Adult residential care refers to long-term care given to adults who stay in a residential setting rather than in their own home or family home. There are various residential care options available, depending on the needs of the individual. People with disabilities, mental health problems, learning difficulties, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or who are frail aged are often cared for at home by paid or voluntary caregivers, such as family and friends, with additional support from home care agencies. However, if home-based care is not available or not appropriate for the individual, residential care may be required.
Various forms of residential care are available for elderly people.
Adults may be placed in Adult Residential Facilities because of a disability, often a mental disability such as Down syndrome or Autism, which makes them unable to care for their daily needs.
Various forms of long-term residential care are available for elderly people. A person or couple who are able to take care of their daily needs may choose to live in a retirement apartment complex (“independent living”) where they function autonomously. They may choose to fix their own meals or have meals provided, or some combination of both.
Many residential facilities are designed for elderly people who do not need 24-hour nursing care but are unable to live independently. Such facilities may be described as assisted living facilities, board and care homes, or rest homes. They typically provide a furnished or unfurnished room, together with all meals and housekeeping and laundry service. Depending on the needs of the resident they also provide assistance with daily activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking. They are not considered to be medical facilities, but they do have to meet state standards for care and safety.
However, if home-based care is not available or not appropriate for the individual, residential care may be required.