CONTINUUM OF CARE

Continuum of care facilities offer elder residents the widest range of care options. Private independent living arrangements are the basic feature of such facilities, with services added in a la carte fashion to assist residents as necessary, from basic assistance with daily living activities through skilled nursing services usually only available from sub-acute nursing homes. Assistance with activities of daily living, including cleaning and laundry services, meals served in a common area, grounds maintenance, and security services are offered, as are social and recreational programs. Available health services range from personal care to rehabilitation, hospice, or Alzheimer's services.

The wide range of services available in a continuum of care facility makes them particularly suited to elders with progressive conditions that will cause them to decline over time, require increasing levels of care. The continuum of care facility offers the most flexible combination of independent living and care as residents' care needs increase over time. By offering a full range of care in one place, these facilities lessen the total number of times elder residents must move as their care needs increase.

Regulation of continuum of care facilities occurs at the state level and is variable from state to state. Some states regulate such facilities heavily, while others provide only minimal oversight. Facilities may undergo a voluntary accreditation process through the Continuum of Care Accreditation Committee. A contract is generally required to be signed prior to moving in, and fees for services will vary based on need, contract length and local market conditions.