RCFE stands for Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. This is a nursing home level care. It is framed to assist the seniors and other powerless to carry out their regular and daily activities. These institutions differ from state to state and are addressed with different names like assisted living, residential care, parental care etc. This facility is designed for the people who can live and manage activities independently but with little aid and support. These are administered by either the non-profit or the for-profit organizations.
The range of facilities offered by the RCFE or so called assisted living homes include cleaning, bathing, help with using rest room, laundry, housekeeping etc. The homes mainly concentrate on the retired, older and the elder ones who cannot cook and carry out other activities. The RCFE offers services for a charge, which is comparatively cheaper than the nursing homes. These assisted living homes provide privacy living along with the communal interaction. The residents are provided with rooms which range from a single room and bathroom to a suite with amenities for entertainment.
RCFEs are mostly maintained by various agents in different states. The administrator, who holds responsibility for carrying out the activities, requires 40 hours certified training. Assisted living homes have a stock of medications that are distributed among the patients for self aid. The staff and nurses are not skilled as in a nursing homes and are present only to assist or provide minimal aid to the incapable. The assisted living centers do not match the requirements of bed ridden and other mentally ill patients such as patients of Alzheimer's etc.
The assisted living homes also provide recreation facilities to the residents, which help in developing bone strength and muscles. These facilities help in reducing the depression in elderly. Also other facilities like taking for a walk everyday, providing music and other entertainment amenities are also made available to the patients. For mentally ill patients, therapy dogs and other pets are arranged. These pets promote a friendly environment and change the patients' minds from general disturbances. Since the therapy dogs are specially trained, they can also help the patients in interacting with different people.
If you are looking for a RCFE for your loved ones, internet is the best source as there are numerous assisted living houses that can help you. Search for the kind of facilities you require and contact the staff. Talk to them personally in order to understand the care and facility provided. If possible, arrange a visit for your loved ones and let them spend some time there. Also check with the budget and the notice period for refund of amount in case of any change in plan or if you are not satisfied with the facilities. Have a copy of the latest inspection report that records facilities and last recorded complaints.
As the services provided by assisted living homes are not medical facilities, they are not included under Medicare and Medi-Cal pay. But L.A., Sacramento, San Joaquin residents can make use of the Medi-Cal for assisted living. So, enquire about all the facilities, budget, and other issues and plan accordingly.
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