Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF's) are State licensed group homes for 5 or more unrelated adults.

CBRF's provide assisted living and health care services above normal room and board. (i.e. assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, nutrition, medications, health monitoring, safety and security, socialization and companionship in an environment that promotes and enhances independence.

Assisted living services may be provided up to 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Skilled nursing care (procedures that legally can only be done by a licensed or registered nurse) may be done three hours per week. If more is done, the Department of Health and Family Services may be contacted to grant an exception.

The philosophy of a CBRF is to provide and to keep each resident as dignified and independent as possible, while maintaining a feeling of safety and security.

Supportive living programs come in all shapes and sizes. They can be a renovated house to provide personal care for a small number of people or a newly built building with private apartments.

CBRF's are identified by license level or class. The licensure determines the type of residents that may reside in the facility.

When exploring CBRF options it is critical for the program to handle residents with a diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer's disease; specific ambulatory difficulties and the need for standby assistance.