Dementia Care Resources

As the population ages and dementia becomes more prevalent, so too is the need for high-quality care for individuals living with dementia. Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer a home-like environment that promotes dignity and respect with highly trained staff members enhancing quality of life.

Dementia Care Regulations

After years of collaborative discussion and a yearlong regulatory process, the new dementia care regulations have been finalized and in effect January 1, 2025. You can access the regulations here. The regulations touch on several sections outside of the actual dementia care regulatory requirements and some requirements that were specific to dementia care have been moved into other sections to apply broadly to all residents as applicable.

This first ever update to the dementia care regulations is going to take time and collaboration among the department, licensees, residents and families as we work to implement these significant changes. The guiding principle for everyone involved in this regulatory update was to promote resident retention by removing the requirement that a dementia diagnosis automatically initiate heightened requirements that may not be appropriate at the time and allow residents the opportunity to age in place in the least restrictive environment.

Resources & Best Practices

CALA’S TITLE 22 REGULATIONS AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE UPDATED DEMENTIA CARE REGULATIONS - MEMBERS ONLY

Regulatory changes can be difficult to navigate. This tool will help CALA members see where current requirements have been moved to different sections or rearranged and are not new requirements, it will provide context for some of the changes, and can be used as your regulatory guide.

These documents integrate the new dementia care requirements into current regulations with the updates in highlighted blue italic text, language being deleted/repealed is lined through, and comments provide information and context about current requirements that were relocated or updated, etc. Updated sections include 87101, 87208, 87219, 87303, 87307, 87309, 87455, 87457, 87458, 87463, 87507, 87606, 87705 and 87706.

Part I: 87100-87163
Definitions and Forms; License; Application Procedures

Part II: 87163-87356
Application Procedures cont.; Operating Requirements; Physical Environment and Accommodations; Background Check

Part III: 87356-87508
Background Check cont.; Personnel; Resident Assessments, Fundamental Services and Rights; Resident Records

Part IV: 87508-87795
Resident Records cont.; Food Services; Health-Related Services and Conditions; Dementia; Enforcement; Administrative Actions – General; Administrator Certification Training Programs – Vendor Information

DSS Dementia Care in RCFEs and Miscellaneous Regulation Changes Information and Resources

This DSS webpage serves as a hub for communications, resources, and documents related to this regulation package. The regulation package updates are effective January 1, 2025. This webpage will be regularly updated with new information as it becomes available. Please check back for updates.

UPDATED - TOOLKIT FOR REDUCING ANTIPSYCHOTIC USE - MEMBERS ONLY

Download this recently updated toolkit to track the number of residents living with dementia that have orders for antipsychotic medications and ways to promote non-pharmacological interventions.

THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION’S DEMENTIA CARE PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

The fundamentals for person-centered care for individuals living with dementia, including assessment and care planning, nonpharmacological practices and care transitions.

SUNDOWNING

“Sundowning” is a condition in which residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia experience confusion, disorientation, and increasing levels of agitation coinciding with the onset of late afternoon and early evening.

For more information, including causes and coping strategies, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s webpage on sundowning.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

The Alzheimer’s Association provides information regarding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. Access the list of California-based offices for local resources and support groups.

CALIFORNIA ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED CONDITIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In 1998, the California Health and Human Services Agency established this committee to advise the administration and legislature on issues regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.