A commonly overlooked area of senior health is proper skin care. Skin is our first line of defense from toxins, bacteria, and injury. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to scratches, bruising, and infection. It is critical for longevity and high quality of life to treat our skin well, and not just for aesthetic purposes. For seniors, products that once worked might not have the same effect that they used to. This is why extra care and sustained attention must be paid to proper skin treatment.

The Risks of Poor Skin Care

In addition to being at heightened risk of contracting skin cancer, seniors are more likely to develop the following conditions without proper care:

Senile Purpura presents as purplish spots that appear most often on the arms and legs due to the thinness of the elder person’s skin and frailty of the capillaries and blood vessels.

Exfoliative Dermatitis is characterized by excessive peeling and shedding of skin. It is of particular concern in the elderly because the severe itching can lead to broken skin and subsequent infections.

Stasis Dermatitis is more common in elderly women than men and is characterized by dry, itchy skin.

To prevent skin infections, help your residents with the following tips and guidelines to promote overall skin health. Depending on the individual, you may need to assist them in practicing these routines. However, always check with the primary care physician or the resident’s dermatology specialist before making any changes to their medical, nutritional, or overall health care plan.

Hydration

In order to prevent or cure dry skin, it’s important to make sure each of your residents consume enough water and other fluids. Eight glasses of water per day is a standard recommendation. On hot days, be sure your residents take in  more to compensate for sweat loss. Also be mindful of environments with excessively dry air. Utilizing a humidifier can be helpful if air conditions are too dry. In addition, applying moisturizers, lotions, creams, or other beneficial ointments on a daily basis is important to keep skin healthy and reverse the effects of aging. Incorporating this as part of their daily routine, with the approval of the attending physician, can help keep residents’ skin strong and less likely to peel, crack, or dry out.

Enforce Safety Precautions

Sun protection should be one of the highest priorities to promote healthy skin. The sun’s rays make our skin age quicker; this effect is known by dermatologists as photoaging. Be sure to keep your residents out of direct sun exposure between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. Keep them covered when outside; have them dressed in pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and long sleeves. Sunglasses help reduce fine lines around our eyes and even protect the eyes themselves. Utilize a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers a protection of SPF 30 (or higher). Verify that the sunscreen is water resistant to avoid running off from sweat.  Even keeping them in shady areas will help reduce the risk of sun overexposure.

Additionally, the skin begins to wrinkle over time. Environmental factors, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, can make the skin less elastic. Contaminants like cigarette smoke and smog can increase the stress put on your skin. If there are residents who do smoke, educating them and even their families (if involved) about the all-encompassing dangers and effects of smoking/tobacco use is beneficial to encourage a change toward healthier habits.

Staying ahead of health concerns before they progress is critical. Check your resident’s skin at least once a month for signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful, therefore the resident likely won’t complain or indicate there is a problem. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a bleeding mole, or moles/growths that appear oddly-colored, asymmetrical, or have irregular edges.

Nutrition

The skin benefits from proper nutrition just like the rest of our body. This is why everybody, especially seniors, should eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods are immensely beneficial to an overall healthy body and healthy skin. Foods rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E, and K are especially important, including melons, berries, walnuts, salmon, and avocados. Click here to learn more about creating a full nutritional plan for your residents.

It’s also advisable to avoid foods with excessive sugar. Simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and white bread products cause insulin levels to spike which causes inflammation throughout the body. During inflammation, our bodies break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging in our skin.

This is also why everyone needs to be on the same page with the individualized healthcare plan. The attending dietician will adjust the resident’s diet and provide supplemental options according to the medical needs of the individual.

Beyond nutrition, creating safe senior exercise programs will also promote greater health and wellness – not just for the senior’s skin – but his or her overall physical and mental health.

Avoid Over-Washing

Vigorously scrubbing skin or washing with water that is too hot can damage skin and cause irritation. Utilizing a mild, fragrance-free bath soap is ideal to prevent irritation, especially for residents with more sensitive skin. Follow the cleaning and hygiene protocol according to your specific facility, and ask for further guidance if a question or issue arises concerning a particular resident or their circumstances.

Overall Health

Maintaining good overall health is one of the best ways to ensure healthy skin. Getting enough sleep provides your residents’ bodies time to rest and renew themselves. It is also advised that you have your residents participate in regular exercise to promote good cardiovascular health, which helps cuts down on the inflammation.

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Assisted Living Education is dedicated to providing the highest quality education and continuing education for those in the elder care field. We offer the most in-depth certification and online training programs available with instructors possessing years of real-world and research-backed knowledge. Learn more about RCFE certifications, online training, or visit our contact page to reach us directly.

Many residential care facilities for the elderly emphasize resident safety. For example, RCFEs prioritize fall prevention, security, and other measures. However, disaster preparation might not get the same level of attention that it deserves. The good news is that informed preparation can go a long way if you own or operate such a facility. Similarly, if you’re exploring or completing education regarding senior care communities, your RCFE education should include disaster training.

1. Meet State Requirements

In California, Title 22, Section 87212 and Health and Safety Codes 1569.695 cover emergency disaster plans. RCFEs also need a current LIC 610E and facility sketch.

It’s important to learn about these requirements, among others, when you start an assisted living business. The guidelines cover areas such as utility shutoff, resident assembly points, and making disaster plans available to residents and others. Many of these requirements can be found below.

2. Train Staff

Your facility needs a comprehensive disaster binder. It should include contingencies for different types of disasters and various types of contact information. Staff members must know where it is and what information is in it. Here’s an overview of a disaster training module that ALE offers. It covers much of what to include in your binder.

• During regular reviews of your disaster plan, ensure that staffers’ first aid cards are current. Hold quarterly fire and disaster drills for each shift.
• Staff training should cover areas such as utility shut offs and emergency exits (including those leading directly outside).
• Train staff on how to work with residents who have dementia or who are bedridden. For example, how to evacuate them? How to supervise them?
• Orientation for new employees should cover disaster procedures.
• Residents and their family members should get disaster training, too.

Have a plan for keeping residents’ family members in the loop. Staff training should include who contacts DSS, families, hospice, doctors, and others, as well as what contact channels to use.

3. Prepare for Specific Disasters as Well as General Disasters

There are two types of disaster conditions: internal and external. As the name implies, internal disasters originate inside RCFEs. Fire is one example, and RCFE caregiver training needs to include preparedness and response for fire situations. These trainings come with unique prevention strategies, like changing smoke detector batteries at least once a year.

Power, water, and gas outages are other types of internal disasters that you should prepare and train for.

External disasters originate outside of the facility. Earthquakes and heat waves (or extreme heat), for example, fall under the category of external disasters and should be included in your training.

4. Go Online and Stay Current

Store all documents online as soon as you can so that emergency responders, residents’ caregivers, family members, and others can access what they need to, when they need it. Of course, this registry needs to be secure and compliant with regulations. Staff members must input details about medication changes and ADL care notes in this registry.

Both online and physical disaster plans need to be kept complete and up-to-date at all times. For example, it’s crucial to keep your resident rosters current and include ability details, such as whether a resident is bedridden. DSS Form LIC 9020 can serve as your resident roster. Other good information to include:

• LIC 601s (emergency information)
• Physician reports
• Medication lists
• Insurance cards
• DNRs, POLSTs, and similar orders

5. Encourage Individual Disaster Kits

It’s a good idea for each resident to have their own kit. These can include:

• Contact information of the resident’s doctor
• Extra ID bracelets
• Copies of power of attorney and other legal documents
• Copies of medical details about the resident’s condition and current medications
• Copies of Social Security and insurance cards

The kits should be accessible, with waterproof bags for the documents and medications.

6. Remain Up-to-Date

RCFE administrators need to stay current on their training, too. Stay in touch with local contacts such as the fire department and your Red Cross chapter. They can help with disaster prevention, preparation, mitigation, and training.

RCFE staff should be trained in emergency procedures, especially evacuation preparedness.

7. Prioritize Evacuations

There’s a lot involved to facilitate smooth evacuations. If you have only one evacuation site, what happens if it’s inaccessible? It’s crucial to designate at least two sites for evacuation.

You must also evacuate medications and support devices as well as residents. Keep in mind that some medications may need refrigeration. Having online medication records for the residents can be vital, so start building online files if you do not have them already.

Some residents may be able to evacuate using walkers and wheelchairs. Staffers may also be able to roll some residents out in their beds. Carries include hip, saddle, and blanket. Educate RCFE caregivers about these and have them practice using them regularly.

Transportation is an important consideration. Will residents leave the premises in cars or by bus? If by bus, you should triage residents for specific buses. 

Load residents who can move on their own first. The last residents to load should be the ones who need the most support. They should also be the first to unload at the destination. Try to put roommates together on the bus since familiarity can be a great asset in a difficult time.

8. Plan for a Smooth Reentry

Evacuations may have gone well, and all residents are safe. However, your work is not quite done. A chaotic, jumbled reentry can pose safety issues that jeopardize your RCFE license. Your disaster plan should be able to answer questions such as these.

• Who authorizes reentry?
• What are the RCFE inspection procedures, and how do you determine whether returning is safe?
• How do you transport residents back?

Some residents may have trauma from what happened (transfer trauma or relocation stress syndrome). Watch for signs of this trauma, and remember that these situations affect residents differently. Distress may also occur when residents move into your RCFE for the first time from home, so administrators and staffers may just need to tap into already-established support skills.

9. Plan for Sheltering in Place

Aim for your RCFE to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (about three days) during a disaster. Think about food and resident activities as well as employees who may worry about their families. If you lose power, what happens when residents use motorized scooters, oxygen, or nebulizers? These are crucial aspects to consider.

Emergency call buttons probably won’t work during power outages. You can try to compensate with strategies such as constant supervision of residents with dementia, hourly checks on other residents, or whistles and bells.

For food, DSS mandates two days of perishables and seven days of nonperishables. The requirements do not explicitly mention water. It’s a good practice  to have a three-day supply of water, with about a gallon of water per resident every day. Don’t forget to include your staff in preparing for emergency supplies.

Get Training for Your RCFE

Whether you already operate your RCFE or want to be an administrator someday, comprehensive, professional response training can open many doors. At Assisted Living Education, we offer many certification and training (CEU) opportunities.

Learn more today about disaster preparation, dementia plans of operation, RCFE regulations, and much more.

Choosing a residential care facility for a loved one is a significant decision, especially in California, where there are many residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) to choose from. Families seek comfort in knowing their loved ones receive the best care possible in their golden years. 

But what distinguishes the best RCFEs and their caregivers from the rest? 

This article delves into seven key traits the top facilities and their caregivers in California share, which enable high-quality care and a nurturing environment for residents. Understanding these differences will help you better prepare for your RCFE administrator certification.

What is an RCFE?

RCFEs are long-term care facilities providing housing, supervision, and assistance for elderly individuals. They offer a home-like environment and fall between independent living and skilled nursing care. 

In California, RCFEs are regulated by the Department of Social Services (CDSS). They vary in size and services offered, catering to residents’ needs, such as memory care for those with dementia. RCFEs aim to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for elderly residents while ensuring their safety and well-being.

But once you’ve passed your RCFE administrator classes there are  many intangibles that make a good assisted living administrator which can be read here.

1. Compassionate and Empathetic Staff

At the heart of every exceptional RCFE are caregivers who possess genuine compassion and empathy. These caregivers understand the numerous challenges the elderly face and approach their roles with warmth and understanding. 

Such a disposition toward caregiving is underpinned by empathetic communication. Caregivers take the time to listen to residents, validate their feelings, and provide comfort when appropriate. Whether assisting with daily tasks or simply lending a listening ear, good caregivers help create a sense of belonging and security for residents.

Importantly, while some caregivers and staff possess this empathic outlook without training, top RCFEs provide training in empathic communication. Sometimes, residents experience challenging and painful life circumstances and may become abrasive toward others or difficult to work with. 

These situations can lead to well-intentioned but unprepared staff interacting with residents in a conflictual manner. 

Facilities should provide  specific instruction and guidance to prepare staff to handle difficult situations with residents in a caring and thoughtful manner. Compassionate care goes beyond meeting physical needs; it encompasses emotional support and understanding. 

Staff members in top-notch facilities undergo training to develop their empathy skills, learning to understand and respond to each resident’s unique circumstances. 

They recognize that transitioning to assisted living can be a challenging experience for seniors, and they strive to make this transition as smooth and comforting as possible and know how to avoid becoming reactive in difficult situations.

2. Prioritizing Individualized Care Plans

No two residents are alike, and the best RCFEs recognize this fact by offering individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences. 

These care plans are developed in collaboration with the resident, their family members, and appropriate healthcare professionals to ensure that all aspects of the resident’s needs are addressed. It’s vital in this environment to support the emotional well-being of the senior residents. 

From assistance with medication management to specialized memory care programs, these facilities prioritize personalized attention to ensure that residents receive the appropriate level of support while maintaining their independence and dignity. 

Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to accommodate changes in the resident’s health status or preferences, ensuring they continue receiving the best possible care as their needs evolve.

Good RCFE staff members create health and exercise programs for their senior residents

3. Focusing on Wellness and Activities

Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional wellness is paramount for elderly residents. A top RCFE facility in California goes beyond just meeting basic needs; they prioritize wellness by emphasizing key wellness factors:

• Exercise programs
• Engaging activities and mental stimulation
• Social events designed to promote overall well-being

Regular exercise is essential for seniors to maintain mobility, strength, and balance. It is important to offer fitness activities tailored to the needs and abilities of residents, ranging from gentle yoga and tai chi to group walks and chair exercises.

These activities support physical health and provide opportunities for socialization and connection with fellow residents. Furthermore, exercise serves as perhaps the most effective treatment for symptoms of depression and other psychological maladies.

In addition to physical activities, mental stimulation is also crucial for cognitive health. Many facilities offer brain games, puzzles, and educational workshops to keep residents’ minds sharp and engaged. Art therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy are also popular options that promote emotional well-being and self-expression.

Socialization is another key component of wellness. Loneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on seniors’ mental and physical health, so residents need to have opportunities to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. 

The best facilities organize regular social events, outings, community events, and other group activities that foster community and belonging among residents.

4. Commitment to Safety and Security

Safety is non-negotiable in any RCFE facility, and the best ones prioritize the well-being of their residents by implementing rigorous safety protocols and security measures. 

From secure building layouts to emergency response systems and trained staff, these facilities create a safe environment where residents can live with peace of mind. Having a clear understanding of safety and security requirements will help you learn how to open a California RCFE.

Physical safety measures include features such as handrails, non-slip flooring, and well-lit hallways to prevent falls and accidents. Emergency preparedness is also a priority, with staff trained to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other unexpected events.

In addition to physical safety, top facilities prioritize emotional and psychological safety. Staff members are trained to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to provide support and intervention as needed. 

Residents are encouraged to speak up if they have any concerns or grievances, and there are established protocols in place for addressing and resolving issues in a timely and compassionate manner.

Regular safety audits and inspections are conducted to identify and address potential hazards or security vulnerabilities. By maintaining a proactive approach to safety and security, these facilities create an environment where residents feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

5. Transparent Communication and Family Involvement

Effective communication fosters trust and transparency between staff, residents, and their families. High-performing RCFEs in California maintain open lines of communication, keeping families informed about their loved one’s care plan, health status, and any significant developments.

Family members are encouraged to participate in care planning meetings, resident assessments, and other decision-making processes related to their loved one’s care. Regular updates are provided through phone calls, emails, newsletters, and in-person meetings, ensuring that families are informed and involved at every step.

Another important goal is fostering informal interactions between staff and families, creating opportunities for casual conversations and relationship-building. Families are welcomed into the facility as valued members of the care team, and their input and feedback are respected and valued.

6. Continuous Staff Training and Development

The field of elderly care is constantly evolving, and the best facilities and caregivers stay ahead of the curve by investing in continuous training and professional development. 

Whether learning about the latest advancements in dementia care or honing interpersonal skills, ongoing training ensures that caregivers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the highest quality of care.

Staff training programs cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Communication techniques 
• Dementia care best practices 
• Medication management 
• Emergency preparedness 

Training sessions may be conducted by internal staff members or external experts, and they often include a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and role-playing scenarios. Gaining a better understanding of training requirements for your RCFE will be part of the education you receive when preparing to earn your assisted living license.

In addition to formal training programs, it is essential to provide opportunities for staff members to pursue further education and professional certifications in their areas of interest or specialization. 

By supporting staff development and career advancement, these facilities demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in elder care. Also, such programs for advancement will help keep staff members working at your facility in the future.

7. Cultivation of a Home-like Environment

Above all, the best RCFEs and staff strive to create a warm, homelike environment where residents feel valued, respected, and supported. From cozy common areas to personalized living spaces, these facilities prioritize comfort and familiarity, allowing residents to age gracefully in a setting that feels like home.

Caregivers and staff members become like extended family, fostering meaningful connections and creating a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of residents. Staff turnover is kept to a minimum, allowing residents to build trusting relationships with familiar faces over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right RCFE facility for a loved one is a decision that requires careful consideration. In California’s vast landscape of RCFEs, certain traits set the best facilities and caregivers apart from the rest. 

By prioritizing compassion, individualized care, wellness, safety, communication, staff development, and a home-like environment, families can find peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in good hands in the best RCFE California has to offer.

Anyone who cares for elderly individuals on a regular basis knows that physical health is only one part of their experience. Dealing with bouts of depression and isolation can greatly harm them and make their daily life hard to deal with. 

However, caregivers often have many great opportunities to help seniors with the burden of depression. 

In fact, it’s managing that aspect of the service that makes a good assisted living facility administrator.

Here are eight ways to keep a senior resident upbeat and feeling a part of the community at large.

1. Lighten Up the Day With Humor

When facing tough times or seemingly endless medical tests, seniors may forget about the lighter side of life. By setting aside time to share humorous stories from the past and even viewing classic comedies together on television, caregivers can make a big difference. 

During this bonding over an enjoyable topic, caregivers allow seniors to calm down and start laughing again.

This distraction can be important when an RCFE administrator notices an older person does not have many close friends. This individual might not receive many visits from family or friends outside the facility. 

By taking steps to ensure regular conversations or even by preparing jokes just for the occasion, caregivers change an older person’s mood for the better.

2. Allow Seniors to Help Out

Paradoxically, elders with too much help and too few opportunities to showcase responsibility can mentally check out and feel worse. This lack of control over their environment may lead to them having a more depressed outlook.  Everyone needs a sense of purpose, a way to give back or to feel their life still has value.

To combat this, an assisted living facility administrator can come up with a task or responsibility for them to accomplish regularly. This may include taking care of a pet or cleaning up a certain area of the building. 

Either way, a task that feels special and meaningful helps push feelings of unwantedness and depression away for older adults.

3. Encourage Good Bedtime Habits

Poor sleep can negatively affect anyone, and the elderly are no exception. By learning about proper rest and ways to help seniors cope with depression, caregivers can better address bad nighttime habits and create new ones. 

Restlessness at bedtime and strange waking hours are a few common symptoms of depression.

Some older adults may want to fall asleep during the day and stay up late at night, but that can make feelings of isolation even worse. 

Not only can these individuals not have the ability to talk with family or friends at these odd hours but they could also struggle with negative thoughts late at night. 

Helping them get up at daybreak and get ready to sleep at a regular time gives them the structure they need to deal with depression and isolation.

4. Help With Social Outings

As individuals age, it can be tougher to have people over to their place of residence or go out in public. Residents can then feel isolated and without a way to enjoy meaningful social interaction with friends or loved ones. An attentive caregiver who is willing to help can be the key to fixing this.

Encouraging seniors to reach out and connect with other people in their lives, like attending picnics or going on walks, may give them the emotional boost they need. 

An assisted living facility administrator can also discuss local volunteer opportunities or fun group activities that these older adults may enjoy. By offering options and talking up the benefits of social connections, seniors can see that there are ways to reduce isolation.

5. Drive Them Around

When seniors have to give up their licenses, it may feel like losing a part of their independence. However, caregivers do have a way to show older adults all the amazing sights they were able to see before. 

Taking seniors around in a car for a fun drive helps them relive happy moments and see how the outside world is doing.

This kind of thoughtful outing also allows for conversation and stops at local shops or stores. Spending quality time together in the car paves the way for a stronger bond and a lower likelihood of loneliness and depression. A caregiver can get meaningful insights into the struggles and mental health of an older person just by listening to them open up during this drive.

6. Care for Their Body

How a person looks on the outside can affect how they feel on the inside. Depression can creep in when seniors have no way to pay attention to the finer parts of grooming and cleaning. Beyond the regular amount of bathing and showering , a caregiver can make suggestions or assist with the application of nice lotions and skin care products.

Finding the right elderly resident skin regimen might seem like a challenge, but it is another opportunity to connect with your senior resident and learn about their specific taste in skin care products. 

Seniors may have a sense that  no one cares about their physical comfort or appearance, which can  contribute to feelings of depression. Attending to a disheveled resident or assisting a resident in changing out of soiled clothing  can help them to feel more confident. These acts reinforce a positive body image and demonstrates that we want them to feel good in their aging bodies.

7. Play Games Together

When elderly people fall into a spiral of negative thoughts and loneliness that can lead to health risks, it may be hard to concentrate on anything else. However, an activity centered on entertainment often gives them a break from the drudgery of real life. 

When a caregiver notices this lack of energy, they can pick out cards or another kind of interactive game to play with a senior to combat feelings of depression.

Whether this gaming session includes closely following the rules or making up their own rules, seniors can relax a little. Discussions about important topics may be easier to conduct when these older individuals have a stress release. 

This can potentially help facilitate an opening to discuss some of the issues causing the depression.

8. Think and Talk About Happy Memories

As people get older, they often reminisce about their younger years and enjoy discussing memories from the past at length. Although they may not state it out loud at first, elders often want to open up to caregivers in this way. 

Striking up a conversation with a leading question can be the impetus to a stronger connection and help fight against feelings of solitude in elders.

An Assisted Living Facility Administrator Should Stay Ready to Help

At first, depression and isolation may seem like overwhelming feelings to deal with in an older person. For an assisted living facility administrator, reaching out to help with a senior’s mental health and habits can be the first step on the road to a healthier and happier elderly resident. 

To learn more about assisted living education on this topic, contact us online.

California is unique in many ways. We have the best weather in the entire country, we are cultural trendsetters, and California leads the industry with  the residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) model. 

You may wonder what RCFEs are and how they differ from other senior housing models. 

We will answer that question and more in this article.

Defining an RCFE Facility

RCFEs, have many different names such as Care Homes, board and care, retirement homes and Assisted Living Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) include independent living, assisted living and Memory Care and sometimes a skilled nursing facility. All RCFE’s provide care  to seniors who are age 60 and older. Aside from housing, RCFEs deliver care to senior residents along with assistance with activities of daily living, meals, activities, and general supervision as needed. 

Facilities provide a resident driven careplan that incorporates the resident’s physical needs as well as resident choices in regards to meals, activities and care. 

A quality RCFE provides seniors with a congenial place to meet and socialize in a friendly, peaceful setting.

How Is the RCFE Environment?

A good Residential Care Facility has an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, just like home, and promotes maximum possible independence and dignity. RCFEs encourage the involvement and support of family and community members to maintain or improve the quality of life for their residents. Residents have access to a host of supportive services, such as housekeeping, personal care, dressing, bathing, and the safekeeping and distribution of medications to its residents for self-administration.

One of the benefits of an RCFE is that it acts as an intermediary between independent living and 24-hour nursing care. RCFEs can act as a bridge for the person who is no longer able to live independently but does not require round-the-clock assistance and supervision. 

They are not medical facilities, which means they don’t necessarily have nurses or doctors on staff (or at least there’s no requirement to have them staffed). Think of them more as assisted living and less as nursing homes.

RCFEs provide safe and healthy living accommodations and services. Some of the ancillary services include but are not limited to:

•         Consistent monitoring of the resident’s mental and physical state of being
•         Regular, healthy meals and snacks with diet modifications
•         Recreational activities and social engagement in a fun environment
•         Transportation and outings

Comparatively, Skilled Nursing Facilities provide 24/7 skilled professional medical services. This includes more specialized care that can only be treated by qualified, credentialed health care workers. Skilled Nursing Facilities are medical facilities as opposed to a housing option that includes services.

Read more about what a day in the life of an RCFE administrator is really like.

What Regulations Are in Place for RCFEs?

RCFEs are designed to promote independence and self-direction to the greatest extent possible in a residential setting. An RCFE license is issued by the Department of Social Services in California. They are governed by robust regulations and must meet quality, care, and safety standards as defined by the State. They also require an inspection by the Department of Social Services and the local Fire Inspector.

To open and operate an RCFE, one must submit a license application to the Community Care Licensing Division. Applicants must provide evidence that demonstrates they are of upstanding, reputable, and responsible character in addition to all the other application requirements with which they must comply. Additional items in the application include medication policies and procedures, sample menus, how and when their staff will be trained and a sample budget. Assisted Living Education can prepare your RCFE license application for you. We also offer RCFE classes and RCFE continuing education.

Should I Be Concerned About Covid-19 and RCFEs?

Many of the deaths that have occurred in the U.S. due to Covid-19 have occurred in the elderly population and nursing homes are a part of that equation. Like hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities are medical environments where viruses and other illnesses can spread, especially among the elderly. RCFEs are not medical facilities and have not experienced the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 to the extent that medical facilities have. Still, it is always important for the elderly and those with underlying health issues to take every precaution necessary to protect against the virus. A well-run RCFE that has opened properly will have the right protocols in place to protect both the residents and themselves to the greatest extent possible.

Even now, as the most serious days of Covid-19 and its many mutations are hopefully behind us and trending down, every good assisted living administrator and staff must always be on guard against the spread of any infectious disease. 

Hopefully, this answers some of the questions you have about RCFEs. If you are worried about sending a loved one to this type of facility, don’t worry. They are a great first and gradual step back from full independent living with qualified staff that will serve your loved one well.

What Are the Latest Trends in Operating an RCFE Facility?

Every year, new advances in environmentally, emotional and technological issues make every assited living administrator take note and evolve accordingly. We will continue to keep abreast of all the latest trends you should be aware of. In fact we’ve just recently compiled the top list of latest trends and innovations in assisted living for the New Year that you can read by clicking that link.

People Also Ask:

How do I get my RCFE certificate?

Items needed to become an RCFE administrator: You must be at least 21, completed high school or obtained a GED, completed the 80-hour RCFE Certification class, pass the state exam, pass a background check and pay the state fee for the RCFE certification application.

What is a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE)?

An RCFE, also known as an assisted living facility or board and care home, is a residential setting that provides housing, meals, and assistance with daily living activities for older adults who need some help but don’t require the level of care provided by a nursing home. RCFEs are typically smaller and more home-like than nursing homes, with a focus on maintaining independence and fostering a sense of community.

Who are RCFEs for?

RCFEs are a good option for seniors who:

• Need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
• Can walk with assistance or use a mobility device.
• Are not cognitively impaired or have only mild cognitive impairment.
• Do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care.

What services do RCFEs provide?

RCFEs provide a variety of services, including:

• Housing: Private or semi-private rooms, furnished or unfurnished.
• Meals: Three meals a day, plus snacks.
• Assistance with ADLs: Bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and medication management.
• Housekeeping: Laundry, light cleaning, and trash removal.
• Social and recreational activities: Games, outings, exercise classes, and entertainment.
• Transportation: Assistance with errands and appointments.
• Security: Staff is on-site 24 hours a day, and there are often emergency call systems in place.
• Social activities to keep every senior active and alert.

What are the costs of living in an RCFE?

The cost of living in an RCFE varies depending on the location, size, and level of care provided. The average monthly cost is around $4,000, but it can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more. Some RCFEs offer discounts for veterans or Medicaid recipients.

How do I choose the right RCFE?

When choosing an RCFE, it is important to consider your needs and preferences, as well as the needs and preferences of your loved one. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Location: Is the RCFE close to family and friends? Is it in a safe and convenient neighborhood?
• Size and atmosphere: Do you prefer a small, home-like setting or a larger community?
• Services offered: Does the RCFE offer the services you need, such as assistance with ADLs, medication management, and transportation?
• Cost: Does the RCFE fit your budget?
• Staff: Are the staff members qualified and experienced? Do they seem caring and compassionate?
• Activities and amenities: Does the RCFE offer activities and amenities that you enjoy?

Can I visit an RCFE before I move in? 

Yes, you are encouraged to visit an RCFE before you move in. This will give you a chance to see the facility, meet the staff, and ask questions.