Archive for January 5th, 2010

Posted on January 5, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

How Much Assistance the Elderly Need Determines the Type of Facility – Assisted Living, Intermediate Care or Skilled Nursing

Assisted Living Residences

These homes can go by many names and there is no single national definition for the Assisted Living Facility.  The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging definition is as follows: The Assisted Living program provides and/or arranges for daily meals, personal and other supportive services, health care and 24 hour oversight to persons residing in a group residential facility who need assistance with the activities of daily life.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services defines assisted living as a residential setting that provides either routine general protective oversight or assistance with activities necessary for independent living to mentally or physically limited persons.

This then can be a residential retirement care community, a section of a skilled nursing home, attached to a hospital or any of a number of small to very large communities.

These facilities mainly are for the independent elder who may need the assistance of a staff member for one or two activities of daily living.  Activities of Daily Living are bathing, dining, dressing, grooming, and toileting, getting in and out of chairs and walking. Usually if any assistance is needed for dispensing medication it is done by a non-licensed caregiver.

Intermediate Care Facility

This is a nursing facility usually for the elderly who need health services with supervision by nurses in addition to support or assistance with those before mentioned activities of daily living.  (bathing, dressing, dining, etc.) The main difference between Assisted Living and Intermediate care is the addition of the hands on nursing care and supervision. Care may be paid for by Medicaid in an Intermediate Care Facility but not always by Medicare.

Skilled Nursing Facility

A Skilled Nursing Facility is staffed 24/7 with round the clock nursing provided by Registered Nurses as well as Licensed Practical Nurses and the assistance of certified Nursing Assistants. As with Assisted Living and Intermediate care facilities assistance with activities of daily living is provided.  Care is prescribed by physicians and the focus is on medical nursing care as well as Social Services and Skilled Therapies. (Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)  This type of facility may be certified to participate in the Medicare Program.

Virginia Garberding R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance