The qualifications for people to work in assisted living vary from state-to-state. The person must be 21 years of age or older and met the minimum educational, training, and work experience standards in either completing a Department of Public Health approved program or having documented job-related experience or education. Depending on the facility, they may require additional training. Administrators must have an equivalent of 30 hours of training in 15 topics, as well as 15 hours of training related to the residents needs. The staff must have on-the-job training or have worked in a facility before. Facilities are required to provide training based on resident rights, first aid and injury, procedures for lift assistance, care and services for residents, and the facility’s medication administration procedure. Once someone has been hired, they must be assessed within one month of hire to make sure they know the proper procedures, especially when it comes to emergency response and identifying difficult behaviors/situations. At all times, someone with first aid experience will be on staff.

There are many different outside courses and certifications staff can take before applying to these positions. The American Cross, The National Association for Home Care and Hospice, and The National Board for Certification of Hospice & Palliative Nurses offer great opportunities for others to have a quality education. Certification makes the staff more confident and credible when it comes to being a senior care provider.