
Across the state of Ohio, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) play a vital role in the care of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities who require intensive, specialized support. These facilities are designed to provide both medical and behavioral care, along with daily living assistance, in a structured environment that enhances the well-being and development of the individuals they serve.
The driving mission of these homes is to provide both medical care and daily living support, offering an environment that meets the complex and unique needs of each resident.
You have the right to make choices about your life. You have the right to make choices about where you live and who you live with. You can choose to live in an intermediate care facility. These are sometimes called ICF for short.
Some key features include:
- A group of people live together at an ICF location.
- Every ICF looks different, but usually people who live in an ICF share a bedroom.
- ICFs have staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- There is always someone to help in an emergency.
How to Move into an ICF/DD:
There is a requirement of pre-admission counseling for all individuals who are contemplating this move. This pre-admission counseling is a meeting with a service and support administrator or SSA. This administrator is from the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This SSA will meet with the individual/families to make sure all involved parties understand what services are available when residing in an ICF.
After pre-admission counseling if an individual chooses to live in a specific ICF, staff from that ICF will contact the individual in order to talk about moving in. At this point, individuals and families will start working with specific ICF staff members called a qualified intellectual disabilities professional (QIDP).
The QIDP will talk with individuals, family members, or other people who support the individual. The goal is to learn about an individual’s strengths, goals and any areas in which he or she will need help from the ICF’s staff.
How Do ICFs Help:
However, the question is sometimes asked, how do intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) support personalized care needs?
Here’s why ICF/IID homes are so important in providing specialized care:
- Comprehensive, Round-the-Clock Care
Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities often need continuous support, and ICF/IID homes offer 24/7 care. This ensures that residents receive the attention they need at all times, whether for basic daily activities like bathing and eating, or for managing medical conditions and treatments. The presence of a dedicated, trained staff helps ensure that care is consistent and immediate.
- Specialized Medical and Behavioral Support
Many individuals in ICF/IID homes have complex medical or behavioral needs that require specialized treatment. These homes provide access to a wide range of services, including medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral health services. The professional staff, such as nurses and therapists, are trained to meet the specific needs of each resident, ensuring that their physical, emotional, and psychological health is carefully managed.
- Tailored Care Plans
ICF/IID homes develop individualized care plans for each resident, focusing on their unique needs and goals. These plans are crafted in collaboration with family members, caregivers, and medical professionals to ensure that the care provided aligns with the individual’s specific requirements, helping them live as fully and independently as possible. Personalized plans ensure that treatment and support evolve as the resident’s needs change over time.
- Focus on Skill Development and Independence
While ICF/IID homes provide continuous care, they also emphasize helping individuals develop life skills and independence. Programs within these facilities often include training in self-care, communication, and social interaction, which helps residents build confidence and improve their quality of life. The goal is to help individuals achieve as much autonomy as possible, despite their need for specialized support.
- Safe, Structured Living Environment
ICF/IID homes provide a stable and structured environment, designed to offer safety and comfort for individuals with disabilities. Many residents have medical conditions or behavioral challenges that make living in less structured settings difficult. ICF/IID facilities are equipped to handle these challenges, ensuring that residents have access to the care and resources they need without compromising their safety or well-being.
- Support for Families and Caregivers
ICF/IID homes provide relief and peace of mind for families and caregivers who may struggle to meet the intensive needs of their loved ones. Families often find comfort in knowing their relative is receiving professional, specialized care in an environment that promotes health and development. This support allows families to maintain their own well-being, while ensuring their loved one is receiving high-quality care.
- Integration with Community Services
Many ICF/IID homes work closely with community programs and services, offering residents opportunities to engage in community activities and build social connections. This integration helps individuals develop social skills and feel connected to the wider world, which is an essential part of emotional and psychological well-being.
Conclusion:
ICF/IID homes provide an essential service for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require specialized care. These homes offer a blend of medical support, daily living assistance, and skill-building activities in a safe, structured environment.
The individualized care plans and professional staff help ensure that each resident’s unique needs are met, while also promoting their independence and quality of life. For families and caregivers, ICF/IID facilities offer peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the highest level of care and support.
ICF/IID Homes at Team RMS:
In the Team RMS family of companies, RMS Inc operates all Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF /DD). These group homes serve individuals with more significant physical, medical, and/or behavioral needs that require 24-hour a day care and support.
Currently, RMS Inc operates six ICF/DD group homes. These locations contain a maximum of eight individuals in each home. This creates a better environment and allows for a more family-like setting. Residents of RMS Inc’s group homes receive assistance with activities of daily living, medication administration, personal hygiene, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping services, assistance with medical appointments, nursing support and psychological services.
All program participants must have a developmental disability to receive RMS residential services.
Individuals requiring residential service must have a developmental disability, be at least 18 years of age, and meet Medicaid requirements for an ICF/IID level of care. Medicaid, private funds or County Board of Developmental Disabilities funding will be accepted.
About Team RMS:
RMS Inc is part of the Team RMS family of companies. We believe that every person has their own unique strengths and abilities. This principle guides our agency to provide a range of flexible programs that provide the right balance of service and support for the individuals that we serve.
At Team RMS, our programs combine personal choice and community integration, while ensuring professional oversight, family involvement and stability. Our services and programs are provided in a wide variety of community settings. We offer the individuals that we serve experienced clinical, medical, behavioral and personal supportive services.
Have a question?
If you have questions about our services and would like to learn more, reach out to us!