Most families don’t know about small assisted living homes, also called board and care homes or residential care homes.
For many San Diego County seniors, these 6 person assisted care facilities may be the perfect choice.
These small assisted living homes are homes tucked into neighborhoods, so they can be overlooked. It’s easy to notice large assisted living communities on our streets and in advertisements, so we’re familiar with these.
Larger assisted living communities are fine for the right seniors. Elder Answers helps families move their loved ones to large care facilities all the time. And there are thousands of seniors living in assisted living communities throughout San Diego County, safely and happily.
But a larger assisted living community isn’t the most appropriate setting for all seniors. And this is where small assisted living homes, or board and care homes, can fill that space.
In San Diego County we have hundreds of board and care homes. This is good because families have choice. This is not good because it makes it difficult to know which homes are most appropriate for your loved one.
Elder Answers senior care placement service can help.
All San Diego board and care homes operate under the same license as larger assisted living communities – an RCFE (residential care facility for elderly).
This is a state license and the requirements for inspection are the same for both – once a year
When Might Small Assisted Living Homes Be Appropriate?
Here are some important questions to ask if you’re considering a board and care home:
- Is your loved one non-ambulatory?
- Is your loved one a fall risk?
- Does your loved one no longer take part in activities?
- Is your loved one’s budget limited?
- Could your loved one benefit from more one on one attention and care?
- Does your loved one have cognitive impairment?
- Is your loved one reaching end of life?
The decision where to place an elderly loved one rests solely in their own hands or in the hands of family members and/or Powers of Attorney.
And ALL assisted livings, large or small, have the same license to care for seniors.
However, if your answer to the questions above was YES, Elder Answers believes it is wise for families to visit and compare 2-3 quality San Diego board and care homes with 2-3 assisted living communities. If nothing else, this will give you peace of mind that you have chosen wisely.
How Are Board and Care Homes Different?
Size:
Most board and care homes in San Diego County care for 6 seniors, although a few homes have up to 15 beds. A board and care home is more intimate with a lower caregiver to resident ratio.
Care:
Both larger assisted living communities and senior care homes in San Diego have the same license. Both care for seniors with physical challenges and who need assistance with day to day tasks. Both can also care for seniors with dementia (in most circumstances).
However, because it is so compact, a small assisted living home typically has more eyes and ears on its residents. This more consistent interaction from care staff may help to prevent falls and/or other unexpected incidents.
Cost:
A board and care home may be more affordable than a larger assisted living community, depending upon the care level of the senior. And the fees in board and care homes are all-inclusive, which can make costs easier to understand.
Activity:
Board and care homes may offer a few activities, but in general the activity level is lower than in an assisted living community. In many small assisted living homes the residents are more frail, making organized activities less important.
Uniqueness:
Since many San Diego board and care homes used to be residential, they have their own unique features. You will find distinct differences throughout the county in home size and configuration, room and bath size and configuration, and look and feel.
