Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
What is an intermediate care facility (ICF)?
An intermediate care facility (ICF) is a place that offers long-term care, such as nursing and supportive care, to its residents. This care is provided on a doctor’s orders.
ICFs provide care for patients living with mental health conditions or declining health which makes it so they cannot provide this care for themselves. In general, those in an ICF require lower levels of care than those at a skilled nursing facility, but more care and attention than those who live in a residential care facility.
In addition to nurses, some ICFs may also employ physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, or social workers to make regular visits.
How are ICFs important in healthcare?
ICFs provide a place for those who need rehabilitative assisted living, such as patients with declining health or adults living with mental health disabilities that require daily assistance and occasional monitoring.
Some of the tasks which ICFs can help residents with include:
- Using the restroom
- Getting dressed or undressed
- Daily hygiene
- Showering and bathing
- Washing laundry
- Moving around the facility
- Housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Transportation to and from appointments and activities
This helps ensure that residents are well-cared for and living safely while still having a place to live and call their own.