FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 30 : Functional Interior Options for Continuing Care & Nursing Care Environment

Introduction

These are a form of congregate housing that allow seniors to live in a private lifestyle that is independent from others in the community; however health care and other services are available for those who want them. These are geared toward more affluent elderly and are also intended to provide services on a graduated basis as required by residents. To cover the cost, residents are required to pay an initial fee and then a monthly fee for services. Certain groups have special needs and meeting the needs of these people is particularly challenging due to the duration and complexity of the disease process.

Quality of life for a resident is not just about the physical environment. It is about the social and cultural environment and how all work together. But no doubt the physical environment plays a large role in resident satisfaction. The current thinking in health planning emphasizes the concept of providing a spectrum of care and health facilities for the entire community. This spectrum includes general medical and surgical facilities, mental, rehabilitation and continuing care facilities (CCE). Continuing care facilities provide care beyond acute, short term medical and nursing care.

Assisted living facilities, which typically include both dining and some nursing services; and continuous care communities (CCRCs) which generally require substantial up-front entrance fees and provide separate independent, assisted, and skilled nursing units on site, usually for the lifetime of residents. Development of each of these communities can be by nonprofit or for-profit organizations, and can range from government assisted housing for low-income renters to private pay residents in affluent communities.

The Continuing care system of the future, must:

• Provide responsive and appropriate services to support individuals and their caregivers in remaining in the community
• Provide appropriate and high quality services in a residential setting for individuals who need this specialized environment
• Provide responsive and appropriate care to individuals who do not require the acute care setting, but do require a stay in a therapeutic environment prior to returning home
• Provide responsive and appropriate support to the caregiver
• Mobilize community based volunteers and agencies to provide the network of support necessary to individuals living in communities