Vermont Assisted Living Information

Vermont defines an assisted living facility as a residence in a homelike setting that combines housing, health care services and personal care services to allow residents to maintain their independence as long as possible. Individuality, privacy and dignity must be key components of any assisted living facility program.

Vermont Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

In Vermont, assisted living services must provide these services, although they are not limited to these: 1) 24-hour staff supervision to meet emergencies, and scheduled and unscheduled needs; (2) Assistance with all personal care activities and IADL’s; (3) Nursing assessment, health monitoring, routine nursing tasks, and intermittent skilled nursing services; (4) Appropriate supervision and services for residents with dementia or related issues. If a resident needs additional health care services, a resident can contract with a home health care service for more regular nursing care, as long as such care does not prove to be a detriment to other residents. Facilities must facilitate access beauty salons, social and recreation needs, hospice and adaptive equipment as needed.

Vermont Assisted Living Admission Requirements

A facility cannot take a resident if the facility does not have the resources to care that resident’s needs. If a facility has the capacity to accept such admission, it may accept residents who need 24-hour on-site nursing care, are dependent in four or more activities of daily living, have severe cognitive decline, have stage III or IV pressure sores, or have a medically unstable condition. Facilities may not accept a resident who is a threat to himself or others.

Vermont Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

All new residents’ needs must be assessed at intake with the Vermont Residential Care Home/Assisted Living Residence Assessment Tool. A resident’s service plan is derived from the assessment.

Vermont Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Medication assistance must be offered by all assisted living facilities in Vermont.

Vermont Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Each resident unit must have a locking door, a private bedroom and bath, kitchen area and living space. Private residences must have a minimum of 225 square feet of space, but only 160 in pre-existing buildings. No more than two residents are permitted per residence unit, and all residents may have a private unit unless sharing a unit is requested. Private bathrooms are required.

Vermont Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents. Staff must have access to an administrator or designee at all times. An RN or LPN must supervise care plans and direct care staff must be present 24 hours a day. Al staff must be at least 18 years old and receive continuing education in a variety of areas. The administrator must meet certain education and/or training standards and complete an additional 20 hours of continuing education a year.

Vermont Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Anyone who qualifies for Medicaid and is in need of assisted level care can receive the Assistive Community Care Services Program, a Medicaid state plan service that pays for services below nursing home level of care. The Choices for Care 1115 Program may provide additional funding if residents meet nursing home level of care requirements.

Vermont Alzheimer’s Unit Requirements

If a Vermont assisted living facility has an Alzheimer’s unit, then certain written disclosures are required. Additionally, staff who work in the unit must have specific training for working with that population. At least one specially trained staff person must be present in the unit at all times. Additional policies apply to these units.

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, Division of Licensing & Protection