 rying to decide
what type of long term care is right for you or a loved one can be a confusing and
frustrating process. In order to help you select the appropriate level of services,
the New Mexico Health Care Association (NMHCA) has developed the following chart
consisting of the different levels of care. By following the chart, you can
visualize where each type of care fits in the long term care continuum. Below the
chart we have listed each type of facility with a brief summary of services that type of
facility will offer. After you have an idea of what type of care is right for you or
your loved one then go to How do I Choose?
to help you select the
right type of facility.
Retirement/Independent
Living Facilities Provide:
- Living Accommodations and Meals Only
- Lowest Intensity Level of Service
Assisted
Living/Residential Care Facilities
Provide:
- 24-Hour Staff Protective Oversight
- Three Meals A Day in a Dining Room Type
Atmosphere
- Coordination of Personal and Social
Services
- Transportation
- Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Laundry
Services
- Medium Intensity Level of Services
Nursing
Facilities Provide:
- 24-Hour Nursing Care
- Rehabilitative Care
- Eligible to Participate in
Medicaid/Medicare Programs
- May Provide Sub-Acute Care
- Highest Intensity Level of Service
Skilled Nursing
Facilities Provide:
- 24-Hour Nursing Care
- Increased Emphasis on Rehabilitative
Therapy for Convalescent Patients
- May Provide Sub-Acute Care
- Eligible to Participate in
Medicare/Medicaid Programs
- Highest Intensity Level of Service
*Nursing facilities and skilled nursing
facilities are required to meet the same qualifications concerning level of service in
order to be certified by Medicare or Medicaid.
Intermediate Care
Facilities for the Mentally Retarded Provide:
- Comprehensive Psycho-Social Services
- Therapeutic Intervention
- Remedial Education
- A Homelike Setting
- Medium to High Intensity Level of Services
Please note:
Facilities that participate
in Medicare or Medicaid must meet National Fire Protection Association and Life Safety
Code and Federal Regulations for Long Term Care Facilities. |
