SUBCHAPTER 06J – MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTERS

SECTION .0100 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

10A NCAC 06J .0101        MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTER OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

Multipurpose senior centers are required to meet the standards and conditions specified by the Division of Aging.  In addition to the federally mandated standards, the Division has the following requirements:

(1)           Program:

(a)           Senior center programs shall consist of group activities, individual services and community service opportunities in a variety of areas such as health, education, recreation, social work, nutrition, and other supportive services;

(b)           Senior centers shall have an advisory council composed of center participants and individuals from the community who are knowledgeable about the needs and interest of older people and about community resources, and who have skills and expertise necessary for guiding the center;

(c)           The center's participants and older adults in the center's service area shall have continuous input into the types of programs offered by the center;

(d)           Senior centers shall provide for necessary coordination with other services and programs in the service area by co‑locating staff and services of other programs at the center or referring individuals needing services to other service providers; and

(2)           Staffing.  Each senior center shall employ a senior center activity director who can give leadership to the total function of the center and insure that the stated purposes and goals of the center are carried out in the best interest of the participants.  The qualifications of the director may vary with the size of the center, the emphasis of programs and services and the type and degree of participants' needs. The areas of knowledge and skills identified as a major importance for directors are:

(a)           knowledge and understanding of individual development‑‑the physical, social and emotional growth patterns of all ages, with special knowledge of the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of the older years and interest in learning more;

(b)           knowledge and understanding of groups, and the skill and ability to help people in groups work together to achieve their goals;

(c)           knowledge about the learning process for all ages, with special emphasis on the learning process and pattern of older people, including motor learning; and the understanding and ability to help older people use their learning ability, and overcome blocks to their own learning;

(d)           knowledge and skills of administration, including supervision of paid and volunteer staff;

(e)           knowledge and skill in developing an atmosphere and structure, conductive to a democratically based self‑government to operate in the areas of decision‑making appropriate to the participants;

(f)            knowledge and skills in several areas of program activities;

(g)           skills in community organizations;

(h)           knowledge of the research being done in the field and how it applies to the work of the center; and

(i)            public relations knowledge and skills.

Senior centers shall employ adequate numbers of qualified staff to assure the satisfactory operation of the center.

(3)           Facility:

(a)           All facilities used for senior center activities shall comply with all applicable state and local health, fire, safety, building, zoning and sanitation laws, ordinances or codes;

(b)           All senior center facilities shall be adequate in size and designed to carry out the center's program of activities and services;

(c)           All senior center facilities shall be environmentally comfortable and conducive to participant use;

(d)           All senior center facilities shall comply with the minimum handicapped accessibility requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968; and

(e)           All facilities shall have procedures for fire safety including:

(i)            provision for fire drills;

(ii)           inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers;

(iii)          adequate number of smoke detectors; and

(iv)          training by fire department personnel.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑10; 143B‑138; 45 C.F.R., Chapter XIII, Part 1321;

Eff. October 1, 1980;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 6, 2016.