Board and Care Home
What Is a Board and Care Home?
In California, Board and Care Home (B&C) is the most popular term for a smaller group living home.
Also known as a Residential Care Home or Group Home in other states, a Board and Care Home is a house in a residential neighborhood that has been converted into a facility that provides supportive care for seniors who are safer being in a small group living environment.
A Board and Care Home, also known as a Residential Care Home, is a house in a residential neighborhood that has been licensed to provide supportive care for seniors who need to be in a small group living environment due to their level of care requirement. Residential Care Homes have anywhere from 6 to 20 residents, living in either shared or private bedrooms, with shared kitchens, common areas, and bathrooms (some private rooms do have their own bathrooms).
Residents will receive one on one help with activities of daily living with the benefit of a much smaller caregiver-to-patient ratio than an Assisted Living Community. On average, some Board and Care Homes are a less expensive option than assisted living and may have a higher number of Medicaid patients living there.
In most states, like California, these homes are licensed by the state, and licensing requirements include regular visits and inspections by state authorities (Licensing requirements do vary state by state).
Interested in Learning More About Board and Care Homes?
Check out our comprehensive guide. We answer the most common questions and provide you with detailed answers about Board and Care Homes.
Read the GuideWho Is the Best Fit for a Board and Care Home?
Since Board and Care Homes provide a higher level of care than an Assisted Living Community, with a much smaller staff-to-patient ratio, the ideal candidate is someone who requires a great deal of supervision and attention to the basics of daily living.
Often, seniors find themselves transitioning out of an Assisted Living Community into a Board and Care Home when they and their families learn that the former can no longer meet their needs because their fall risk has increased, their mobility has become more limited, or they are approaching the end of life.
If a senior is still fairly independent and is very social and likes to make lots of friends, they may not be a good match for a Board and Care Home. However, some folks dislike the large, institutional feel of an Assisted Living Community and feel more secure in a smaller, cozier setting.
What it's like to live in a Board and Care Home
There are a few noteworthy differences between life in a Board and Care Home and an Assisted Living Community. Instead of an apartment or hotel type setting, a Board and Care Home provides a family-like atmosphere, and residents live in shared or private bedrooms rather than studios or apartments. Often, bathrooms are shared, although some rooms do have their own private bathrooms.
Another difference is that the level of activities, outings and amenities at an Assisted Living Community are not usually provided at a Board and Care Home, although many homes do offer activities like group music sessions or arts and crafts. Some homes also offer 24-hour “awake staff” for residents who are in need of around-the-clock care.
Board and Care Homes will offer the following types of support:
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3 Meals a day plus healthy snacks
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Bathing
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Dressing and Grooming
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Feeding Assistance
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Mobility (Walking, transfer assistance, help to the bathroom etc.)
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Medication Reminders
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Toileting and Incontinence Care
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Scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments
Questions to ask about a Board and Care when visiting
How do you handle medical emergencies?
How do you assess a senior’s medical needs, and how often?
What kind of training does your staff have?
What security measures are in place?
How do you handle residents who wander/get lost easily?
Can residents bring their own furniture/furnishings for their rooms?
Are dietary restrictions/needs accommodated by the kitchen staff?
Do you have visiting hours for family and friends?
Do You Need Help Finding a Board and Care Home?
Given the array of different options, our team of expert advisers can help you explore what would suit you or your loved one’s needs, as well as answer your questions and concerns before you settle on the best fit.
Our team is ready to match your loved one’s individual needs and preferences with options that line up with their budget and geographical preferences. For absolutely no cost, you will be paired with a Senior Care Advisor who can help navigate the confusing path of senior living and reach the right decision for you and your loved one.