(a) Service definition for socialization.

1. (1) “Socialization” means the facilitation of client's involvement in activities to promote social interaction and reduce social isolation.

2. (2) This may be accomplished through activities which provide:

   1. (A) Personal enrichment;
   2. (B) Satisfying use of leisure time; or
   3. (C) Development of new skills or knowledge.

3. (3) Activities include:

   1. (A) Sports;
   2. (B) Arts;
   3. (C) Games;
   4. (D) Crafts;
   5. (E) Nutrition or other educational sessions; and
   6. (F) Group travel to activities such as contests, dances, visiting, and outreach.

(b) Unit definition.

1. (1) The unit for reporting is “session”.
2. (2) One (1) session equals a minimum of one (1) hour and does not have a maximum, but meaningful planned activities must be available for participants during this time.

(c) Service restrictions.

1. (1) Only one (1) session during normal hours of operation per client can be billed.
2. (2) If the client returns to facility during evening hours of same day, another session can be billed, with a maximum billing of two (2) sessions per twenty-four-hour day.
3. (3) In addition, this may not be reported under another component and may not include meals times (reported elsewhere).

(d) Goal of service. The purpose of socialization services for older persons is to:

1. (1) Offer activities to refresh the spirits and strength of program participants;
2. (2) Maintain or enhance self-sufficiency and personal independence;
3. (3) Increase physical and mental stimulation;
4. (4) Improve self-concept;
5. (5) Prevent loneliness, isolation, and disengagement from others;
6. (6) Encourage socialization and prevent monotony; and
7. (7) Develop a broad range of physical, mental, and social skills which can be used by older persons in self-initiated use of leisure time activities.

(e) Minimum standards.

1. (1) Each service provider offering socialization services must meet the following minimum standards:

   1. (A) A person qualified by work-related training or experience must be designated to supervise the service;
   2. (B) Satisfying procedures must be established to schedule and provide a range of socialization activities for older persons with adequate operating procedures to ensure proper management and accountability;
   3. (C) There must be adequate working space, staff, supplies, equipment, and operating procedures;
   4. (D) Adequate records must be maintained to:

(i) Record and evaluate service provisions and fiscal management; and

1. (ii) Provide a basis for required reports;

   1. (E) Satisfactory procedures must be established to protect confidentiality of records which include an older person's name and personal information, and to obtain and record the individual's informed consent prior to the release of personal information;
   2. (F) Satisfactory procedures must be established to objectively resolve service complaints and evaluate the quality of the services delivered, including services provided to handicapped or disabled older persons; and

   3. (G) Socialization activities are to be provided which are:

      1. (i) Varied so as to include activities which will appeal to all program participants and all levels of personal functioning;
      2. (ii) Designed to increase physical stamina among older persons;
      3. (iii) Designed to provide mental stimulation;
      4. (iv) Designed to provide social interaction;
      5. (v) An appropriate mix of opportunities for individual and group activities; and
      6. (vi) Varied so as to permit an increase of the skill level of each participant within a progressive (sequential) activity.

2. (2) Although not a minimum standard, it is anticipated that socialization activities will be supported by a mix of:

   1. (A) Community volunteers;
   2. (B) Older volunteers; and
   3. (C) Other public or private community resources.

(h) Access to service. The client may enter the service system at any point through appropriate referral or drop-in.

1. (i) Delivery characteristics. Each client shall have a client record to indicate:
2. (1) An application for service;
3. (2) Documentation of service rendered; and
4. (3) Authorization release, where appropriate.

(j) Staffing.

1. (1) There shall be a supervisor on duty for assistance to assigned staff.
2. (2) The staff shall be qualified to provide assistance and guidance in socialization activities.
3. (3) There shall be an annual evaluation of the staff by the supervisor in charge of personnel.
4. (4) The staff shall participate in on-going in-service training as scheduled.
5. (5) All workers must be able to carry out directions and instructions and keep simple records.