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how to choose an RCFE administrator program

Important Things To Look for in an RCFE Administrator Program

April 18, 2022/in News/by Assisted Living Education

Every journey requires a map to reach your destination with as few detours as possible. As you begin your exciting venture to receive your residential care for the elderly (RCFE) administrator certification, California’s RCFE administrator program can help you map the way to reach your goal.

Whether you’re pursuing certification to open your own licensed RCFE or to run an established assisted living facility, you need to complete the RCFE administrator program because this is a requirement in California.

An RCFE Certificate of Completion for the class qualifies you to take the 100-question RCFE Administrator Certification Examination. The exam is 100 questions, timed at 2 hours, open book and you must pass with a score of 70%. The exam costs $100.

Once you pass the exam, you must submit an application and a fee of $110. During the Assisted Living Education (ALE) administrator course, the instructors will cover all the requirements for preparing for the exam and assist you with the paperwork required for the application submission.

The class training and information help you answer exam questions to pass the test and complete the application to receive the California RCFE Administrator certificate. The knowledge, advice, and experience gained through the course will guide your daily operations of an assisted living facility.

Choosing the ideal course becomes a vital first step on this journey, but how do you find the right program for your needs?

Discover the essential factors to consider as you evaluate RCFE classes.

Make Sure the RCFE Administrator Program is State Approved

In California, oversight for all community care facilities, including senior care, is assigned to the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services. The CCLD administers the RCFE licensing to open an assisted living facility.

Approval of course outlines and regulation of vendors for the RCFE administrator program and RCFE classes is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Services, Administrator Certification Section.

Taking training from a vendor not on the list of approved Initial Certification Training Program Vendors creates a huge roadblock on your journey. The state will not accept your course completion certificate or allow you to take the administrator certification exam, and you will likely end up having to take — and pay for — another course that is approved by the DSS.

Check the Class Logistics

Qualities that set apart a class and enhance learning do not include organizational details. However, class locations or webinar times, tuition, book or material prices, refund, and make-up policies can lead to a detour in your plans.

Check the vendors’ websites for course schedules and carefully note exactly what is included in the price. Make sure you understand the consequences of arriving late or missing a class or webinar and write down cancellation deadlines.

State requirements for the course include 20 hours of online classes and 60 hours of live training. In response to COVID restrictions, the Department of Social Services determined that course providers could teach the 60-hour portion of the class using live-streamed webinars through June 30, 2022. Therefore, unless the DSS provides an extension, in-person classes should resume after this date.

Review Course Outlines and Instructional Materials

All RCFE Initial Certification Training Program vendors must follow the Administrator Certification Section Core of Knowledge Training Standards and submit course outlines for DSS approval. The Title 22 California Code of Regulations is an important reference used in the 80-hour course.

Although California sets the overall training curriculum, individual vendors develop their own course guides and supplemental materials.

Ask specific questions about the text and handouts used in the class before registering. If possible, ask administrators who completed the class about the clarity and usefulness of the materials for training, exam preparation, and later reference when working in the field.

Ask About Class Size

Whether the 60-hour portion of the administrator training is taught in person or through webinars, the number of students enrolled makes a difference. If the vendor puts too many students in the class, you may not get a chance to ask questions and participate in discussions. If too few individuals attend, a helpful exchange of ideas may lag.

Evaluate the Instructional Staff

The teacher sets the tone for the class and can make the difference between a vibrant, upbeat experience with everyone participating or a dull, uninspired presentation of regulations and dry facts. Ask about the faculty member’s background and verify past experience as a working RCFE administrator in several different facilities.

A good instructor sprinkles stories of situations and challenges encountered over the years and gets the students involved with solutions. Look at online reviews and testimonials of former students to check out the level of teacher engagement with the students.

Remember the Most Important Factor Is You

Course schedules, practical handouts, and a stellar instructor all contribute to an amazing classroom experience, but in the end, you are the person responsible for getting everything you can out of the RCFE administrator program. To reach your goal and become a certified administrator — and perhaps receive RCFE licensure of your facility — you need to choose the right course and make the most of the opportunity.

We’re Here To Guide You

It may seem like a long journey, but the helpful experts at Assisted Living Education want to help you reach your destination.

About ALE:

Assisted Living Education (ALE) is an approved Initial Certification Training Program vendor in the state of California. We provide comprehensive RCFE Certification Training, RCFE Continuing Education, RCFE Licensing assistance, and RCFE Consulting Services. With many years of real-world experience, our instructors will prepare you or your employees for a rewarding career in assisted living.

6 Steps for a Successful RCFE

February 24, 2022/in News/by Assisted Living Education

Starting your first Resident Care Facility for the Elderly or RCFE can be exciting, fulfilling and daunting all at the same time. Between securing a location and getting your RCFE administrator certifications it can be easy to overlook some of the important basic ideas that will help ensure your first RCFE is a success.

What is an RCFE?

The RCFE model exists only in California. You may hear them referred to as care homes, residential care, rest homes, or assisted living facilities. The care provided at these facilities is for people over 60 who require assistance but not 24-hour care.

An RCFE provides lodging as well as assistance with activities of daily living such as personal care, hygiene, dressing, eating, medications, etc. RCFEs are considered non-medical and therefore are not required to have medical staff on site. Think of an RCFE as something between independent living and 24-hour nursing care.

Get Information from Trusted Sources

Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of newly minted RCFE administrators to make sure their facilities, policies and business strategies are setting them, and their residents up for the best possible experience. In that time, we’ve learned a thing or two (or six) on some of the foundational elements of what makes a successful RCFE. Here is what we would say our 6 most important tips for building a successful RCFE facility are…

1. Spend Time Creating Your Team

More than just a team, you are creating a professional business culture, and where that culture starts is with you and your employees. Those first several hires are vital to any new venture, regardless of the industry, and especially in a care-oriented industry like this one. The people you choose and the personalities they bring set the tone and precedent for all that is to come. Get a firm understanding of what makes a good assisted living administrator and carry those qualities over to your team.

With everything in flux, you might be tempted to “fire drill” the hiring process in a rush to hit the ground running. This is never a good idea. We’ve all heard the phrase beggars can’t be choosers. In hiring, no matter the circumstances, that should never apply. Give yourself permission to spend time creating your team. Yes, your team. You have a vision, and it is okay to be selective on who will join you on your path to seeing it through.

2. Choose Your Residents Wisely

Just as you are creating a culture with your first employees, so are you building an RCFE community. Your first resident is your benchmark and will set the tone for your community in ways you might not expect. For example, if your first resident has Alzheimer’s and has repetition tendencies, then it might be difficult to admit residents who are cognitively with it.

Remember, just as you have a choice, so do your residents — and there are a lot of factors that go into their decision if they choose your RCFE facility. As facilities grow in size, culture and community are becoming increasingly important. If a resident-to-be doesn’t see a community they can engage with (even if one exists), they might very well pass on your community. Whether it’s bound in fact or not, perception is reality.

3. Know All of Your State’s Regulations, Codes, and Policies — And Comply with Them

These laws exist for a reason, both for the protection of your residents and for yours. The quickest way to have your community shuttered is to be out of compliance with your state’s RCFE regulations. That also means current administrators need to stay current by attending RCFE continuing education classes. You went into caregiving to do just that: give care. How can you adequately do that if you’re out of compliance, or don’t even know what codes and policies your community is supposed to be complying with?

Moreover, having a firm grasp of your state’s regulations could very well be crucial down the line. Don’t be afraid to wield them like a shield — the first line of defense towards any future liability claims.

Need to brush up on your policy? Stay up to date by joining a subscription service for Provider Information Notices (PINs). Health and Safety Code (H&S) code1569.155 requires California RCFEs to subscribe to such a service..

4. Communicate Regularly

Not only is communication vital so that everyone on your team can always be on the same page, but it’s also a regulatory requirement. The law mandates that any change of condition in the resident — say, they have a urinary tract infection or they’re more confused than usual — must be communicated to their physician and responsible party (i.e. a family member), if any.

This makes sense, of course. A change in an individual’s condition can have life or death consequences, and a lapse in communication could prevent a resident from receiving critical treatment.

Shift changes present a particular challenge in this regard. There’s a potential for information to get lost in the transition between your facility’s day and night teams. Certain symptoms, such as insomnia — a potential indicator and risk factor of depression — might only present themselves late in the evening, so it’s imperative everyone is kept in the loop, and that changes are noted in writing.

Let’s not forget your duty as a certified RCFE Administrator to maintain communication with your state licensing entity. Any time a resident experiences an unusual incident — such as a fall, an injury, or a medical emergency requiring a trip out to the hospital — a report must be made to your Licensing Program Analyst at the Department of Social Services(DSS) with within 1 business day via telephone, and within 7 days via a written report. This takes us to our next tip.

5. Document, Document, Document

Any time there is a resident incident, such as a fall, it must be documented — either internally, if it isn’t that serious, or on a State-provided form to be submitted to the DSS if you called 911 or something similar. Like the above, incidents need to be reported to the resident’s physician and responsible party, and it’s best to do this in writing so you have a paper trail.

Liability, though you might not want to think about it, should always be a concern. Thus, it’s wise to perform internal audits and random record reviews on a routine basis. You always want to be able to certify compliance if the need arises. This is where the term “defensive documentation” comes into play. When you document incidents, or anything really, specificity, precision, and descriptive detail are all musts.

Resident personnel, and administrative records—must be secured in a HIPAA compliant manner. What does this mean? Records should be kept locked. Employees should not have access to administrative or personnel records. Families cannot have access to resident records without consent or a record release form. Computers must be password protected, on an intranet and passwords change every 45-60 days. As a guideline, take a look at the list of documents and records that must be kept at residential care facilities in California. Remember that every state is different, so unless your facility is located in California, what you are required to retain might be different.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

The words “this is my island” spring to mind. This facility is yours, and as an RCFE Administrator, you cannot be afraid to say no. We covered this in part in Tips #1 and #2, what to do in the beginning, but there’s a corollary on the other end of the spectrum: what to do when an end is inevitable.

If an employee misbehaves, routinely underperforms, or puts your residents or facility in any modicum of risk (health, liability, or otherwise), then it is your duty to terminate them promptly. With the safety and wellbeing of those in your care on the line, they must be your first primary concern.

But what if an individual’s medical needs exceed your facility’s abilities?

It’s sad to say, but this is a quandary you will likely face dealing with residents suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia. Much as you might want to keep them in your care, your license might not permit it. The care they require might go beyond the scope of what you can supply. In these situations, or in cases of residents who exhibit violent behaviors or a flagrant disregard for community rules, letting go of a resident might be a necessary course of action as well.

The Essential Component of Success

Looking back on the six tips we just shared, you might notice that at their core they are all about the same thing: care.

Caring enough to do things right. Providing the best care.

Take time to assure your level of care by maintaining compliance and communication.

Although there is a lot more to running a successful RCFEcommunity than just these 6 things, mastery of these will give you a great foundation to build your business on. In the event that you need additional support or training, the experts here at Assisted Living Education are always here to lend a hand.

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Assisted Living Education is the premier provider of RCFE certification, RCFE classes, licensing, products and services for assisted living. Our teachers are industry professionals with many years of experience that are engaging, entertaining and highly informative. We offer RCFE consulting services and share real RCFE experience that will help you be successful in this fast-growing career industry.

What Makes a Good Assisted Living Administrator?

January 16, 2022/in News/by Assisted Living Education

The continued growth of the retirement-age population in the U.S. is fueling the demand for assisted living facilities and the administrators and caregivers needed to run them.

Few jobs can provide more fulfillment than helping aging seniors maintain their independence and zest for life. The U.S. Census Bureau stated in June 2020 that the number of people in the country who are 65 and older increased by more than a third in the last ten years.

Great assisted living administrators are passionate about providing important services to seniors in need of assistance with day-to-day activities or medical care. They have a deep concern for people’s well-being and happiness.

Additionally, people who are looking for professional growth opportunities, a favorable employment outlook, and high job satisfaction are attracted to this role.

As the need for assisted living facilities continues to develop, the opportunities for an RCFE administrator career and other employment will also increase. The California Department of Social Services reports that the state currently has more than 7,400 licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and this number is expected to continue to grow.

Could You Be a Part of This Expanding Career Field?

If you are looking for an employment opportunity that gives you personal satisfaction along with the chance to make a big difference in the lives of other people, take a close look at a career as an RCFE administrator.

California provides a clear path to receiving your assisted living administrator certification, and with the variety of RCFE sizes and care models, you can surely find the right fit in this expanding field.

People often wonder if they are cut out for this type of career, so we have put together a list of hard and soft skills, personal traits, and necessary training that help lead to success in this high-demand profession.

What Are the Necessary Skills and Traits for an Assisted Living Administrator?

As you read through this list, don’t become discouraged if you feel you lack competence in any area. In many cases, you can learn skills or improve personal traits by taking RCFE classes or gaining experience working as a caregiver with the elderly.

Start slowly by learning one new skill at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from others who work in the field.

The California Department of Social Services has these basic qualifications for an administrator: having a good character and a continuing reputation of personal integrity; A high school diploma or equivalent such as a GED; at least 21 years of age.

Other requirements are covered below.

1. Business Operations Knowledge

This is foundational to the assisted living administrator skills required because, in spite of its noble purpose, an RCFE is a business.

RCFEs must be financially sound in order to provide a caring and stimulating atmosphere for residents, support staff, and carry out daily goals for residents such as providing nutritious meals and energizing activities.

Some of the business knowledge needed to run and RCFE may include:

Setting up a budget
Keeping financial accounts current
Maintaining resident records
Interviewing, hiring, and supervising staff
Complying with state regulations
Marketing the facility and conducting tours
Overseeing food service
Organizing people, schedules, and countless details

Don’t panic at the thought of handling all these business responsibilities.

If you begin as an administrator at a small facility, the duties may not be as rigorous as they sound, and you can gain expertise with time.

You will also receive thorough training in these areas when you complete the assisted living administrator certification training required for licensure.

2. Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills are important in any career, but high-level skills are needed by the assisted living administrator to interact with different groups of people:

Residents
Family members
Staff
Regulatory agents
Community members

Administrators often utilize a slightly different approach with each type of group, but all written and verbal communications should be friendly, respectful, and easy to understand.

3. Listening Ability

Although good listening skills are part of communicating with others, they are so important for an RCFE administrator that we are listing this strength separately. Unless you learn to listen with your ears, eyes, and intuition, you can miss so much of what others are telling you.

Taking time to listen to residents shows respect, uplifts their spirits, and often gives you advance warning of issues such as depression or health changes.

Listening to the concerns of staff members provides valuable insights into what is working and where improvements are needed. Giving attention to anyone who approaches you with an issue should always receive top priority.

4. Empathy and Compassion

When you put yourself in another person’s shoes and see things from that individual’s perspective, you can develop compassion for what they are experiencing. Whether the administrator is dealing with an unhappy resident, concerned family member, or a frustrated employee, showing understanding and kindness is always the right approach.

These personal qualities should be exhibited by everyone at the RCFE, and it is up to the administrator to emphasize the traits and help others develop them.

Just as it is important to understand how employees may sometimes feel overwhelmed by difficult situations, an effective administrator helps staff members recognize why a resident may be acting out and how to approach the situation with compassion.

5. Integrity and a Sense of Responsibility

Not only are assisted living administrators accountable for the health and safety of the residents, but they also help determine the culture and mood of the facility by the way they carry out their daily duties and interactions. An effective administrator remembers this and approaches everything they do with sincerity and the good of the residents and staff in mind.

How Can You Get Started in This Amazing Career?

Very few careers are filled with so many rewards as working as an assisted living administrator, and the need for more facilities and managers grows each year.

Assisted living administrators must be forward-thinking, compassionate, organized, reliable, and patient. They must have the ability to balance budgets, meet strict state requirements for assisted living facilities and possess in-depth knowledge of assisted living services.

While the skills and qualities required for the position are extensive, they can be mastered through RCFE classes and the assisted living administrator certification course needed to obtain a California certificate to work as an RCFE administrator.

If you are ready to explore the possibilities of an assisted living administrator career, contact us today.

7 Ways to Improve a Senior’s Memory

December 20, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

A senior’s memory function is a quality of life issue for both the senior and their family.

Of all the joys that come with preparing meals, leading activities, and encouraging independence, perhaps nothing comes close to the gratification received when a resident shows progress with memory skills.

As administrators and employees, we carry out many activities each day to enrich the lives of seniors living under our care.

Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE’s) are often where seniors experiencing memory issues end up as they need the extra help with activities of daily living or ADL’s.

As an RCFE administrator, it is important to understand what memory loss can mean to seniors and their families. While no two seniors are the same, memory changes are also different for each individual. As an RCFE administrator, it is your responsibility to provide an environment where residents can continue to function as an individual yet receive assistance from qualified staff as needed.

There are many effective measures RCFE administrators and staff members can take to help enhance the memory abilities of their residents.

These actions are not complicated and in fact, build on many things you are already doing to make your seniors’ lives more rewarding.

As you help residents with their cognitive health, brain health, remember to focus on their interests and allow them to retain as much independence as possible in the process.

Strategies for Addressing Memory Issues in an Assisted Living Facility

Most of the approaches to helping seniors boost memory involve the areas of physical health, learning activities, social pursuits, and positive attitudes.

An assisted living community provides a great opportunity for the RCFE administrator to implement measures that promote memory enhancement since most facilities already address nutrition, exercise, activities, and social opportunities in the current programming.

Here are seven ways you can help provide memory retention in your community:

Offer meals that are both tasty and healthy

When you pursued assisted living certification, you learned how to plan menus and prepare delicious meals that meet the nutritional needs of the residents.

According to the Mayo Clinic, many vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and herbs can help maximize memory as well as contribute to physical health. Your seniors can also enjoy sampling tasty new options as the seasons change.

Provide multiple ways for residents to ditch their sedentary lifestyle and become more mobile

Many seniors residing in a California RCFE already participate in daily exercise that can help improve memory. These residents tend to appreciate things like organized exercise classes and outdoor walks. Indoor activities such as easy yoga classes are also enjoyable for beginners and those that prefer not to go outside.

The seniors at your facility may have played golf, tennis, or even basketball in their younger years.

Think of ways to rekindle their love of sports with croquet, corn hole, or free-throw contests. Yard games, group walks, or park activities provide excellent methods to get everyone involved, especially those who tend to just sit in a chair most of the time.

Help everyone get adequate sleep

Many researchers agree that an adequate night’s sleep is vital to an older individual’s memory and recall process. Think about how much easier learning a new skill or studying for online assisted living administrator courses becomes when you get an uninterrupted night of sleep. The same is true for the residents of your RCFE who want to learn new information.

While you can’t magically develop better sleep habits for your seniors or force them to make changes, you can encourage them the same ways you would introduce any new activity:

Schedule a short talk about sleep issues, perhaps bringing in a nurse or sleep professional.
Show an entertaining group video about improving sleep.
Provide handouts for residents to voluntarily track sleep progress and then meet as a group to discuss progress together.
Plan an activity for seniors to make easy changes to their rooms, such as eliminating any blue lights, that can help with quality sleep.

Encourage proactive memory prompts

Most people make good use of calendars, planners, and lists of things they want to accomplish. When seniors retire or downsize to a new residence, however, they sometimes stop making use of these memory helpers.

One simple activity is to review how these aids can help, as well as introduce digital versions for smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Plan learning activities

The more residents you serve in your facility, the greater the diversity of interests and skills. Whether you work one on one with your seniors or in groups, try to offer a variety of fun learning opportunities:

Courses, such as learning to speak a new language or play a recorder
Hobbies of every type, from easy model-building to crocheting or drawing
Group singing and learning new songs
Cooking skills and discovering new recipes
Individual or group puzzle-solving, such as jigsaw puzzles, word searches, or Sudoku

Encourage social opportunities and pursuits

The need for socializing varies with each individual senior, but making friends and interacting with others generally improves the quality of life and encourages memories. Residents who are shy may prefer small groups.

While seniors may not have the social opportunities they normally would due to COVID-19 restrictions, activities like reading, word searches, puzzles, journaling, coloring, and crafts are all great person-centered activities that can keep the mind stimulated. Additional activities include:

Book clubs and card clubs
Volunteering at churches, food pantries, or museums
Knitting circles or whittling clubs
Field trips

Develop a positive, relaxing environment

Attitude is everything when it comes to memory skills. Looking on the bright side not only makes life more pleasant but can also help prevent stress-induced memory loss. When seniors become anxious or stressed, the body causes cortisol levels to surge, resulting in memory deterioration as they age.

Everyone can use reminders to express positive feelings and encourage others, and staff training is a good place to begin.

Hang inspirational posters in community areas, and if space is available, set aside a quiet room or corner space for private moments. Playing low-volume, calming music during meals or at special times can also be helpful.

Share the Joy of Sharpening a Senior’s Memory

An assisted living community provides the ideal environment to promote memory care through healthy lifestyles, new experiences, mental activities, and social opportunities.

While these strategies cannot solve all memory issues, they may boost some memory skills and add meaning to the daily lives of your residents.

If you would like to learn more about assisted living administrator certification or our online assisted living administrator courses, contact us today.

People Also Ask:

Is it normal for a senior to be forgetful?

Lapses in memory could be considered a normal part of aging. There are many changes that happen to all parts of the body as people age. Age-related memory changes can be one of them.

What’s the Difference Between an RCFE and an SNF?

November 15, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

As an assisted living administrator, you are in a position to educate families about the different senior care options.

Families considering options for loved ones will appreciate a simple explanation of the types of facilities available to them. Demonstrate your value early on in the process by helping families navigate this complex decision.

Additionally, you and your staff can avoid costly mistakes like admitting a resident that may really belong in a SNF. Share this handy post with potential residents so they can make informed decisions.

Californians care about each other, and the Golden State does everything possible to provide for all its residents at every stage of their lives. This certainly includes the aging process and issues that may develop as personal strength, mental understanding, and physical health decline.

When people start finding daily activities a challenge, whether cooking, keeping up their home, or even bathing and dressing, they have a number of options for assistance.

The facility choices are abundant, but names and acronyms make it difficult to distinguish the appropriate facility choice.

RCFE vs SNF – A Closer Look

Let’s explore the difference between the two types of senior care facilities based on:

Function
Licensing
Atmosphere
Residents
Staff
Daily Life
Special Activities
Payment Options

Function

First off, the purpose at the heart of each of these facilities is quite distinct. The mission of the RCFE and the RCFE administrator revolves around keeping each resident as independent as feasible for as long as possible.

By contrast, the state entrusts SNFs with providing professional medical services. To put it simply, an SNF is a medical facility, and an RCFE is not.

Licensing

Not surprisingly, California designates two different state agencies for oversight of these facilities. The California Department of Social Services regulates RCFEs, which include assisted living homes, memory care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

On the other hand, SNFs fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health Care Services.

The Department of Social Services has thorough application, testing, and inspection procedures in place for both the Assisted Living Facility license and the assisted living administrator certification.

Since the process to obtain these licenses and certifications is complex, aspiring RCFE administrators should familiarize themselves with certification criteria, facility processes, and the RCFE corresponding terminology as early as possible.

Atmosphere

When you walk into an RCFE, you typically feel like you are entering a large family home with comfortable communal areas furnished like a living room:

Sofas or upholstered chairs
Appealing wall colors and pictures
Bookshelves and tables
Reading materials
Puzzles and games

Residents’ rooms are often private, and you may see seasonal decorations on the doors expressing the occupant’s individual taste.

Out of necessity, you may experience a more institutional feel in an SNF since appropriate medical equipment and staff stations are needed. In many facilities, rooms are shared by two patients although some may offer private quarters. Meals are served in dining areas for residents able to sit at the tables, but many occupants may eat meals in their rooms.

Residents

As a result of the purpose and limited services of an RCFE, the residents of these homes are typically capable of performing at least 2 or more ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).

If you think of a spectrum extending from total independence to end-of-life care, an RCFE provides the first step in this progression. Each individual is different, but some may need assistance with personal hygiene or other ADLs.

Since housekeeping and meals are generally included, residents no longer need to worry about these duties.

Most people who reside in an SNF, however, usually have medical needs and require 24-hour skilled nursing care with physician oversight on a monthly basis. Some occupants may have adequate mobility, others may need walkers or wheelchairs, and a number may be confined to their beds.

Staff

Since both types of facilities are under the umbrella of a state agency, staff must meet specific regulations.

All RCFE care staff need to complete specific training within the first four weeks on the job.

The RCFE administrator must not only complete 80 hours of certification training for an assisted living administrator certificate but also must take continuing education courses. Online assisted living administrator courses ensure staff are trained according to state standards. Specific nursing degrees are not required for RCFE caregivers.

In general, SNFs must have a licensed vocational nurse on duty 24 hours a day while a registered nurse must be present for at least one eight-hour shift each day. Any particular medical services ordered, such as physical or occupational therapy, must be provided by certified therapists.

Daily Life

Since independence is highly valued in RCFE communities, the daily schedule of each resident may look different. In addition, many variations may exist from one RCFE to another. For example, some facilities may cater to persons of a particular religious faith or members of a certain cultural or ethnic group.

Residents have the freedom to choose their own interests and the ways they spend their days.

Given California’s beautiful climate, many individuals may enjoy time outside whether sitting, walking, or perhaps tending to flower pots or small gardens. Others may prefer a communal room inside or their own private quarters.

Because of physical limitations, residents at an SNF may be limited to more specific routines that include time set aside for specific medical care or therapy sessions. As their capabilities allow, however, they can spend time in communal areas visiting or participating in group projects.

Special Activities

Because many RCFEs provide unique care settings, activities may also be specialized according to the interests, needs, and capabilities of the residents.

Possibilities are endless, but some common opportunities are offered at many facilities:

Exercise classes
Book discussions
Bible studies
Craft projects
Group singing
Gardening opportunities
Shopping excursions
Field trips

Efforts are also made to engage residents at SNFs with activities and entertainment.

When residents are unable to leave their rooms, special projects may be brought in for them to complete. Many SNFs also have volunteer programs to provide companionship and learning opportunities.

Payment Options

Another more major difference is how residents and patients pay for their care needs.

Skilled nursing facilities are often enrolled as preferred providers for Medicare, Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), and private insurance. Private pay is also accepted. Not all SNF’s have enrolled as Medicaid providers. These insurance plans do not pay for unlimited, long-term care nor do they pay for 100% of the hospital bill. Medicare typically pays for 100 days per year and a percentage of the charges.

RCFE’s however are not covered by most major medical insurance plans (not a medical model). Some Long-Term Care insurance policies do cover RCFE charges depending on the policy.

Conclusion

Although many differences exist between a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly and a Skilled Nursing Facility, they both provide excellent care for seniors at a particular stage of life.

If you have questions about online assisted living administrator courses or need help preparing an application for an RCFE license, please contact us.

Contact Assisted Living Education

How To Make Your RCFE Eco-Friendly

October 18, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

Green building initiatives have been around for more than 20 years, and now assisting living facilities are moving towards a new measure of sustainability.

Given the move towards eco-friendly initiatives, it’s no surprise that RCFE administrators are looking for ways to actively promote sustainability in their communities.

The impact of creating an eco-friendly assisted living community is twofold. First, it helps to reduce a facility’s carbon footprint. Second, it promotes both mental and physical wellness for the residents.

As an RCFE Administrator, you work hard to provide a warm, safe and caring atmosphere for your residents. In return, you and your staff experience the satisfaction of seeing the seniors you care for flourish, meet new friends, and engage in activities.

Here are a few easy to execute strategies to help make your RCFE better for the planet and better for your residents.

Improve Lives With Eco-Friendly Assisted Living

Californians have always been at the forefront of the environmental movement. As they age, they remain concerned about energy conservation, pollution, and keeping the food supply free of pesticides and chemicals.

Operating a greener RCFE can provide small but important advantages for residents, employees, and the community at large:

Helps save the planet
Gives residents a purpose
Cultivates physical and emotional health
Offers key marketing points for the facility
Contributes to staff satisfaction

Start Slowly

You didn’t become an RCFE Administrator overnight. Similarly, it will take time to develop a green facility. Just as you prepared carefully for the California exam to receive an assisted living administrator certificate, it takes thought and effort to get everyone involved and to create a plan for an eco-friendly RCFE.

Invite Everyone To Get Involved

Not only is including every person the right thing to do, but it helps eco-friendly efforts to succeed.

Keep the lines of communication open with both residents and staff and ask for their input and ideas. Present possibilities for the first initiative at a group meeting and let everyone vote for their choice on a private ballot.

Ideas to Get Your Assisted Living Facility Started

Be Efficient

Start with the low-hanging fruit.

Make sure your facility is set up to be energy efficient by using LED lights and certified energy-efficient appliances and equipment, when possible.

If you have a landscaping service, ask if they can use electric instead of gas-powered equipment. Other green practices could include collecting rainwater for reuse on the property or making use of composting techniques.

Also, it never hurts to ask your residents for their suggestions.

Bring the Outdoors Inside for Greener Vibes

Making the best use of natural light in an RCFE makes good sense on many levels.

Natural light relieves eye strain, makes individuals feel happier and more energetic, and even helps people sleep better. Opening window coverings can cut down on the need for artificial lighting in the room and reduce energy costs.

Place green plants everywhere around indoor living spaces to add beautiful decorative touches and help improve indoor air quality.

Seniors can maintain their personal favorites in their own rooms or help care for plants featured in shared areas. Some people believe using green plants indoors can even improve the effectiveness of air purifiers.

Change Cleaning Solutions, Switch Laundry Products and Eliminate Lawn Chemicals

You can’t become a greener RCFE without paying attention to the cleaning solutions and other chemicals used in your facility.

While providing a clean and safe environment is essential for preventing the spread of illness, many of the products used in institutions can cause headaches, eye and lung irritation and lead to respiratory issues. Some of the worst culprits contain volatile organic compounds.

Be sure to check the labels of all products used at your facility, including dishing washing solutions and laundry detergents, for dangerous ingredients.

Just because it’s called a natural or green product doesn’t mean that it is free of risky chemicals.

Ideas to Get Residents Involved

Get Your Hands Dirty

Even individuals who aren’t big on committing to a group undertaking usually appreciate flower beds and vegetable gardens, especially in our beautiful California weather.

Since every assisted living facility is different, landscape and gardening projects are bound to be unique. Sometimes a small facility with only a few residents has the perfect outdoor space for a garden plot or individual flower beds that can be adopted by a single resident.

Launch Container Gardening for Small Spaces

Even if outdoor areas and gardening spaces are limited, you can still provide opportunities for cultivating beautiful flowers. Consider growing vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers in decorative pots and large containers.

Even better, place some containers at waist height for easy plant care. They can also provide a constant source of flavorful herbs and can be moved inside if the weather becomes inclement.

Feature Home-Grown Vegetables and Herbs in Meals

Perhaps one of the most exciting moments takes place when residents harvest tomatoes, salad greens, parsley, or other garden produce, and the vegetables or herbs show up in the next meal.

Everyone takes pride in this accomplishment and enjoys the tasty rewards of going green.

Be sure and ask your Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) for an exemption to allow your residents to consume any produce grown in the community.

Keep Learning and Growing

Incorporating an eco-friendly initiative into your RCFE is one of many ways that make for a greener environment and, ultimately, a better place for your residents to live.

Do you have new employees? Our online assisted living courses provide complete staff training as well as CEUs for the renewal of your assisted living administrator certificate.

At Assisted Living Education, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

What Activities Can Help To Keep Assisted Living Seniors Active and Motivated?

September 20, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

Despite an initial hesitancy among seniors to seek assisted living situations, 73% of families report that a senior’s quality of life improves after a move to an assisted living facility.

When seniors reach the stage of finally accepting assistance in their daily living routines, they embark on a new journey that can be extremely empowering and rewarding when managed correctly.

Moving from their home of many decades to a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (an RCFE) is often the first step in increasing or maintaining their current level of activity.

A well-trained RCFE administrator can help the individual see this transition as an opportunity to continue to enjoy the things they love as well as to explore new and exciting experiences.

With the support of an engaged caretaking staff, seniors can feel empowered to participate in activities that maintain mobility and an active lifestyle. This can often be key to a senior’s happiness, self-worth, and overall feelings of independence.

How an RCFE Administrator and Staff Can Help Seniors Stay Mentally and Physically Engaged

Start Out Small

For the RCFE staff involved in planning meaningful activities, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s not about you.

Learn how to properly empower those under your care to encourage mental and physical enrichment on their own terms. You may have great ideas about activities seniors ought to pursue but without mutual agreement, your efforts will fail.

For example, you may have concerns about extra pounds an individual has gained and you would like to see them set senior wellness, exercise, or weight-loss goals.

So you conduct research about food portion control and low-impact exercises, present your findings, and discover that your senior isn’t interested. Not everyone has an interest in pursuing fitness even if it’s the healthy thing to do. A gradual approach towards change may get better results over time.

Getting someone mentally engaged first tends to motivate them to become more physically engaged.

Encouraging seniors to pursue exciting pet projects or to visit with a grandchild may lead to more physical activity in a natural way. You may later come to notice that the weight gain actually stemmed from a desire to snack out of boredom.

So remember; when you can start out small, make it about them and set realistic expectations.

Take Time To Learn About Each Individual

Knowing what activities to offer is essential to keeping your seniors engaged and interested. Getting to know your residents will help you to match seniors with compatible activities.

Have conversations. Ask residents about their interests and passions. You would be surprised how much you can take away from a brief conversation and then use that information to plan your activity selections in the future.

As you become more familiar with your resident’s likes and interests, planning group activities will become easier. Mr. Jones may love playing cards but Mrs. Smith does not.

Most residents who move into an RCFE usually come alone. A new environment with new people can be stressful.

Each resident that moves into your community comes with their own unique history and life stories. Some will assimilate well while others may struggle. Knowing the kind of activities that each resident might be interested in can be just the right catalyst to activity participation.

The families may also have ideas of how their loved ones should be spending their day doing activities. Large communities offer a variety of enrichment programs that a smaller community may not be able to. But no matter the size of the community, there needs to be an activity that a resident may be interested in.

But what about the resident who does not want to participate no matter how hard you try to encourage participation?

Dig deeper: Was this resident outgoing and had varied interests before moving into the community? The family may expect Dorothy to become a social butterfly, but Dorothy may have no interest in venturing into a group activity. Explaining to the family that if the resident was not socially active prior to the move, they will most likely not be active after the move.

Pay Attention to Clues

Being observant can often pay dividends. Look for clues about a senior’s enthusiasm. Photos and reading materials often provide tip-offs and good conversation starters.

Magazines and books typically reflect absorbing hobbies, interests, and values. If a well-used Bible rests on the bed stand, for example, it typically indicates an interest in religious matters, and attending a Bible study or volunteering at a church may be a good future activity.

Different Activities Fulfill Different Needs

When studying to become an RCFE administrator you have a wide range of curriculum to learn in order to meet state certification requirements and receive your RCFE certification.

Part of that required curriculum covers the needs of the residents in many important areas including:

Physical
Intellectual
Emotional
Social
Spiritual

The state-required RCFE administrator certification prepares future administrators on how to research, set up, and evaluate appropriate activities to help meet these needs. Online staff training and RCFE classes to meet administrator CEU requirements also provide additional resources for learning more ways to keep residents involved in fulfilling activities while meeting their different needs.

The best way to know if you are fulfilling resident needs is to simply ask. Simple and proactive communication can go a long way in planning meaningful and entertaining activities.

Help Seniors Set Goals

Writing down the desired goal and developing steps to accomplish it provides momentum for anyone, and this exercise can be especially helpful for seniors.

Once you’ve identified the individual’s special interest, help the person select a simple step to get started. In order to make sure the senior chooses a reasonable objective, you can introduce the concept of SMART goals. Here’s an example:

Specific – Resident will participate in card games of choice
Measurable – Attendance in 2 activities
Achievable – Resident enjoys card games, needs minimal assistance to attend a card game
Relevant – Bridge and poker games will occur 1-2 times per week.
Time-bound- Resident will attend 1 or more card games per week.

By checking that the initial target meets these guidelines, your senior can clearly define an achievable goal, and together you can track tangible progress. Remind the senior that baby steps are fine to start.

Plan Senior Activities at Different Skill Levels

Seniors can usually realize their limitations with familiar activities, but if they are starting a new hobby or interest, they may overestimate what they can accomplish.

For example, the person may not realize how complicated a new knitting pattern or art project is to carry out.

As a caretaker, it’s important to make sure that group activities are offered at various skill levels that are appropriate for different physical and mental abilities.

Hire Caring Staff Members

Whether you’re just learning how to start an assisted living facility or already running a busy community, you cannot perform every task yourself. You need to find the right people to help care for residents and train your employees to meet the needs of those residents.

Keeping all the individuals in your facility involved in meaningful activities takes the time and patience of all staff members. Starting with a good team is essential.

Conclusion

Every senior you care for in an RCFE will have unique interests, abilities, and needs. And like most everyone else, they will have ambitions and desires to fill their days with activities that match those interests and needs.

With a little bit of planning and some time and patience, you can ensure that your residents are remaining active while getting the most out of their day-to-day activities.

If you or your staff are interested in progressing your professional training please contact Assisted Living Education today. We are here to help!

How to Start a Successful RCFE

August 23, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

With over 10,000 seniors turning 65 daily in the U.S., there is a growing demand for senior care services. On the whole, the home care service industry saw a rise in revenue from $100 billion in 2016 to $225 billion in 2020, globally.

With the RCFE industry showing continued growth, there is no better time to embark on this rewarding career.

Here’s how to start a successful RCFE

People contemplate opening a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly for any number of reasons. Sometimes the idea occurs because an individual inherits a spacious house with multiple bedrooms, or perhaps they cared for an elderly relative and found caretaking satisfying and fulfilling.

Regardless of the motivation, there are some commonalities throughout the licensure and management process that will help ensure your RCFE opens and operates successfully.

This article will explore both the overview of requirements to get your RCFE licensed in California, as well as the regular duties of a successful owner-operated RCFE administrator.

First, let’s start by looking closer at how to obtain proper licensure and certification for both you and your space.

Obtaining RCFE Credentials for Your Home and for Yourself

When you turn your home into an assisted living facility, or even if you purchase an existing RCFE, you will need to apply to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to properly license your business.

Assuming you plan to run the facility yourself, you will also personally need to complete an RCFE administrator training course and pass the certification exam.

The CDSS also requires administrators to complete 40 hours of continuing education hours (CEUS) every two years. Your employees also have required training hours they must complete for the facility to meet compliance.

When planning for licensure it is important to budget accordingly for all RCFE training, licensing, and certification expenses. In addition, before your RCFE license can be approved, you will be required to have three months of operating expenses set aside in a business account.

Preparing a realistic budget is part of the license application process and is a good exercise in planning for weekly, monthly, yearly and unexpected expenses. It is important to plan ahead for these costs so they do not slow you down.

Once financing is accounted for you can proceed with the application process.

Assisted Living License Application

With the proper guidance, completing the application for your RCFE License can be a less stressful process. In addition to filling out all CDSS required forms correctly, you’ll also want to prepare the following documentation:

Admissions policies and forms
Resident house rules
Employee handbook
Job descriptions
Plan of operation
Sample menu and activities calendar
Employee training plans
Medication policies and procedures

Due to the importance of getting application documentation correct, many applicants will choose to hire a company, such as Assisted Living Education, to assist in the application process.

Assistance from professionals who are familiar with CDSS procedures can save you a great deal of time and stress, and help get your RCFE license application approved quickly and efficiently.

RCFE Administrator Certification

In addition to submitting your RCFE License application and waiting for the state to process it, you will also need to take the required 80 hours of certification training for an RCFE administrator.

After successfully completing the course, you then must take the required CDSS examination and pass with a minimum score of 70% within 60 days of the course completion.

In order to obtain administrator certification in California, you must be at least 21 years old and meet educational requirements that vary with the size of the facility you manage.

For example, if operating an RCFE with 15 or fewer residents, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Administrators of larger facilities may also need to earn some college credits as outlined by the CDSS.

Day to Day Administrator Duties

Now that you have secured the proper licensing and certification to own and operate an RCFE, you can start to plan what the day-to-day of a successful RCFE might look like.

Owning an RCFE is a serious commitment. You are engaged directly or indirectly in the lives of your clients 24/7. Here is a breakdown of some of the client and business activities you will encounter on a daily basis.

Business Demands

No matter how much fulfillment an RCFE brings to the administrator, it still needs to remain solvent:

Accounting
Payroll
Hiring and training
Admissions
Marketing and tours
Communication with family members

Communication with CDSS and completing reports timely

Resident Demands

Depending on the number of residents in your home you may sometimes have to assume some caregiving duties:

Housekeeping
Cooking
Personal hygiene
Dressing
Bathing
Emergency availability

Multiple Rewards

In spite of considerable responsibilities, the benefits of running an RCFE are even greater:

Receiving satisfaction from helping others
Operating a profitable business
Seeing residents develop friendships and support each other
Enjoying movies, activities, and field trips with residents
Helping residents eat better and develop new interests
Knowing you have made a difference

Strategies for Success

In this article, we have covered the basics of what makes a successful RCFE from licensing your space to administrator certification and even what to expect day-to-day. If you have read this far and would like to explore a possible career as an RCFE owner or administrator please consider the steps below:

Visit Assisted Living Education for more information on RCFE classes and the path to becoming an RCFE administrator.
Register for the online RCFE orientation on the CDSS website as the first step in applying for an assisted living license.
Contact an RCFE in your area and volunteer to speak with some of the residents and employees to learn more.

At Assisted Living Education, we’re ready to answer your questions and assist you on the path to making a difference in the lives of seniors by opening a successful RCFE. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

6 Ways RCFE Administrators Can Keep Caregiver Spirits Elevated

July 26, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

Estimates show that between 40-to-70% of caregivers experience significant symptoms of depression.

While there are RCFE classes to learn how to care for others, it is equally as important for administrators to learn how to help their caregivers practice self-care in order to remain positive and productive in their caregiver role.

Being a caregiver can be an emotionally fulfilling occupation. Providing personal assistance to enhance a senior’s life can bring joy to the senior and to his family knowing their loved one is being properly taken care of.

However, the job can carry with it many conflicting emotions such as fear, sadness, loneliness and underappreciation. The daily tasks of taking care of an elderly or ailing person can be very challenging. Because of the complexity of what it takes to take on the role of a caregiver, some doctors think of caregivers as “hidden patients.”

As an RCFE administrator, the best thing you can do for your staff’s physical and emotional well-being is to encourage caregivers to take time out for themselves. This helps prevent burnout and allows them to rejuvenate so that they can be the best caretaker they can be.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout

How do you know if your employees are experiencing caregiver burnout?

Look for common warning signs that indicate an individual needs to make changes in order to protect their physical and emotional health:

Experiencing overwhelming anxiety
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with quality sleep
Digestive problems
Escalating unhealthy habits (i.e. smoking or drinking alcohol in excess)
Chronic backaches or headaches
A change in personality or disposition

Here is a list of 6 things you can share with employees, so they can be more positive and productive:

Take time to do something you love – Being a caregiver does not mean that you have to deprive yourself of doing things you love. Participating in activities you enjoy such as reading, taking a walk outdoors or having lunch with a friend, is essential. Self-care is vital to avoiding caretaker burnout, so find something outside of caregiving that is satisfying to you.
Don’t neglect your physical well-being – Eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol and tobacco use are all important for both your physical and mental well-being. Taking care of yourself physically helps your overall emotional health and allows you to better take care of others.
Express Feelings & Emotions – Keeping your emotions bottled up is not healthy. When we suppress emotions such as grief, anger and frustration it can manifest itself into physical stress in the body. Joining a support group or confiding in a friend can be helpful ways to talk about your feelings and to connect with others going through similar situations.
Practice positivity – Create a journal where you take a few minutes each day to write down some things you are thankful for or that make you happy. Whether that’s a beloved pet, a funny cartoon or a favorite song, jot down those things that boost your spirits. Then review your list when you are feeling extra stressed to boost your mood and shift your perspective.
Keep humor in your life – Laughter has more benefits than you think. Laughter creates endorphins, reduces stress, stimulates circulation and helps to increase oxygen-rich air in your body. What makes you laugh? Whether it be a movie, a book, watching a comedy, or hanging out with a fun friend, increasing humor and laughter in your day-to-day activities will benefit you greatly.
Set Boundaries – Setting realistic expectations is important for everyone, but especially for caregivers. Know your limits and give yourself permission to say “no” to activities that you do not have time for right now. Remind yourself that it’s okay to set boundaries with your time and energy as a way to focus on your own mental well-being.

How Attitude Can Make a Difference for Caregivers

The National Institute of Health (NIH) maintains that caregivers have both positive and negative responses to their role. Your goal as an administrator is to show that caregiving doesn’t have to be a burden. Caregiving is a worthy profession and can be very uplifting.

When it comes to caregiving it is important to release the need for perfection and adjust expectations to reflect reality. Being realistic about what can and cannot be controlled in a given situation is essential.

While caregivers cannot control the chronic or progressive disease of the person they are caring for, or the impact it will have on that person, they can control how they respond to the situation.

As an RCFE administrator, you can help reduce burnout and stress for employees by giving them tools to help them recognize and manage stress.

Caregiver attitude can be the biggest factor when it comes to self-care and job performance.

Here are helpful ways caregivers can keep a realistic and positive mindset:

Acknowledge your limitations
Listen to your body
Stay connected with the outside world
Learn the signs of chronic depression
Insist on getting respite care
Remain in the present

Help Caregivers to Better Help Others

Teach caregivers how to take care of themselves and remain positive. While the demands of being an RCFE Administrator are many, guiding staff through potentially overwhelming circumstances can decrease turnover and increase job satisfaction for all.

Assisted Living Education is the leading provider of RCFE certification classes, licensing, products, and services for assisted living. Our teachers are industry professionals with many years of experience that are engaging, entertaining, and highly informative. Learn more about how we help RCFE professionals.

How Much Money Can an RCFE Administrator Make?

June 25, 2021/in News/by Assisted Living Education

The average salary for a certified RCFE administrator in California is more than $45,000 according to ZipRecruiter.

Becoming an RCFE administrator can provide not only a fulfilling career that makes use of your business and people skills, and helps older individuals, but it can also provide profitable annual earnings.

California licensing regulations provide a structured path to become an RCFE administrator, and generally begin with enrolling in accredited RCFE classes.

Most people have high expectations for their chosen career path. For many, an attractive salary and good benefits top the list. The majority of individuals also prioritize work where they can help others and make a difference in their lives.

Working as an RCFE Administrator is a good way to obtain those career goals.

This article will explore what it takes to become an RCFE administrator, what that career path entails, and what kind of compensation you can expect.

RCFEs Fill a Unique Niche

When deciding on a career in Residential Care, it’s important to understand what you are getting yourself into.

Facilities for the elderly provide a special solution for persons who experience limitations as they age and can no longer live by themselves.

They may have problems keeping their home clean, preparing nutritious meals or practicing daily hygiene such as taking a shower or even getting dressed.

As an RCFE professional, part of your job is understanding that these elderly individuals still value their independence and want to make as many of their own decisions as possible. While maintaining their household independently might be a challenge, they do not necessarily require constant supervision or daily medical care.

A well-managed RCFE will provide its residents with a balance of supervision, assistance, and independence. As an administrator, it will be your responsibility to ensure that balance is maintained.

Special Skill Sets Help Run a Successful RCFE

To keep a facility operating smoothly, an RCFE professional needs a vital set of skills.

Since any size RCFE is essentially a business, the administrator must have the operational and management skills required to lead it. Some of those skills include:

Creating and managing a budget for the facility
Developing marketing strategies and activities
Hire, train and supervise employees
Establish policies and procedures
Ensure the facility is meeting all state regulations and requirements
Oversee logistics such as meal plans and resident activities

At the same time, the purpose of an RCFE is to provide for the well-being of the individuals who live there. To that end, intangibles such as compassion and excellent people skills are also essential for being a successful administrator.

Every decision the administrator makes must have the safety, happiness, and welfare of their residents in mind. An RCFE administrator needs to provide personal leadership and support to not only the residents and families but also its employees.

California Tailors Requirements to Facility Size

So how exactly do you enter this career path?

In order to apply for an RCFE administrator certificate in California, the applicant must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED/HSED equivalent.

The next steps involve passing an 80-hour certification course, earning a 70% or better score on a 100-question exam, obtaining a Live-Scan fingerprint clearance, completing the required state forms, and submitting the application with a $100 fee.

Upon the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) approval of your application, you will obtain an Administrator Certificate that will allow you to oversee an RCFE with 1-15 residents.

If you are looking to manage a larger facility, the minimum educational requirements increase depending on the number of residents that reside in the facility.

The administrator of a facility licensed for 16-49 residents, must have completed, with a passing grade, at least 15 college or continuing education semester or equivalent quarter units and have at least one year’s experience providing residential care to the elderly; or equivalent education and experience as approved by CDSS.

To obtain certification as an administrator for an RCFE facility with 50 or more residents, the requirement increases to two years of college and three years of experience providing residential care to the elderly; or equivalent education and experience as approved by CDSS.

Most administrators start out with the minimum requirements and begin working at a small facility to gain practical, hands-on experience.

During this time, many administrators will decide if they enjoy working with a small RCFE, or if they prefer to work for a larger facility. They may even contemplate the idea of applying for an RCFE license and starting their own facility.

California has many small assisted living facilities where the owner is also the administrator. There is no wrong option here and different circumstances will suit the needs of different individuals.

Salary and Job Outlook for RCFE Administrators Primed for Growth

So now that we’ve reviewed some of the requirements to become an administrator, let’s look at salaries and opportunities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth for medical and health service managers for the 10-year period from 2019-2029 should top 30%, which is much faster than the average job growth for this period.

A primary reason for this anticipated increase is the aging of the baby boomer generation and the resulting need for more care facilities, including RCFE facilities.

When it comes to compensation, the data on Glassdoor reports that the average salary for an RCFE administrator in California is around $45,000 a year.

In general, salaries for this position range from a low of $27,000 annually to a high of $130,000 or more for roles at large facilities involving greater responsibilities.

Keep in mind that starting salaries are generally adjusted according to the education and experience of the job candidate. Most large facilities also provide a bonus program structured on census retention and meeting budgetary goals.

There are many ways to increase your value as an RCFE Administrator.

An administrator can learn the ropes and gain valuable experience in meeting the challenges of a small care facility with a license to do business in California. At the same time, online learning offers the possibility of taking college credits while working to meet the requirements for certification at a larger assisted living facility.

By completing college courses and gaining practical experience, an RCFE administrator can move along on a career trajectory that enhances both job responsibilities and compensation.

RCFE Classes Jump-Start a New Career Path

Ready to get your new career started? Our RCFE Certification classes give you the knowledge and means to not only pass the California Department of Social Services test but also to succeed as a caring administrator of an assisted living facility in the real world.

We make sure you understand all the California regulations involved with an RCFE license including learning about medication responsibilities, business operations and effective marketing for assisted living facilities.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career as an RCFE administrator, Assisted Living Education is here to help.