In an Intermediate Care Facility/Intellectual and Development Disabilities, the consumer is provided ongoing evaluation, 24-hour supervision, coordination and integration of health and rehabilitative services. In this residential setting, consumers learn daily living skills.

LIFE, Inc. operates ICF/IDD facilities for children and adults throughout eastern North Carolina.

Click here to find an ICF/IDD location near you.

ADULT CARE HOMES
Adult care homes are residences for aged and disabled adults who may require 24-hour supervision and assistance with personal care needs. People in adult care homes typically need a place to live, some help with personal care (such as dressing, grooming and keeping up with medications), and some limited supervision. Medical care may be provided on occasion but is not routinely needed. Medication may be given by designated, trained staff. These homes vary in size from family care homes of two to six residents to adult care homes of more than 100 residents. These homes were previously called “domiciliary homes.” Some people refer to them as “rest homes.” The smaller homes, with 2 to 6 residents, are still referred to as family care homes. In addition, there are Group Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults, which are licensed to house two to nine developmentally disabled adult residents.

Adult care homes are different from nursing homes in the level of care and qualifications of staff. They are licensed by the Division of Facility Services (Group Care Section) under State regulations and are monitored by Adult Home Specialists within county departments of social services.

To help low-income families pay for the cost of care in adult care homes, North Carolina operates the State-County Special Assistance Program. Recently, adult care homes have not only undergone a change in name but also in their source of funding and expectations for staff training. Medicaid is now a source of support for residents who qualify based on income and personal care needs. Personnel at county departments of social services can answer questions about the use of these funds.

DDA HOME
Group homes with the designation of DDA homes are designed to serve the adult consumer whose primary diagnosis is mental retardation or developmental disorder. This setting has as a primary function the improvement of consumers’ daily living skills and the promotion of community integration. In addition, the consumer is given the opportunity and encouragement to attempt vocational skill building and eventual vocational placement.

ALTERNATIVE FAMILY LIVING (AFL)
The Alternative Family Living program provides a residential service for one adult to live with a family in a natural setting. The focus of this placement is to give individualized support which can best be promoted within a stable family relationship. The family is able to assist the consumer in achieving success by improving his/her sense of self by achieving goals, including daily living skills and appropriate socialization within the family and in the larger community.