Georgia Alzheimer’s advocates concerned about DCH proposal

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – In 2020, the Georgia State Legislature passed House Bill 987 that strengthened the requirements around senior care facilities.

However, concerns are being raised over a potential change to those guidelines.

For Blake Watson and many others, taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be difficult.

Watson, who is now a communications volunteer for the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, said, “My father and father-in-law both passed away with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and it makes it very personal for us in our household.”

However, he along with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association says they are very concerned about a Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) proposal to lower the requirements of staff present inside of a memory care unit, which specializes in treating dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Watson said, “That’s a big problem, if we reduce the numbers that’s going to create issues of safety.”

Currently in Georgia according to the Alzheimer’s Association there are over 150,000 people over the age of 65 with Alzheimer’s Disease and over 200 facilities designated to provide care for them.

The proposed change from DCH deals with a redefinition.

Right now, per onsite unit like a memory care unit, there is a requirement for every 12 patients a staff member be present during the day and one staff member for every 15 patients at night per unit of that facility.

Additionally, current guidelines state there must be two staff members present at all times.

In the DCH’s proposal, they are planning to redefine the term “onsite” to mean an entire facility, and not just a singular unit of that facility.

The Alzheimer’s Association says this would effectively mean memory care units would no longer have the requirement of having two staff members present.

Watson said, “You’re dealing with patients who don’t understand or realize what’s going on around them. So, you can’t just directly talk to them, “Here’s what I need you to do.” They’re not going to do it that way. They don’t understand. It’s very challenging for workers, so if you have more than just a handful of people you’re working with, then you’re overwhelmed very quickly.”

DCH is taking public comments on this proposal through December 13.

We have reached out to DCH for comment but have yet to hear back.