Weekly Quote - "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss quote about life
Care Facilities Defined
An Independent Living Facility refers to a residence within a community of other seniors. The residence can range from a small private apartment to a small house. Independent Living facilities can also be referred to in a variety of ways. Communities allow one to maintain their independence but some basic services and activities are often provided such as laundry, cleaning, social events, outings and golf for example. An individual wanting to reside in an independent living facility must be able to manage their home and tend to their own personal needs.
An Assisted Living Facility offers some assistance with such things as bathing, dressing, and eating. Assistance with medications and ambulation to and from events and outings can also be provided. Assisted Living facilities are often like apartment living. A small kitchen or kitchenette is often available within each residence. Individuals may live alone or with a room mate. Assisted Living facilities allow an individual to maintain their independence but provides assistance as needed. Assisted Living facilities may provide intermittent nursing care and supervision. However, Assisted Living facilities do not provide 24 hour skilled nursing care.
An Adult Day Facility offers supervised care outside the individuals home during normal business hours. Typically, these facilities are not open on weekends and holidays. However, facilities do vary in their operating times. Adult day facilities offer social activities, transportation, meals, therapeutic activities, as well as personal and health assistance.
A Nursing Facility offers 24 hour skilled care. Some nursing facilities offer specialized care. Specialized care areas might include Alzheimer's disease, dementia or ventilator care. An individual may enter a nursing facility as a long-term resident or on a short term basis for rehabilitation services. Short term residents usually leave the living facility within a few weeks or months. While many nursing facilities serve senior adults many may also provide services for younger individuals with special needs such as disabilities. These facilities are state licensed and employ registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aids.
A Continuum of Care Facility offers the services of both a Nursing Facility and an Assisted Living Facility or Adult Day Facility. An individuals plan of care and room arrangements can be adjusted to meet changing needs as necessary. This type of facility might prevent the need for the individual to move to another facility as health needs change.
A Residential Care Facility offers assistance with meals, dining, bathing, and other personal needs in a living environment. Residential care facilities can not provide medical care assistance. However, they may assist with administering medications.
A Home Health Care facility offers personal and skilled care to individuals within their own place of residence. Skilled services are performed by health care professionals such as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist or social worker.
A Hospice Care facility offers supportive and palliative care to terminally ill individuals and their families. The focus on hospice care is on quality of life and comfort rather than on the curing of the disease. This care can take place in an individual's home or health facility.
A Respite Care facility offers short-term care for an individual. This care can last a few hours or a few weeks. This type of care is meant to provide the regular caregiver with an opportunity for rest. There is evidence that caregivers who take a break from the stresses of everyday care can help prevent incidents of neglect or abuse.
