A board and care home is a small-home senior care option that surprises many families with how personal and affordable it can be. Here is exactly what it is, what it offers, and who it fits.
What is a board and care home, exactly?
A board and care home is a licensed residence, typically a single-family house, where a small group of seniors (usually 2 to 6) live together and receive meals, help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, medication assistance, and 24-hour supervision. It is regulated and inspected by the state. The same model goes by different names: adult family home, personal care home, and residential care facility all describe the same thing. Board and care homes serve seniors who need daily help but not round-the-clock skilled nursing, offering a homelike alternative to large assisted living communities.
What services does a board and care home provide?
Board and care homes provide room and board plus personal care: help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, and transfers; medication reminders or assistance; three meals a day plus snacks; housekeeping and laundry; and 24-hour supervision. Because the homes are small, staff often know each resident's routine and preferences well. Many homes also coordinate with visiting doctors, hospice, and home-health nurses. What they do not provide is ongoing skilled medical care, which requires a nursing home. To find a home offering the specific services your loved one needs, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).
Who is a board and care home best for?
Board and care homes suit seniors who need hands-on daily help in a quiet, intimate setting, including many people living with dementia who do better with close supervision and fewer distractions. They are also a good fit for those who feel overwhelmed in large buildings or who want a low caregiver-to-resident ratio. Seniors who are highly active and social may prefer the amenities and activities of a larger assisted living community. An advisor can help you weigh the fit at no cost. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.