Supported living is a sort of residential service that offers care and support to people who need help with everyday tasks but do not need round-the-clock medical attention. In the UK, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is in charge of regulating health and social care services, does not often regulate assisted living. The CQC also regulates other varieties of residential care facilities, and it’s critical to comprehend how they differ from one another.
Intermediate care facilities (ICFs) are one category of residential care institution that the CQC regulates. ICFs offer rehabilitation and short-term care to those who are recuperating from an illness or injury or who need extra help after being released from the hospital. ICFs may also include medical care, such as medication management and wound care, and are often staffed by healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and social workers.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is another category of residential care institution that is subject to CQC regulation. SNFs offer long-term care to those who require round-the-clock medical monitoring and assistance with daily tasks like feeding, dressing, and washing. SNFs may offer medical care such as wound care, medication management, and physical therapy and are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.
ARF certification refers to the adult residential facility, a category of residential care facility governed by the California Department of Social Services, which is an acronym for adult residential facility. Adults who need assistance with everyday activities including bathing, dressing, and eating are given care and support by ARFs. ARFs frequently have professional caregivers on staff, and they might also offer medical services including prescription administration and wound care. The facility must get ARF accreditation from the California Department of Social Services in order to run an ARF in the state of California.
In conclusion, while assisted living is typically exempt from the CQC’s regulations, other residential care facilities, such as ICFs and SNFs, are subject to the CQC’s oversight. It is crucial to comprehend the variations between these varieties of facilities and select the one that best suits your requirements. Additionally, it’s critical to confirm that any ARF facilities you are thinking about choosing in California have received ARF accreditation from the California Department of Social Services.