The condition of the person seeking nursing care is the key factor in your
choice of a long-term care facility. All skilled/intermediate care nursing
facilities provide personal care and residential services including rooms,
meals, planned activities and programming to meet social and spiritual needs.
The levels of nursing and therapy services offered vary quite widely, and
these should be carefully matched to the individual's needs. The resident's
physician is involved regularly in the direction of a resident's care. The
nursing staff works with and keeps the resident's physician updated on any
changes in the resident.
Sheltered Care
People who are functionally independent but need some assistance in daily
living, require the care of a sheltered care facility (SC).
Sheltered care facilities emphasize the social needs of the individual rather
than the medical needs. Dietary and housekeeping services, medication
monitoring, and leisure activities are primary functions of these facilities.
Assisted Living
People who are mobile but may need assistance with one or two activities of
daily living, may require the services of an assisted living facility.
An assisted living facility is a congregate residential setting that provides
or coordinates personal services, 24-hour supervision and (scheduled and
unscheduled) assistance, activities, and health-related services; is designed to
minimize the need to move; is designed to accommodate individual residents'
changing needs and preferences; is designed to maximize residents' dignity,
autonomy, privacy, independence, choice, and safety; and is designed to
encourage family and community involvement.
Intermediate Care
People who need 24-hour nursing care by licensed nurses as prescribed by a
physician, require the care of an intermediate care facility (ICF).
Rehabilitative programs, social services and daily activities for persons not
capable of full independent living, (such as persons who are convalescing or
persons with chronic conditions which are not critical) are provided. Physical,
occupational and other therapies are also provided. This type of facility may be
certified to participate in the Medicare and/or Medicaid program. Check with
each facility.
Skilled Nursing Care
People who need 24-hour care require the care of a skilled nursing facility
(SNF).
Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Certified Nurse
Assistants (CNA) provide care and services prescribed by physicians with heavy
emphasis on medical nursing care. Social services, as well as physical,
occupational and other therapies are provided. This type of facility may be
certified to participate in the Medicare and/or Medicaid program. Check with
each facility.
The full article:
Elder
Care Services - Determining Your Level of Care