Who is classified as direct care staff in a residential care facility?

In a residential care facility, direct care staff are primarily defined as those individuals who provide personal care and assistance to residents. This includes activities such as aiding with daily living tasks, administering medications, and offering support for residents’ physical and emotional needs. Thus, those classified as direct care staff are typically the licensee or individuals who are actively involved in caring for the residents.

This classification is important as it distinguishes between those who engage in hands-on care and oversight versus those who may play supportive or administrative roles without direct interaction with residents. For instance, while administrators and board members are essential for the overall management and governance of the facility, they do not participate in the daily direct care of residents. Similarly, volunteers may contribute to the care environment but do not typically fulfill the responsibilities that characterize direct care staff, which are regulated under specific standards and training requirements. Family members assisting with care are also generally not classified as direct care staff as they may not have the formal training or qualifications needed to meet the regulatory standards for care provision in a residential setting.