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Types of Residential Care |
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC's) CCRC's are "housing communities that provide different levels of care based on the needs of their residents --from independent living apartments to skilled nursing in an affiliated nursing home. Residents move from one setting to another based on their needs, but continue to remain a part of their CCRC's community. Many CCRC's require a large payment prior to admission, and then charge monthly fees above that."1 CCRC's often have several different payment options from life-care contracts to rental-type agreements. Upon admission residents usually must be ambulatory and capable of self-care. In Virginia CCRC's assisted living units are regulated by the Department of Social Services and their nursing home units are regulated by the Virginia Department of Health. The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission in Washington, DC is the only accrediting commission for non-profit and for-profit continuing care retirement communities. Adult Care Residences Licensed adult care residences in Virginia include residential facilities of four or more persons, who, because of age or disability, cannot function in an independent living arrangement. Services include assistance with personal hygiene, assistance in performing housekeeping chores, administration of medication, and supervision in carrying out the basic activities of daily living. Adult care residences are licensed and inspected by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Assisted living is defined by the Virginia Standards and Regulations for Licensed Adult Care Residences as a "level of service provided by an adult care residence for adults who may have physical or mental impairments and require at least moderate assistance with the activities of daily living. Included in this level of service are individuals who are dependent in behavior pattern (i.e., abusive, aggressive, disruptive) as documented on the uniform assessment instrument." Nursing Homes Nursing homes provide medical, nursing, and personal care to individuals who are incapacitated due to health problems. Residents require twenty-four hour care. Facilities usually distinguish between two levels of care, skilled and custodial (or intermediate). Skilled care is often short-term for rehabilitation or a skilled nursing need such as IV therapy. Custodial care provides assistance with most activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, bathing, ambulation, medication administration, as well as providing activity and social service programs. Nursing homes will require financial and medical information prior to admission and the nursing home assesses the level of care required. If the patient is on Medicaid, or will be eligible for Medicaid within six months of admission, the State of Virginia requires that Social Services completes a form called the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI). If this is required the nursing home admissions director, or your social worker can direct you to the person who will complete this form. Nursing homes are inspected annually by the Virginia Department of Health. The Virginia Department of Aging coordinates the ombudsman programs. Ombudsman are patient advocates and their volunteers visit nursing homes weekly. They will also assist with resolving and investigating complaints and providing information. Additionally they work with Adult Care Residences and Home Health Agencies. The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association does have lists of all of the above types of facilities within our Chapter territory. If you have questions or require further information please call the Chapter office at 703-359-4440 or 800-207-7679. * * * * * * 1 -- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration, Medicare and Medicaid Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home, April 1996. In the Northern Virginia Chapter Service Area, for more information about Types of Residential Care, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-207-8679. Outside Northern Virginia, please contact your local Chapter.
Last updated: March 1, 1999
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