
When an aging loved one transitions from living independently to long-term care, it’s often a choice between an assisted living community or a board and care home.
While there’s no clear, nationwide definition for board and care homes like there is for assisted living communities, the main difference between the two is size. Assisted living communities typically have more residents, while board and care homes for seniors have fewer residents. Both living options provide similar services, but your loved one may be better suited to one option over the other. Like assisted living, board and care homes are licensed by individual states.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these types of senior living.
Assisted living provides long-term housing and care for seniors. It is ideal for seniors who need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs) but are interested in leading a social, active lifestyle. Keep in mind that both assisted living and board and care homes offer less care than nursing homes.
More like inclusive hotels for retirees, assisted living communities may offer the following:
It’s important to remember that assisted living communities often have health standards for admitting new residents. This means that for a resident to join, they’d perhaps have to be able to feed themselves independently or move from a bed to a wheelchair without assistance.
Assisted living may be the right choice for seniors who:
Learn what to look for in a community
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The median cost of assisted living was $4,051 a month in the United States in 2019.
Assisted living costs depend on a number of factors, including:
Assisted living communities often charge a flat rate that covers many basic services, with additional fees for special services.
Board and care homes are houses in residential neighborhoods that are equipped, adapted, and staffed to care for a small number of residents, usually between two and 10.
These homes provide comparable care to what’s offered at assisted living communities, but still usually less than what a nursing home provides. This means board and care homes can help with daily routines, but typically don’t provide 24-hour skilled nursing assistance.
Caregivers at board and care homes prepare two or three home-cooked meals a day for residents and typically help with activities such as:
Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones.
Board and care homes may be referred to as:
In some regions, one term is more popular than the others. In California, “board and care home” is a common term, while in North Carolina, you may hear “group home.” But don’t let all these names confuse you — they’re essentially the same concept.
Board and care homes for seniors may be a better fit for loved ones who:
The cost of living in a board and care home depends largely on location. Cost is tied to local real estate value.
Prices vary — generally, a board and care home could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 per month and in high real estate markets such as California, the monthly cost might be as high as $10,000.
Cost also depends on:
Senior living choices have expanded as the needs and expectations of older adults have changed over the past several decades. Figuring out the best option for your loved one’s needs is crucial for keeping them healthy, active, and safe. At no cost to you, our 400 local senior living experts can guide you through all the senior living options and help you find the right fit for your family.