Types of Residential Care Facilities

There are three types of residential care facilities, all licensed as: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE). Take care not to confuse residential care facilities with Skilled Nursing Facilities. SNFs are sub-acute medical facilities that provide 24 hour nursing care, whereas RCFEs are typically non-medical.

1. Assisted Living Facilities:
These facilities accommodate from 30 to 200 people. They generally work better for people who are physically active and mentally alert allowing them to take advantage of the daily outings and activities that are offered. In an Assisted Living Facility, each resident has his or her own room with a private full bath. Meals are served in a central dining room. While twenty-four hour assistance is available, residents are otherwise on their own. Emergency assistance is accessed through a phone or intercom system in each room.

2. Board and Care Homes:
These are homes in the community that have been converted and licensed to accommodate usually up to six residents with one or more caregivers. Always look for facilities that have a minimum of two caregivers at any given time. Board and Care Homes generally work better for people who have more personal care needs, are more forgetful, suffer dementia or simply prefer a home-like environment. Help is always close at hand. Meals are served at the common dining room table. There is an activity schedule for socialization and exercise but usually less than in Assisted Living environments.

3. Dementia Care Facilities:
These facilities provide specialized care and supervision for people with significant memory loss. They are secured so if a resident tries to exit the facility, an alarm will sound. Twenty-four hour staffing is provided. Residents are required to have a primary diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease to be admitted.

Before any facility can be a part of our referral base, we review licensing records and complete an onsite tour. We consider the physical plant, the accommodation and services provided, the general location, the cost, the staff, and special skills of the staff/owner. Referral facilities are carefully selected and homes are reevaluated on a regular basis.