Becoming a Memory Care Facility in Florida

In Florida, memory care facilities play a vital role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). These specialized assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide secure, tailored environments for residents with cognitive impairments. If you’re considering establishing or operating a memory care facility, understanding the state’s regulations is essential. This includes compliance with building codes for secure areas, advertising guidelines, record-keeping obligations, and, most critically, staff training requirements under Florida Assisted Living Training, Florida Alzheimer’s Training, and Florida Memory Care Training protocols.

Recent legislative changes, particularly through House Bill 299 (effective July 1, 2023), have transformed ADRD training standards. The bill expanded training to all employees in relevant facilities, shortened completion timelines, and extended requirements to additional care settings like home health agencies and adult family-care homes. These updates aim to enhance care quality amid Florida’s growing aging population. 2 As approved trainers for Alzheimer’s courses in Florida, with curriculum approved in July 2025 and valid through July 2028, we emphasize the importance of partnering with providers who have verified approvals from the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). Facilities should always check that any company offering this training has an approved trainer and a current approved curriculum to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Building Code Requirements for Secure Areas

Memory care facilities often feature secured areas to prevent wandering and ensure resident safety. Florida mandates that these areas comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC), specifically Chapter 4, Section 464.4.6, which outlines standards for special care units in assisted living facilities. This section addresses egress controls, locking mechanisms, and environmental safeguards to accommodate residents with ADRD while maintaining fire safety and accessibility.

Facilities maintaining such secured areas must adhere to these codes during construction or renovation. The FBC is adopted under Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., and integrates with broader ALF licensing rules. Non-compliance can result in licensure denial or penalties from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

Exact Language from 59A-36.011(10), F.A.C.
Facilities which advertise that they provide special care for persons with ADRD, or who maintain secured areas as described in Chapter 4, Section 464.4.6 of the Florida Building Code, as adopted in Rule 61G20-1.001, F.A.C., Florida Building Code Adopted, must ensure that facility staff receive training in accordance with Section 430.5025, Florida Statutes.

Advertising Guidelines

Advertising as a memory care facility triggers specific obligations to avoid misleading claims. Under Section 429.177, F.S., facilities must substantiate any assertions of specialized ADRD care. This includes providing evidence of trained staff, secure environments, and tailored programs during AHCA inspections.

Advertisements must be truthful and not imply services beyond what’s licensed. Facilities should retain copies of all promotional materials, as they become part of required records.

Records and Documentation

Robust record-keeping is a cornerstone of memory care operations. Facilities must maintain detailed files on residents, staff, and operations to demonstrate compliance.

Key requirements include:

• Resident records identifying those with ADRD or mobility limitations, especially for emergency planning.
• Advertising documentation if claiming special ADRD care.
• Staff training certificates, including proof of ADRD completion.

Exact Language from 59A-36.015(h), F.A.C.
If the facility advertises that it provides special care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders, a copy of all such facility advertisements as required by Section 429.177, F.S.

Exact Language from 59A-36.019(e), F.A.C.
Identification of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders, and residents with mobility limitations who may need specialized assistance either at the facility or in case of evacuation;

These records support audits and ensure continuity of care, with electronic formats permitted if secure and accessible.

Staff Training Requirements: The Core of Florida Memory Care Training

Staff training is the most critical aspect of operating a memory care facility, directly impacting resident well-being. Florida’s regulations, updated via HB 299, require comprehensive Florida Alzheimer’s Training and Florida Assisted Living Training for all employees in ALFs advertising ADRD care or maintaining secure areas.

Key Training Mandates

• Initial Training (1-Hour Course): All employees must complete a 1-hour DOEA-provided ADRD course within 30 days of hire. This foundational Florida Alzheimer’s Training is available free online and covers basic interaction strategies. The curriculum focuses on understanding ADRD, its characteristics, and communication techniques. Key areas include defining dementia and Alzheimer’s, how ADRD affects the brain versus normal aging, stages of progression with common symptoms and challenges, and strategies for verbal/nonverbal communication. It also introduces validation therapy, emphasizing being present in the person’s reality with examples, and distinguishes it from reality therapies. Pre- and post-tests evaluate knowledge transfer, ensuring staff grasp essential concepts for initial interactions. 0
• Additional Training (Level 1: 3-Hour Course): For employees providing personal care in memory care settings, complete 3 hours within the first 3 months. This Florida Memory Care Training builds on basics, covering behavior management (e.g., ABC Model, alternatives to restraints), assistance with ADLs (strategies for dressing, eating, bathing across stages), activities (group and individual), caregiver stress management (types, assessment, reduction strategies like support groups), family involvement skills (grief process, encouraging participation), therapeutic environments (philosophy, safety, routines), and ethical issues (principles like autonomy with case studies). Pre- and post-tests are recommended to measure effectiveness. 2
• Advanced Training (Level 2: 4-Hour Course): An additional 4 hours within the first 6 months, followed by 4 hours annually thereafter (can include on-the-job training or online modules). This specialized Florida Assisted Living Training delves deeper into ADRD understanding (brain function, causes, mimicking conditions), characteristics (stage-specific symptoms/challenges), communication (validation vs. reality therapies), caregiver stress (assessment and strategies), and medical information (FDA-approved medications, side effects, reporting changes, malnutrition/dehydration management). It includes pre- and post-tests for knowledge evaluation, preparing staff for complex care scenarios. 1
• Exemptions and Substitutions: Staff with prior equivalent training may use a DOEA substitution chart to avoid redundancy. Those in limited mental health licensed ALFs are exempt from extra hours.

These courses, approved by DOEA, ensure staff develop skills in person-centered care, from foundational knowledge to advanced management techniques. Partnering with providers who have current curriculum approvals—like our program valid through July 2028—guarantees up-to-date, compliant Florida Alzheimer’s Training.

The 2023 changes via HB 299 made these requirements universal across care settings, emphasizing early completion to better prepare staff for ADRD challenges. In 2025, HB 1065 introduced an Alzheimer’s Awareness Initiative but did not alter training rules.

Explanation of Regulation in 59A-36, F.A.C.

Chapter 59A-36, F.A.C., governs ALF operations, with sections like 59A-36.011 mandating ADRD training for facilities with secure areas or ADRD advertising. This ties directly to building codes and ensures staff competency. Recent amendments (effective June 5, 2024) aligned the rule with 2023 statutory changes, reinforcing specialized training.

Key Quote from Section 430.5025, F.S. (as referenced in updates)
Within 6 months after beginning employment, each employee who provides personal care must complete an additional 4 hours of dementia-specific training.

By meeting these standards, facilities can provide high-quality, compliant care. For approved Florida Memory Care Training, consult DOEA resources and verified providers to stay ahead of evolving regulations.