The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would make it easier for elderly Georgians to stay in assisted living facilities as their health declines.
Georgia's current law has no official "assisted living" designation. Such facilities are licensed as personal care homes. Today, residents of such facilities must be able to take their own medications and be mobile enough to get around in an emergency.
Senate Bill 178 would allow facilities with 25 beds or more to use medication aides and keep residents who need some assistance getting around, as long as the facility has adequate staff to keep residents safe during an emergency.
Supporters say such a change in law will prevent Georgians from being unnecessarily forced into nursing homes.
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