflect certain established care protocols. For example, team members should be trained to recognize behaviors instead of viewing them as problems to be managed. Environmental design should incorporate wayfinding cues, appropriate lighting, and comfortable spaces that reduce confusion and anxiety while promoting independence.
These Texas assisted living team members have been learning about stages of dementia, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and effective communication methods. That helps them create nurturing environments with more specialized support. This is especially important in assisted living with memory care environments, where residents’ needs vary widely.
The Gardens at Shadow Hills: Quality, Value, Honesty, Service, and Purpose
Located in Lubbock, Texas, The Gardens at Shadow Hills offers 24/7 support for assisted living and memory care residents. Our team complies with Texas Bill HB 1673 and values the changes that these regulations have brought. Not only are we more confident about the high level of care offered, but our residents and family members have greater peace of mind.
The Gardens at Shadow Hills residents enjoy the best of both worlds: a large campus with private spaces and communal gathering spaces. They pursue active, healthy lifestyles, dine on delicious food, and socialize with peers. Our independent and assisted living community also has an on-site caregiving team available around the clock. They manage medications and activities of daily living, like bathing and grooming.
And since our residents don’t need to clean, cook, or do laundry, they have plenty of time to explore new hobbies and enjoy old ones. We host parties, wellness programs, educational classes, and art workshops. Another perk is our community transportation services that provide access to local attractions like Mackenzie Park and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Our Residents Benefit From Assisted Living With Memory Care Support
Historically, many assisted living communities offered limited resources for caregivers supporting residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. But at The Gardens at Shadow Hills, we always prioritized a highly personalized approach for these residents.
Now, as Texas mandates this training, assisted living for dementia is transforming into a more informed, compassionate approach. If you’re on the fence about finding a community for a loved one with dementia, assisted living at The Gardens might be the best choice.
When touring our community, feel free to inquire about our caregivers’ training, experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the programs designed to support these residents. Pay attention to how we interact with our residents and how we promote a sense of community and belonging. Nothing’s more important than your loved one’s comfort and happiness, and we can guide them with enhanced support.
We Represent the Best of What Assisted Living With Dementia Care Can Be
As you begin the journey of finding the right assisted living with dementia care for your loved one, consider The Gardens at Shadow Hills. Contact us to schedule a visit and see how our focused approach will meet their unique needs. Your loved one’s well-being is our priority, and we are here to help every step of the way.
