Is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) a Good Choice for My Elderly Loved One?

A Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RFCE) is an elder care facility located in residential neighborhoods that have 4 to 6 elderly people living together with 1 or more live-in caregivers. Levels of care vary for every RCFE and could be adjusted for the level of care your elderly loved one needs at varying times in their life.

RCFEs offer a variety of room settings from completely private with private bathrooms to shared rooms with community bathrooms. Whatever the room arrangement, seniors are typically able to move in their furniture and other necessities, providing them with a sense of ownership in their settings. If they have a private room, it may be just like the bedroom they enjoyed in their own home, only they are well cared for and will typically have their cooking, laundry and cleaning done for them.

Even if a RCFE sounds like a good choice for your elderly loved one initially, there are some things to consider before beginning to look for a facility to place your elderly loved one, such as:

• What level of care does my elderly loved one need?
  RCFEs vary in the level of care they provide for their residents. However, if your loved one needs around the clock medical care, a RCFE is not a good choice for them. Their needs would be better met in a nursing home. If your elderly loved one simply needs some supervision, companionship, and reminders to take their medicine at the correct time a RCFE may be too boring or restricting for them; an assisted living facility may be a better choice.


• If your elderly loved one has dementia, some RCFEs may not be prepared to care for them.
  Some RCFE caregivers are not trained to care for residents with dementia. There may be state regulations concerning the RCFEs ability to take in seniors with dementia. It may be wise to ask the RCFE about their policy and regulations if dementia is a problem.


• If your elderly loved one has an infectious or communicable disease, many RCFEs will not accept them.
  As RCFEs are small communities with residents who are susceptible to disease. In the best interest of their other residents, they may not accept your elderly loved one if they have an infectious or communicable disease, like MRSA.


• Most RCFEs do require a deposit, and may require first and last month's rent.
  Are you prepared to cover up front costs? As well, while RCFEs are typically more reasonable than an assisted living facility, some or most insurances will not cover the cost. You may need to check with your elderly loved one's insurance company and the RCFE administrator to see what policies are in place.


• Do you think a smaller setting would benefit your elderly loved one?
  Because there are only 4 to 6 residents in a facility, a more active or social senior may become bored or disheartened by such a small community. However, if your elderly loved one needs more intensive care than a larger community can provide this may be the best option for them.

If you do choose an RCFE for your elder care needs, be sure that the facilities you choose are currently licensed by your state, if mandated to be, and that you visit each one with your loved one before you make any final decisions.