Group homes for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia are expected to undergo more-rigorous scrutiny under a new law that was spurred by reports of patients wandering away or falling while unsupervised.
Under the measure signed by Governor Christie on Monday, such homes will be regulated as health care facilities by the State Department of Health, instead of as boarding homes under state housing officials. The homes, typically in residential neighborhoods, represent a relatively new niche in the elder-care market.
The law will take effect in June. One of the bill’s sponsors, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, said the new provisions will allow families of dementia patients in group homes to have “peace of mind knowing they’re getting the best care possible.”
As of last December, 24 dementia-care group homes were operating in New Jersey. Such facilities typically employ nurses and aides to take care of patients, and advertise themselves as a more home-like alternative to nursing homes.
Group homes for dementia patients have been regulated by the state Department of Community Affairs, whose inspectors are trained to monitor building and safety issues. The law’s sponsors argued that the facilities should be treated more like nursing homes and subject to the same kinds of regulations and oversight, with reviews conducted by people with medical expertise.
Under the new law, each group home will be required to get a new license as a “dementia care home” through the Department of Health.
