Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs)
RCACs are the newest form of 'assisted living' licensed care. RCAC regulations began in March of 1997. The idea behind RCAC's is to allow individuals to age in place, in their own apartments while allowing services to increase as needed.
A RCAC may have 5 or more adults that reside in independent apartments of at least 250 square feet, each of which has a lockable entrance, separate kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and living areas and provides up to 28 hours a week of skilled and supportive care.
RCACs like many other living options are located in a variety of settings and sizes. Some are free standing complexes while others are a part of continuing care retirement communities. Because they offer the traditional apartment options there may be choices of efficiency studio, one bedroom or larger. Usually, the apartments are furnished by the individual.
Care may grow over a period of time offering meals, housekeeping, laundry service, medication monitoring and/or administration, assistance with dressing, personal hygiene and grooming. Social activities and programming is provided by staff and is often a way to break isolation for those who may have been living alone.
An RCAC may not admit an individual who is incompetent (has a court appointed guardian), has an activated Power of Attorney for Health Care or is incapable of recognizing and responding to danger. This is becauase prospective residents must be competent to enter into Service Agreements and assume responsibility for their own decisions as documented in the Risk Agreement. However, after an individual has lived in an RCAC, they may stay if they become incompetent , activate the POA for Health Care or are unable to respond to risks, if the facility can assure their safety and welfare. This provision is in the regulations so that individuals may "Age in place." .
Each individual entering a RCAC must be offered a "Preadmission Consultation" provided by the local County (explained more fully in this site within the Assisted Living introduction.) and have a comprehensive assessment. From the assessment, a service agreement is designed to meet the individual's needs. Individuals are also given their tenants rights and grievance procedures. It is important to know what services are provided by the RCAC and if the resident may privately contract for additional services. It is a tenant's right to have a choice of physicians and providers of other medical, mental health and pharmaceutical services. All of this is explained in the rights of tenants which is given prior to the signing of any agreements.
Licensing and regulations: RCAC's are not licensed by the State but are either "registered" or "certified". If a RCAC is "registered" the State may visit the facility to see if it is in compliance with the State requirements but the State does not routinely inspect these facilities or verify compliance with the regulations, nor does the State enforce contractual obligations under the service or risk agreements. "Certified" RCACs will be monitored by the State because they are eligible to receive Medical Assistance waiver funding. The State investigates complaints, monitors contractual obligations and may levy fines. Individuals choosing RCACs must know their contracts and understand that if they have any problems with a "registered" RCAC" their foremost remedy will be to hire a lawyer. General information may be obtained by calling (608) 264-9888. Complaints may be e-mailed to the Bureau of Quality Assurance through the state regulations site at www.dhfs.state.wi.us. Or you may call (608)-264-9888.
Costs in RCACs depend on the services and accommodations offered. This needs to be taken into consideration when viewing costs on this site. RCACs are required by the State to have a 'schedule of fees for services'. This must separately identify charges for rent, meals and services. The charges for 'services' must include basic service rates and separate rates for additional packages of services or those purchased 'ala carte'. A copy of the schedule of fees for service must be given to each prospective tenant and family or designated representative. Copies of revised schedules must be provided at least 30 days before there is an increase in fees to a current tenant. Individuals usually pay privately (Social Security, pension, savings, sale of home) unless they qualify for medical assistance waiver funding and are approved by the county in which they live. Contact your County Department of Adult or Elderly services for more information. There may also be RCACs that have several levels of costs based on income. You will find these and the "certified" RCACs on this site. Select the RCACs and look for those that indicate that they have 'WHEDA set aside apts. available" for those based on income. All facilities will list if they are "certified" or "registered".
Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs)