CBRF, AFH, RCAC, Nursing Home—What’s the Difference?
Deciding where you or a loved one should live when it’s no longer safe at home can be an overwhelming task.
Moving into a new place is sure to stir up emotions, so it’s a decision you’ll want to get right the first time.
One of the things that can be most confusing is
differentiating between the various types of living
facilities. What is a CBRF versus a RCAC? What
level of care is provided at each?
This chart compares the four primary senior
resident options.
As you weigh the benefits of the places you’ve
seen, you’ll be able to choose the best fit. It’s
important to note that the ability to age-in-place
will vary depending not only on the type of facility,
but on each residence’s design and capabilities.
In general, a CBRF resident or nursing home
resident can stay in their new home for the rest of
his or her life, while an RCAC resident may need
to move as their personal safety risks increase.
Some assisted living facilities are affiliated, located
on the same property, so residents move within
the campus as additional assistance is required.
Other senior living facilities allow residents to
remain in the same building and the staff adjusts
the care—charges may or may not change.
When on your tour, ask specific questions about
how the facility handles an increase in the care
needs of its residents.
Community Based
Residential Facility
CBRF
Adult Family Home AFH Residential Care
(3-4 bed)
Complex RCAC
Nursing Home
Serves a variety of
needs, and may include
dementia and other
conditions of aging
Most require
24-hour care due
to physical or
mental conditions
Residence Type
Serves a variety of needs,
and may include dementia
and other conditions of aging
Number of
Residents
From 5-257 beds, usually 20+ Up to 4, usually a
residential-style home
Independent living complex; 5 or more
at least 5 apartments
RN on staff
Not required
Not required
Not required
Yes
Hours of nursing care Up to 3 hrs/wk
Up to 7 hrs/wk
N/A
24 hours
General level of care
Provides room and board and
assistance. Most often admit
and provide services to:
• People of advanced age
• Dementia
• Developmental
disabilities
• Mental health
problems
• Physical disabilities
• Traumatic brain injury
• Terminally ill/Hospice
Care, treatment or
services are above the
level of room and board;
should not require care
above intermediate level
of nursing care
Provide up to 28 hours of
care/week:
• Supportive services
• Personal assistance
• Health services
• Emergency assistance
Services must be part of
tenant’s service agreement
Complete care,
room and board
24-hour caregivers
Yes
Caregivers may live on-site Emergency assistance
if needed
Yes
Minimum Age
Requirement
18 years
18 years
Adult
Independent living. Does
NOT serve incompetent,
Alzheimer’s, or dementia
populations
Adult
Costs of Senior Living Homes
When it comes to assessing cost, remember that pricing and what’s covered can vary from place-toplace. Some use the all-inclusive model, which is generally a flat fee. What’s included may vary between
residences. Others have fees that change according to needs. In a tiered-fee model, the monthly fee
generally covers room and board. While the initial monthly fee may seem comparatively low, as you or
your loved one need more care the fee may increase substantially—even above another facility’s flat fee.
When touring a residence, be sure to ask questions. Look closely at the specifics to make the most
informed decision possible. On the right is a handy checklist to track and compare covered costs.
If you’d like to learn about Autumn’s Promise Assisted Living, please call us at 465-1181 to set up
your free tour.
We hope this overview helps you evaluate the senior living options available to you.
Service or Amenity
Facility 1.
Included?
Yes or No
Facility 2.
Included?
Yes or No
Facility 3.
Included?
Yes or No
24-hour supervision
Meals and snacks
Personal care services
Health care services
Medication management
Social services
Supervise person with
cognitive disabilities
Dementia care
Social and religious activities
Transportation (typically
doctor’s appointments, etc)
Laundry service
Housekeeping
Incontinent care
WiFi
Cable
Telephone
920-465-1181 | 1700 Spartan Road • Green Bay | autumnspromise.com
Data from—Pricing models: payingforseniorcare.com, eldercareteam.com, ahcancal.org
Regulations and types of facilities: dhs.wisconsin.gov, ewala.org