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.
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:
- Bathing
- 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
- Transportation
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
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.
Related Articles:
- 7 Senior Housing Options: Which One Works Best?
- How a Senior Living Advisor Helps Find Housing
- How to Pay for Assisted Living: 6 Options
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: AM/PM Homecare
Sources: CANHR, California Registry
Trish
I need a residential care home for my mom .
I live in [xxxxx] area.
DailyCaring
Each state has their own directory of licensed residential care homes. Try searching online for “residential care home” or “residential care facility” and the name of your state to find that state’s directory. That helps to make sure that any home you’re considering is properly licensed.
rose hemani
I need info for my sister iam her caregiver and it’s getting hard on and my health so my sister needs rehab and medical dont want nursing home been there done that looking into small place my sister is bed riden was having rehab but it stopped so needs her meals changed and rehab
DailyCaring
Each state has their own directory of licensed residential care homes. Try searching online for “residential care home” or “residential care facility” and the name of your state to find that state’s directory. That helps to make sure that any home you’re considering is properly licensed.
Once you identify licensed residential care homes in your area, you’ll be able to contact them to find out what type of services they offer.
We hope you’ll find a great place for your sister so you’re able to take care of your health.
Brian M
We are a family of Healthcare workers; I am an ICU RN, my wife is a CNA as is my sister-in-law that lives with us. My wife is somewhat disillusioned with the conditions and standards of living at the facilities in our area. We recently bought a large country home and have a master suite and 1 additional bedroom we are looking to use for Senior Living. We live in Arkansas and need some help with where to start on this. Can you point us to where to look for licensing information in our state?
DailyCaring
It’s wonderful that you’re thinking of opening a residential care home! Each state’s licensing and operating requirements are different, so you’ll need to check with your state’s licensing organization. Use Google to search “residential care facility licensing [your state]” or a similar phrase and you should get a lot of listings directing you to your state’s licensing agency.
Teresa C Lewis
I am preparing to retire from teaching with the year. My 81 year old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 9 years ago and has been with me until just last year when we moved her to a memory care home. It’s a very nice (expensive) place, however, I feel she would be more comfortable in a smaller home. I am seriously considering opening a home for no more than 5 residents, but need help in the beginning/licensing stage. Any assistance on where to start would be greatly appreciated.
DailyCaring
It’s great that you’re thinking of opening a residential care home. Each state’s licensing and operating requirements are different, so you’ll need to check with your state’s licensing organization. Use Google to search “residential care facility licensing [your state]” or a similar phrase and you should get a lot of listings directing you to your state’s licensing agency.
Donna
It would be more helpful if you could provide a link to residential care homes in each state.
DailyCaring
Each state has separate licensing and requirements for residential care homes. Unfortunately, this means that there isn’t a comprehensive directory from an unbiased source that we can link to.
To find a residential care home in your area, check with your state’s senior housing licensing agency, use a senior living advisor (https://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-experts-help-seniors-find-the-perfect-place-to-live/), ask the local Area Agency on Aging for help (https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/), or use online referral services that have their own senior housing directories.
Linda Dollard
How long after you apply for group home license,can you start taking clients,I am looking for money now rent house,get started.
DailyCaring
Each state’s licensing and operating requirements are different, so you’ll need to check with your state’s licensing organization.
Robert Rhodes
It’s obvious only people with money are able to take care of their parents not everybody has money Medicaid Medicare doesn’t work for this type of thing don’t fool yourself
DailyCaring
It’s very true that senior care and housing can be expensive. Medicare only covers short term stays in skilled nursing facilities after a hospitalization. But Medicaid does cover long term care services and support. There are ways to qualify for Medicaid, but it’s best to speak with a lawyer about the specific situation to find out if that’s possible.
These articles may help explain the options available for paying for care and housing:
— Medicare vs. Medicaid: What You Need to Know https://dailycaring.com/medicare-vs-medicaid-what-you-need-to-know/
— How to Pay for Assisted Living: 6 Options https://dailycaring.com/paying-for-assisted-living/
— How Medicaid Spend Down Helps Seniors Qualify for Long Term Care Benefits https://dailycaring.com/how-medicaid-spend-down-helps-seniors-qualify-for-long-term-care-benefits/
— 7 Sources of Free Legal Services for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-free-legal-services-for-seniors/
Sandy
This is not true, there are many good small group homes that take medicaid. NOBODY can take medicare as payment EVER! Most seniors have homes to sell to care for themselves as they age, but some don’t and a lot of homes are medicaid waiver approved. Please do you footwork.
Jesse Brody
I am looking for a place for my wife she suffers from Alzheimer’s she is 68 years old, I live in Yorktown Hights New York,I would like to find a place near me.
DailyCaring
There are a variety of ways to find an assisted living or memory care community for your wife that’s near you.
You could search on major senior housing websites. Popular ones include:
— Caring.com
— APlaceforMom.com
— Seniorly.com
You could also hire an expert to help you search for the right place for your wife’s care needs and your budget:
— Senior housing experts (like specialized real estate agents) http://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-experts-help-seniors-find-the-perfect-place-to-live/
— Geriatric care managers http://dailycaring.com/when-hiring-a-geriatric-care-manager-makes-sense/
You could also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can give you any recommendations. More info on them here — https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
Anuja Dandekar
I was wondering if it is possible to volunteer here?
DailyCaring
It’s great that you’d like to volunteer! I’d suggest calling residential care homes in your area to find out if they’re accepting volunteers.
Shelley Russo
I am looking for a care home for my 81 year old mother. I am located in st Petersburg /Tampa area. I am unable to afford assisted living as their cost are over her monthly income. This is a very difficult time and would appreciate any assistance or help I can get.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry, this definitely sounds like a challenging situation. I’d suggest contacting your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can refer you to helpful services. You may also want to consult an elder law attorney to see if they can figure out a way to help your mother pay for assisted living, possibly by qualifying for Medicaid. The Area Agency on Aging may be able to refer you to low cost legal services as well. More info here:
— http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
— http://dailycaring.com/how-an-elder-law-attorney-can-help/
— http://dailycaring.com/how-medicaid-spend-down-helps-seniors-qualify-for-long-term-care-benefits/
Eric and Sheila
We have a brand bew house in Tampa and are taking care of our mom. We have an empty room. $2500 a month will give her the room, food, laundry and housekeeping. We live right next door!
DailyCaring
That’s a wonderful thing to do for your mom ❤️
R manjari
I wish to join and do service. Is it possible
DailyCaring
That’s wonderful. I’m sure many organizations would appreciate the volunteer help. I’d suggest getting in touch directly with an organization or care community and speaking with them about volunteer opportunities.
Betty Franchi
Are there any residential home care homes in Northern Virginia? Would love to put my mom in something like that.
DailyCaring
I’m sure there are many great residential care homes in Virginia. However, we don’t provide any referral services. You may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find more information or find a senior housing expert in your area. More info here:
— http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
— http://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-experts-help-seniors-find-the-perfect-place-to-live/
Kim
I consider it unfortunately that in this country our most valuable asset are put out to pasture, due to age. I just don’t understand. I am working towards establishing a private care home, I do the work already with my mom. I don’t have any formal training in nursing, but, I can cook with a heart healthy mind set. I am a little ruff around the edges do to spending 27 years in the Army. What do you see as pitfalls for attempting this venture?
DailyCaring
It’s wonderful that you’re looking to help others with your skills and kindness. To learn more about the business, you may want to reach out to local senior care businesses and chat with them to learn more. Best of luck!
Gayle Denton
Do residential care homes allow spouses to spend the night? My husband is 25 years older than me and has been diagnosed with probable Lewy Body disease. We hit the jackpot. He’s 81 and doing great right now. I want to spend every minute I can with him. We both have long term disability insurance. I’m 56 and have my own chronic disease. I just wonder, depending on how his disease progresses, if there are facilities where I could go with him or spend the night as often as possible. 👥
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry about your husband and about your own health condition. It’s great that he’s doing well now and that you’re able to spend time together. It’s great that you’re thinking about this ahead of time. Each residential care home (or assisted living community) will have their own policies. It would be helpful if you start your search well before a move is needed so you can ask all questions about the things that are important to you and have plenty of time to make a decision. In case it would be helpful, we’ve got a checklist that helps you find a good community that meets your needs — http://dailycaring.com/this-checklist-helps-you-choose-the-right-senior-living-facility/
Cynthia Arnold
Can you recommend residential care homes in the 30088, 30087,30045 zip codes. I am having a hard time finding them.
DailyCaring
I’m sure there are many great residential care homes in those areas. However, we don’t provide any services around finding senior housing.
You may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out if they’re connected with local housing providers — http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/ You may also want to try an online site that helps you find senior housing, like Caring.com or APlaceforMom.com or Seniorly.com You may also be interested in working with a senior housing specialist, more about them here — http://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-experts-help-seniors-find-the-perfect-place-to-live/
Note: We don’t gain any commission or payment from recommending these senior housing search sites. We mention them only because they’re sites we’re familiar with and know that their businesses are focused on helping people find local senior housing.
Tisha
Do you have places in Palmdale or Lancaster?
DailyCaring
I’m sure there are many great residential care homes in those areas. However, we don’t provide any services around finding senior housing.
You may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out if they’re connected with local housing providers — http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/ You may also want to try an online site that helps you find senior housing, like Caring.com or APlaceforMom.com or Seniorly.com You may also be interested in working with a senior housing specialist, more about them here — http://dailycaring.com/senior-housing-experts-help-seniors-find-the-perfect-place-to-live/
Note: We don’t gain any commission or payment from recommending these senior housing search sites. We mention them only because they’re sites we’re familiar with and know that their businesses are focused on helping people find local senior housing.
J
Do you have to have a special license from the state (Virginia) in order to run a residential care home, if the clients are not using state funds?
DailyCaring
Since we’re not in the residential care business, we aren’t familiar with the various licensing requirements. It’s best to check with the State of Virginia.
Cathleen Sario Moore
My mother is in a bed and board home, where she was placed after my brother resigned as her consetvator.
In court, us other 3 siblings asked to take over conservatorship, because my brother’s lawyer (who he paid from her estate) said my brothers attorney said ok counselor…will follow yr lead…we are turned away at her door if we haven’t given 72 hrs notice to stop by and say hi if we are in the area.
My mom asks the woman that runs the place…why wont you let my daughter in?
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry about the situation. It’s terrible that your brother is preventing you and your siblings from seeing your mother 😢