If you are researching senior living in California, you may come across the term RCFE. This guide explains what an RCFE is, what services it typically provides, and who generally qualifies to live in one.
RCFE stands for:
RCFE is the official State of California licensing category for many assisted living communities.
An RCFE is a licensed residential community designed for older adults who need support with daily living, but do not require the level of medical care provided in a skilled nursing facility.
In an RCFE, residents may receive help with:
An RCFE is not a nursing home and is not a hospital.
RCFEs are intended for individuals who:
A skilled nursing facility is designed for individuals who need:
If someone requires ongoing medical monitoring, a skilled nursing facility may be the more appropriate setting.
Eligibility can vary by community, but in general, an individual may qualify for an RCFE if they:
It is important to note that each RCFE may have its own care scope and admission requirements.
Many families begin exploring RCFE options when living at home becomes difficult or unsafe. Common indicators include:
For many families, planning ahead leads to a smoother transition and more choices.
All RCFEs must meet California licensing standards, but services and quality can vary.
A well-run RCFE should provide:
The Irwin House is a retirement residence in Hanford designed for older adults who need assistance with daily living in a supportive, home-like environment.
To ensure resident safety and provide the appropriate level of care, The Irwin House has two important eligibility requirements:
Residents must be able to walk and move independently. This allows the community to provide the right type of support while maintaining a safe environment for residents and staff.
The Irwin House is not a memory care facility and is not able to accept residents who require memory care services or dementia-related supervision.
We believe it is important to communicate this clearly so families can make informed decisions and find the most appropriate setting.
If you are searching for an RCFE in the Hanford area, it may be helpful to compare several communities and ask direct questions about:
The best communities will answer these questions clearly and provide transparency about what they can and cannot support.
The Irwin House is opening in 2026 in Hanford, CA.
If you are planning ahead for yourself or a loved one and believe an ambulatory, non-memory-care RCFE setting may be the right fit, we invite you to join our waitlist and stay informed.
