Seniors get personal care in a home-like setting
Assisted living communities aren’t the only housing option for an older adult who needs care.
Another option is a residential care home, also known as a board and care home or personal care home.
These places provide care to small groups of adults over age 60. In California, 90% of these homes have 6 or fewer residents.
Residential care homes are typically located in the middle of regular residential neighborhoods because they’re usually private homes that were converted and staffed for small group living.
We explain the type of care that a residential care home provides, how much they cost each month, and who might enjoy living in these types of senior housing.
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What kind of care do residential care homes provide?
A residential care home provides a higher level of care than assisted living, but a lower level than a nursing home (aka a skilled nursing facility).
The biggest difference is that there’s more personalized care and staff attention because each home has few residents.
Each home may also offer different services. Some provide a high level of care while others focus on the basics.
It’s important to find out from each place exactly what services they will and won’t provide.
Residential care homes typically offer:
A single or double room (not an apartment)
Shared bathroom
Meals
Housekeeping
Personal care
Generally, most provide supervision and help with activities of daily living like:
Dressing and grooming
Moving around
Storing and distributing medication (but not administering)
Toileting and incontinence care
Some residential care homes may also provide:
Some level of medical services, like giving medication
What’s typically not provided:
Certain types of medical-level care, like tube feeding or treatment of open bedsores
The level of amenities and recreational activities you’d normally find in an assisted living community
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How much does it cost?
According to Genworth, residential care homes typically cost about the same as assisted living, $4,500/month on average.
However, costs will vary depending on the level of care needed, the quality of the home, and most importantly, its location.
One key difference is that a residential care home usually doesn’t accept Medicare or Medicaid.
They do accept private payment, money from VA Aid & Attendance, and long-term care insurance.
Who would enjoy living in a residential care home?
1. Seniors who dislike the larger, institutional-type living situation found in most assisted living communities In a residential care home, your older adult can live as normal a life as they’re able.
They can go shopping, have friends and family visit whenever they want, go for walks, dine out, etc.
It’s a great option for those who can’t live independently, but hate the idea of being in a large institutional setting.
2. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia For people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, living in a smaller place with fewer people can reduce anxiety and stress.
They’ll also be able to get care from a few staff members who can get to know them and their specific needs.
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By DailyCaring Editorial Team Image: AM/PM Homecare Sources: CANHR, California Registry
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