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Is a Community-Based Residential Facility Right for My Parents?

Community-based residential facilities (CBRFs) are homes located in a community in which five or more unrelated people live. The services offered by a CBRF vary to some degree, but typically include room and board, supervision, and support services, and may include up to three hours of nursing care each week. This nursing care, however, should not be more than intermediate level nursing care. A CBRF can be very small, consisting of only five people, or rather large, consisting of as many as 257 people.

Individuals who live in CBRFs may include those with physical conditions related to aging, dementia, developmental disabilities, mental health problems, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, AIDS, substance abuse problems, pregnant women, and/or terminal illnesses. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) licenses and monitors CBRFs and ensures that they meet all state and federal regulations. CBRFs undergo biennial inspections, as well as additional inspections in response to complaints. DHS has the option of penalizing CBRFs that don’t comply with these regulations, including shutting the facility down if operating without a license, terminating employment of persons who previously had a revoked license, submitting and implementing a plan of correction, providing training, suspending, revoking, or removing a license, and appointing a monitor or receiver. All caregivers must have a background check every four years.

While these safeguards are in place to protect residents of CBRFs, there are additional steps that you still need to take in order to ensure that your loved one is safe from abuse or neglect. For instance, you or another trusted relative should visit your parent on a regular basis so that you can look for signs of abuse or neglect. You also should talk to your parent about their stay at the CBRF and take note of any complaints of abuse or neglect.

At Boller & Vaughan, we have investigated countless allegations of CBRF abuse and neglect, no matter what type of circumstances they entail. Allow us to look into the situation surrounding your case, discuss your options, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action for you and your family. Contact the Wisconsin CBRF attorneys of Boller & Vaughan, and learn how we can help.