• Residents at Residential Care Homes aka Board and Care Homes often get more attention and personal care than those at a larger Residential Care Facilities and traditional skilled nursing facilities.



• Residential Care Homes usually accommodate Hospice as well as Home Health services ordered by one’s doctor allowing a resident to remain in the home as they require more complex and skilled care.



• Seniors with memory issues and conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's benefit from the small, family environment associated with Residential Care Homes.

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• Residential Care Homes tend to be very cost effective. On the average, the cost is about half that of a larger Residential Care Facility aka Assisted Living Facility or Skilled Nursing Facility. The cost of residential care for an elderly person can range from $1500 to $6,500 a month, depending on the care needs, the quality of the accommodations and the location of the facility. The average cost in a six bed home is $2500 a month for a shared bedroom and $3500 a month for a private bedroom. 

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• Your long term care insurance may cover some or all of the costs of residential care.

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When searching for a home, you'll find that there is a lot of variety in the types of care offered so upfront research is crucial but can be very rewarding when you find the best fit for you. Things to consider when evaluating different senior living board and care communities. Visit a number of places and talk to staff and current residents.  Finding a setting and mix of people that is comfortable for you is important.

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When visiting a Residential Care Home:

• Ask a number of people what a typical day is like in the house.  Is there lots of activity?  Are the residents social and doing things?  Or, is it a quieter place where individuals do more of their own thing?  Both are fine, but you want to be in a place that fits your personality and lifestyle.

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• Ask to see the state's most recent inspection report.  Find out how many and what type of complaints have been filed against the property in the last year, if any.  The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) in the California Department of Social Services is responsible for the licensing and monitoring of all assisted living facilities, including "Board and Care" homes.  A random selection of approximately 20% of facilities are visited unannounced each year. A facility may also be visited in response to a complaint.  Results of these visits are publicly available through the CCLD, but the board and care facility is also required to have the report and complaint information on site for your review.

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• Ask for information on the ratio of nurse aides to residents. For the day, evening and night shifts; the amount of staff turnover; and the training given to staff. 

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• Find out if this is the only property or if the house you are considering is part of a company with a number of houses?  Sometimes a slightly larger company with more houses can provide additional services.  For example, in addition to the on-site staff they may have nursing staff who visits multiple houses on a regular schedule.  They may have events and activities that involve residents from multiple houses.  You may have more options about the house you live in.

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• Ask how the staff cares for residents who become incontinent (e.g., how often they check and clean them) or residents with memory or cognitive problems (e.g., is the house safe for those who wander, do they use restraints or medications to control behaviors).

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• Ask if they provide transportation to doctor appointments and community activities.

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• Ask if the facility has a hospice waiver?  This allows the resident to remain at the facility if they should require a higher level of care and initiate Hospice. 

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• Residential Care Homes (board and care homes) can be a good form of elder care and a wonderful alternative to skilled nursing homes or larger assisted living communities for many older adults.

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Are you ready to consider options for a Residential Care Home or board and care home near you?