Section 300.7030   Ability-Centered Care

a)         Ability-centered care programming, also called activity-focused programming, recognizes the resident's abilities and competencies in care planning.  Tasks are adapted and modified to provide for the resident's involvement at the maximum level of the resident's ability.  Ability-centered care programming embraces the following concepts:  activities are every event, encounter, and exchange with a staff member, volunteer, relative, or other individuals; activities are redefined as traditional (i.e., work related, recreational) and nontraditional (i.e., bathing, eating, walking); both independent and structured events are used.

b)         Flexibility is allowed in traditional staff roles and staff are encouraged to develop relationships with residents.  The use of staff in nontradictional roles shall be documented in the unit's policies and procedures.  Non-licensed staff who are not certified nursing assistants shall not provide nursing or personal care but are limited to assisting with activities of daily living and providing verbal cueing, for which the staff have been trained.

c)         Unit directors and activity professionals for units established before January 1, 2005 shall participate in ability-centered care training before July 1, 2005.  Unit directors and activity professionals for units established after January 1, 2005 shall have had course work in ability-centered care programming.

d)         The unit shall use a distinct approach to resident care that is designed for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.  The use of ability-centered care is recommended.  If the facility uses an alternative approach, this approach shall be reviewed by the Department to determine if the care goals of the ability-centered care have been satisfied.  Alternative methodologies shall not be implemented until the Department has approved them.

e)         Dining and mealtime approaches shall address the special needs of individuals with dementia.

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