When looking for a facility to care for an elderly loved families may struggle to understand the difference between a CBRF and a nursing home. Here, we will examine the differences between the two, including what services each provides and how they are defined by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
We will also review what you should do if you suspect that a loved one is being abused in a nursing home or CBRF. If you believe this to be the case, please get in touch with the Madison nursing home abuse attorneys at Boller & Vaughan today.
When looking at the difference between a CBRF and a nursing home, it is important to understand how each is defined. A nursing home, as defined by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is “A place where five or more people (who are not related to the operator) live because they need 24-hour nursing care.”
These facilities are licensed by the Department of Health Services and must comply with state and federal regulations at all times.
Many families choose to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home because their care needs are too great for the family to manage on a daily basis. This can include serious physical limitations, such as arthritis, or mental conditions, such as dementia.
Regardless of the reason, nursing homes are designed to meet the needs of aging individuals who are no longer able to care for themselves and usually need some degree of specialized, regular daily care.
Nursing homes provide regular medical care and attention, including:
But they also help their residents with daily needs, such as bathing and grooming, dressing, and toileting. They will also provide meals – tailored to a resident’s dietary restrictions – along with housekeeping, laundry, and more.
Beyond watching over the physical health and hygiene needs of residents, most nursing homes also provide social and recreational activities, including exercise classes, outings, and other opportunities for community socialization.
A significant difference between a CBRF and a nursing home is that while also a type of assisted living facility, CBRFs – unlike nursing homes – do not provide 24-hour nursing care.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, CBRFs “are places where five or more unrelated people live together in a community setting.” The Wisconsin State Legislature further defines CBRFs as giving care to people who “do not require care above intermediate level nursing care” and require no more than 3 hours of care per week.
However, CBRFs do still require proper licensure, inspection, and regulation from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Another difference between a CBRF and a nursing home is that CBRFs provide far fewer medical services than nursing homes. According to the Department of Health Services, they typically only provide room and board, supervision, and support services.
However, the list of services that some CBRFs provide can be quite extensive, including:
Many CBRFs also have extensive community programming, including activities centered around exercise, entertainment, and wellness programs. We recommend reviewing a CBRF’s literature for a full list of services and activities provided.
While CBRFs do not provide the same level of attention or care as nursing homes, residents of CBRFs – just like nursing home residents – do experience various forms of neglect and abuse.
If you suspect this to be the case with your loved one, you need to take some important steps right away:
Being proactive is extremely important if you suspect abuse; you should never wait and hope that a situation resolves itself – after all, it might continue to get worse.
Another step you should take if you suspect abuse is to get in touch with a nursing home abuse attorney. An attorney will help you evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and – if appropriate – pursue compensation against the nursing home or CBRF for the damages you and your loved one have sustained.
After all, the consequences of nursing home abuse can be significant, including medical bills, the cost of moving your loved one, the pain and suffering they have experienced, and more.
Having a trusted, compassionate attorney at your side, fighting for your rights, can be very beneficial as you navigate your legal options and path forward.
To get started, call the nursing home abuse lawyers at Boller & Vaughan today at (608) 268-0268 for a FREE consultation and we’ll be here for you. Boller & Vaughan proudly serves clients in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.