What is an RCFE? Large & Small
Large assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who don't need 24 hour nursing care, but who do need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, incontinence care and supervisory care for their safety. Residents may live in their own private apartments which may be equipped with some kitchen features. Other services available include assistance with medications, housekeeping, laundry and three meals a day. Some facilities may provide limited nursing supervision.
Many of these communities offer social activities and transportation for shopping, medical appointments and personal service needs.
Most facilities provide housing for about 50 to 300 or more residents. Some assisted living residences have a secured Alzheimer's "special care unit" for residents with cognitive impairment.
Small Residential care homes for elders are often referred to as board and care homes or group homes. Most are small residences, housing from two to six or more seniors, where residents live together under one roof and receive care and meals from live-in caregivers. The residences are licensed and regulated by a state's Department of Social Services or similar agency. These homes are not medical facilities, however they do provide custodial care to residents who need assistance. In most states they provide 24-hour supervision for residents, three meals a day plus snacks, special diets for diabetics, assistance with medications, limited social activities, laundry and housekeeping services and help with bathing, grooming and dressing. Some facilities provide assistance for elders with bladder and bowel incontinence, oxygen use and close supervision for seniors in wheel chairs or who ambulate with canes or walkers.