Illinois law protects the rights of assisted living residents.
If you're thinking about moving to an assisted living community in Illinois, or if you're trying to find the right assisted living arrangement for an elderly loved one, you should be aware of the Illinois requirements for assisted living facilities and their staffs. The Illinois Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act empowers the Illinois Department of Public Health to license assisted living facilities. As such, assisted living managers and their staff members must provide certain services and amenities to all residents. By licensing assisted living facilities, the state seeks to protect residents' rights and promote their safety.
Services for Everyday Living
Under Illinois law, assisted living residents are entitled to services for daily living, such as help with eating, getting dressed and personal hygiene. They also have the right to three meals a day, plus housecleaning and laundry service. All licensed facilities must provide 24-hour security and have an emergency response system in place. The facility may offer other optional amenities that residents are not required to purchase.
Trained Professional Staff
All assisted living facilities in Illinois must be staffed 24 hours a day. Managers are required to be at least 21 years old and have a high school degree or equivalent. Managers must also have at least two years of management experience in working with the elderly in the health care, housing or hospitality industries. They must be full-time employees who work at least four days a week in a 36-hour work week. Illinois requires managers and caregivers alike to update their skills with a minimum of eight hours of continuing education every 12 months.
Residents' Health and Safety
To ensure the residents' safety and health, Illinois law has several requirements. A physician must examine each resident and give a health assessment within 60 days after the resident moves into the facility. Health assessments must be repeated annually. Also, medication must be administered only by a licensed health professional. Unlicensed staff members, however, can remind residents that it's time to take their medication. All staff must be screened under the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act before they're hired.
Contract Termination
Illinois requires assisted living facilities to give a resident a 30-day written notice of termination if management wants the resident to move out. Residents have the right to appeal the contact termination and seek help from the state's long-term care ombudsman to mediate the situation. Residents also have the right to continue living in their apartment until a decision on the appeal is reached by the Illinois Department of Public Health Hearing Officer.
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