What Does Proposition #6 Mean for Assisted Living?

When the Covid-19 pandemic initially began, many realized that the elderly and aging demographic was one of the most susceptible to Covid. Action was taken and many saw their aging loved one’s be locked down in isolation to try and prevent the spread of the virus.

Proposition 6 was seen as a response to some of those restrictions that were imposed during 2020 and had nearly 88% of Texas voters in agreement. So what was the premise of Proposition Number 6 (SJR 19)? It requires assisted living facilities to allow all of their residents to select an “essential caregiver” that cannot be prevented from in-person visits.

The types of facilities that fall under this new rule are:

• Nursing facilities
• Assisted living facilities
• Intermediate care facilities
• Residences providing home services
• State supported living centers

While there could possibly be some critics of the bill, many are in agreement that this strikes a balance that allows facilities to respond to infectious diseases but still allows residents to visit their designated caregiver.

Proposition 6 does allow for some flexibility on the guidelines being changed or modified based on future infectious diseases and their required response. It will allow the Texas state constitution to provide guidelines to those assisted living facilities to hopefully aid in preventing the spread of disease while still allowing essential caregivers access to their loved ones.