What Is A Community Based Residential Facility?
    A home or apartment type setting where five or more unrelated adults live together.  The goal of the CBRF is to assist individuals in achieving the highest level of independence of which they are capable.  Different populations are targeted by the CBRF and some of these populations include:  elderly, Alzheimer's, emotionally and mentally disturbed, developmentally and physically disabled and veterans.  A CBRF is classified according to its size and the population it serves.

Who Needs A CBRF?
    Those who are having difficulties with independent living and with one or more of the following areas:  self care, diminishing health, physical or mental abilities, lack of community support services and family is unavailable to assist with care needs.

What Services Are Provided?
    A CBRF is required to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication, community and in-house activities, information and referral services, health monitoring and meals.  They are not required to have professional nurses on duty twenty-four hours a day but do have staff available at all times.  Additional services may be provided and be sure to inquire whether or not they are included in the monthly cost.

How Do I Pay For Services?
    Payments for care can come from a variety of resources including personal funds and public funding if a person is eligible.  The manager at the CBRF can assist with financial questions.

What Do I Look For When Touring A CBRF?
    Try to schedule a tour during the mid-day meal.  This is when the residents are up and available.  Be sure to see a room and note the spaciousness for personal items.  Also, observe the residents and their cleanliness, mood and interaction with the staff.  Also note the cleanliness and aesthetics of the CBRF.  If need be, schedule an unannounced visit in the evening.  Speak with the residents or their family members about life in the CBRF.

What Written Documentation Must A CBRF Have?
    The following documents assure quality care for the resident:  program statement which outlines the program/services available; admission agreement which is a contract between the facility and the resident/family; individual service plan which lists the services needed by the resident and services provided by the facility staff; resident rights which ensures respect and dignity of each resident; complaint procedure which is available to all residents to express their concerns.

What Is The Credibility Of A CBRF?
    All CBRF's are licensed and monitored by the state.  You can contact the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care at 1-800-242-1060 to determine the status of the facility that interests you, or you can visit the Bureau of Quality Assurance Website at: BQA

Scroll down to Manitowoc County for a complete listing of all CBRFs that are listed with the Bureau of Quality Assurance.