Rules in Tennessee for Adult Daycare
- Pet therapy is one activity in an adult daycare setting.cheerleader image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
In Tennessee, adult daycare services are defined as services provided to 10 or more adults for more than three hours daily, but not exceeding 24 hours a day. If you reside in Tennessee and plan to utilize adult daycare services for a relative or you plan to start a daycare program, read on to learn about the guidelines that may affect you. - According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, adult daycare best serves those who would benefit from a program that is designed to restore or maintain each participant's "optimal capacity for self-care through medical or social services."
- According to the 1240-7-10.06 Program section of Tennessee's Adult Day Care Services Standards, an adult daycare is not recommended for those who pose a serious threat to themselves or others. It is also not a solution for those who need skilled nursing.
- Each licensed adult daycare facility is required to provide supervised personal care of program participants, as needed. Special training is not necessary to obtain licensing, but experienced staff may be sought to ensure federal and state guidelines are adhered to. Criminal background checks of all staff members are required. Adult daycare programs that are located in or affiliated with a licensed nursing home, a licensed assisted care living facility, a church or other caregiving establishments is permitted by the state of Tennessee to use the "resources of the facility/agency to act as support to the adult day care program".
However, according to the state of Tennessee, adult daycare services are not legally recognized as a substitute for the services of "skilled nursing care, a senior citizens center or a sheltered workshop".
- Tennessee adult daycare services program must consist of individualized plans of care for each participating adult. The program must also state clear and measurable goals that lead to the ultimate improvement of each participant.
Daily activities must include physical exercise, rest, social interaction, opportunities to learn, mental stimuli, and personal care if it is needed. These activities include but are not limited to interactive activities such as pet therapy, games, field trips and reminiscence sessions.
Watching television, reading the newspaper, listening to music, and other independent activities should not be used as the sole activities an adult day care program provides, and should only be considered an addition to the existing interactive activities available to clients.
Group and independent activities should be offered and participants should be given the freedom to decide between group and independent activities at some point each day; each participant may also refuse to participate in any activity.
A schedule of activities must be posted at all times. - An adult daycare decides whether to provide overnight or weekend lodging to clients.
