When researching assisted living options in California, you’ll frequently encounter the term “RCFE” — Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. Understanding what this licensing means and how to evaluate it can help you make a more informed decision about your loved one’s care.
What is an RCFE?
An RCFE is a residential facility licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to provide care and supervision for people aged 60 and older. RCFEs range from small 6-bed homes to large communities with 100+ beds. Velora Senior Living is a 58-bed RCFE — large enough to offer comprehensive programming but intimate enough for personalized care.
What Does the Star Rating Mean?
California’s RCFE star rating system evaluates facilities on compliance history, staffing, and quality of care. Velora’s 4-star rating places us among the top-tier facilities in the Central Valley, reflecting our commitment to excellence in every aspect of resident care.
Special Waivers: Dementia and Hospice
Not all RCFEs are created equal. Some facilities hold special waivers that allow them to provide higher levels of care. Velora holds both a dementia waiver (allowing us to care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in a secured environment) and a hospice waiver (allowing residents to receive end-of-life care without transferring to another facility).
How to Verify a Facility’s License
You can verify any RCFE’s license status, inspection history, and complaint records through the California Community Care Licensing Division website. We encourage all families to do their due diligence — and we’re proud of our record at Velora.
Have Questions About Senior Care?
Our admissions team is here to help you navigate your family’s senior care journey. Schedule a tour or call us for a confidential conversation.
Velora Senior Living
Expert senior care guidance from our team in Dos Palos, California.