Section 300.7060   Environment

a)         The environment (cultural, social, and physical) shall support the functioning of cognitively impaired residents.  It shall accommodate behaviors, maximize functional abilities, promote safety, and encourage residents' independence by compensating for losses resulting from the disease process in accordance with each resident's care plan.

b)         The unit shall use a variety of sensory cues to differentiate rooms, spaces, and uses.

c)         The unit shall be designed and maintained to ensure an appropriate range of environmental and sensory stimulation and information; e.g., using minimally distracting security, pager and safety systems.

d)         Visual supervision of indoor and outdoor activity areas shall be provided, supported by architectural design.  Staff shall be present in activity areas when residents are in these areas.

e)         Resident rooms shall not contain more than two beds.  Rooms containing more than 2 beds within units established prior to January 1, 2005 may retain more than 2 beds.

f)         A secure out-of-doors space shall be provided in units established after January 1, 2005 and, whenever possible, in units established before January 1, 2005.  If a secure out-of-doors space is not available, the facility shall implement a plan to provide residents with the opportunity for daily, routine outdoor activities, weather permitting.

g)         Social space appropriate to the needs of the individual with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia shall be provided.  Social space is any space that is independently accessible to the resident, except for the resident's bedroom, the bathroom, or shower/bathrooms or hallways.  Social space includes, but is not limited to, dining room, living room, family visitation areas, unit kitchen, and activity areas.

h)        In facilities establishing a unit after January 1, 2005, this social space shall equal at least 40 square feet per resident bed.

(Source:  Added at 28 Ill. Reg. 14623, effective October 20, 2004)