Residential Care Facilities

Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) provide permanent housing for people who need some personal care and assistance in day-to-day life. There are public, government-subsidized facilities you can only access through a Continuing Care assessment. There are others that are private and can be accessed any time if you are able to pay.

RCFs can offer residents either a private bedroom and bathroom, or a shared a room with one other person.  Residents share the dining rooms and living rooms.  Facilities might also offer activities like fitness and recreation classes to help your loved one remain social and active. RCF staff are always on site for support and care.  

RCFs are ideal if your loved one’s health is stable and they don’t need much nursing care. Residents must be able to perform most activities of daily living their own. They must also be able to exit the facility without help in an emergency.

Your loved one might benefit from a move to a RCF if they are lonely, feel unsafe, or their home is not age-friendly. They also might benefit if care needs are higher than what can be safely met at home or are expected to increase.

Fact sheets from Continuing Care on Long-Term Care and Paying for LTC as well as a complete Directory of LTC Facilities may be helpful in getting ready for this transition.

To find out what the current wait times are for Residential Care Facilities in your area, please see Residential Care Facility Placement from Home – Wait Times.