Every person deserves the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, purpose, and meaningful connections. For some adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), achieving that goal requires a higher level of support than traditional residential services can provide.
At Cedar Lake, we understand that every individual’s needs are unique. While many adults thrive in supported living arrangements or Family Home Provider settings, others require more comprehensive care and supervision to support their health, safety, and overall well-being.
This is where an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) can play an important role.
What Is an Intermediate Care Facility?
An Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) is a residential setting that provides 24-hour support and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require a more intensive level of assistance.
Unlike a hospital or nursing facility, an ICF is designed to be a home where individuals receive ongoing support while continuing to participate in daily activities, build relationships, and engage in meaningful experiences.
ICFs are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals who require continuous support due to significant intellectual, developmental, medical, behavioral, or physical challenges.
The goal is not simply to provide care. The goal is to help individuals experience the highest possible quality of life while receiving the support they need to thrive.
Who Benefits from Intermediate Care Facility Services?
An ICF may be appropriate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require substantial support throughout the day and night.
This may include individuals who need assistance with:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Mobility and physical support
- Medication administration
- Healthcare coordination
- Behavioral support needs
- Communication challenges
- Daily living activities
- Health and safety monitoring
Some individuals may have complex medical conditions or support needs that make more independent residential settings difficult to maintain safely.
For these individuals, an Intermediate Care Facility provides the structure, consistency, and professional support needed to ensure stability and well-being.
What Makes Cedar Lake’s Approach Different?
At Cedar Lake, support goes beyond meeting basic needs.
We believe every individual deserves opportunities for growth, connection, and personal fulfillment regardless of the level of support they require.
Our Intermediate Care Facility services focus on the whole person, not simply the disability.
That means creating opportunities for individuals to:
- Build meaningful relationships
- Participate in activities they enjoy
- Engage with their community
- Develop skills and independence when possible
- Experience dignity and choice in everyday life
Every support plan is individualized to reflect the person’s strengths, interests, goals, and needs.
Around-the-Clock Support with a Person-Centered Approach
One of the primary benefits of an Intermediate Care Facility is access to continuous support.
Cedar Lake’s ICF services provide 24-hour care and supervision from trained professionals who understand the unique needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Support may include:
Personal Care Assistance
Individuals may receive support with:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Eating
- Mobility
- Daily routines
Medication Management
Proper medication administration is an important part of maintaining health and stability. Trained staff help ensure medications are managed safely and consistently.
Healthcare Coordination
Many individuals receiving ICF services have ongoing healthcare needs.
Cedar Lake helps coordinate:
- Physician appointments
- Therapy services provided on-site
- Specialist visits
- Health monitoring
- Communication between care providers
Behavioral and Emotional Support
Some individuals benefit from additional behavioral supports that help them navigate challenges and maintain positive routines.
Support strategies are developed with each individual’s needs and goals in mind.
Opportunities for Growth and Engagement
Receiving a higher level of support does not mean opportunities for growth stop.
At Cedar Lake, individuals receiving Intermediate Care Facility services are encouraged to remain active participants in their lives and communities.
Depending on individual interests and abilities, opportunities may include:
- Recreational activities
- Arts and creative programs
- Social events
- Community outings
- Health and wellness activities
These experiences help individuals remain engaged, connected, and involved in meaningful ways.
Supporting Families Through Every Stage of Life
For many families, exploring residential options can be emotional.
Parents and caregivers often worry about what will happen when they are no longer able to provide the same level of support their loved one needs.
An Intermediate Care Facility can provide reassurance that a loved one will continue receiving compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment.
Families often find comfort knowing that:
- Professional support is available 24 hours a day
- Health and safety needs are monitored
- Individuals have opportunities for engagement and enrichment
- Care plans are tailored to individual needs
- Their loved one is part of a caring community
How Intermediate Care Facilities Fit Into Long-Term Planning
Many families begin exploring ICF services as part of their future planning efforts.
As parents age or support needs increase, it is important to understand what residential options are available and how those options align with an individual’s long-term goals.
For some individuals, community-based residential services may continue to meet their needs for many years. For others, an Intermediate Care Facility may provide the level of support necessary to maintain safety, stability, and quality of life.
Understanding these options before they become urgently needed can help families make informed decisions with confidence.
Cedar Lake’s Commitment to Lifelong Support
For more than 50 years, Cedar Lake has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living meaningful lives filled with opportunity, dignity, and connection.
Our Intermediate Care Facility services are part of a broader continuum of care that allows individuals to receive the support that best matches their needs at every stage of life.
Whether an individual benefits from supported living, a Family Home Provider, community-based programming through the Cedar Lake Enrichment Center, or Intermediate Care Facility services, our focus remains the same: Helping each person experience belonging, independence, personal growth, and the highest possible quality of life.
Because every individual deserves a place where they are supported, valued, and empowered to live a life of purpose.
Learn about the Cedar Lake wait list process.
