Board and care homes typically provide seniors with the same services available in larger assisted living communities; the difference is that these facilities are “regular” houses in residential neighborhoods that are equipped, adapted and staffed to care for a small number of seniors. The term “board and care home” is most commonly used in California. In other states, these homes may go by other names including “residential care home” or “group home.”
Board and care homes provide care that’s comparable to what’s offered at assisted living communities, but below the level of what at a nursing home, meaning that board and care homes are able to help with daily activities but do not provide skilled nursing assistance. They prepare the residents three home cooked meals daily, and are typically able to provide help with activities such as:
Board and care homes are required to be licensed in most states, and A Place for Mom refers only to licensed providers. In California, for example, board and care homes are licensed by the Community Care Licensing Division California Department of Social Services.
There is not a nationwide definition for board and care homes, but the basic difference between assisted living and board and care is their size. Assisted living communities are larger and board and care homes are smaller. A Place for Mom considers senior care facilities that have less than 20 residents and are not nursing homes to be board and care homes. In California specifically, board and care homes are licensed to care for a minimum of six residents.
There are many of other terms used for the board care concept. Other terms used include:
In some regions one of these terms are more popular than the others. In California, California “board and care home” is the preferred term, while in North Carolina it’s “group home.” Don’t let the large number of terms confuse you. They’re all essentially the same thing.
Many seniors who are transitioning from living independently to long-term care are faced with choosing between a board and care home and an assisted living facility. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some seniors and families prefer board and care homes to assisted living because board and care homes:
Conversely, there are reasons that other seniors prefer assisted living facilities to board and care homes: