Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes – also referred to as “family care homes” – provide individualized service, often in a standard single-family home. These houses have been modified to accommodate the needs of seniors, and are generally licensed by the state for only two to six beds. Similar to assisted living, residents receive 24-hour care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including medication management, housekeeping services, transportation to doctor’s appointments as needed, meals, and social programs.

Since these environments are much smaller, they can feel more tight-knit. This is often a great fit for seniors that would prefer a warmer, homier place to live.

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients may benefit from the cozier family-like atmosphere of a residential care home. However, they are not always as tightly secured as a more conventional assisted living community and will have less area to wander.

Residential care homes tend to be comparable to the price of assisted living, where the national average monthly costs range is right under $6000 a month. Cost will vary depending on a number of factors:

• Home’s location within an area (high-end areas of town equate to higher costs)
• Amenities
• Social programming
• Home fixtures (high-end fixtures come with higher costs)
• Staff-to-patient ratio

Consider these statements below for yourself or on behalf of your loved one:

• There is concern about safety and fall prevention
• I need help when getting in and out of the tub or shower
• Isolation is a concern
• Regular meal preparation would be helpful
• I often need help getting dressed
• I often grab onto furniture for assistance and stability