Man in wheelchair being pushed by caregiver along front walkway.
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Residential Care Homes

These communities provide comprehensive, 24-hour care tailored to each unique resident. Residential care homes are usually situated in an actual house, offering a more cozy and family-like experience.

Table of Contents

What Is a Residential Care Home?

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.

Why Choose a Residential Care Home?

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.

Cost of Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes tend to be comparable to the price of assisted living, and the cost will often vary based on:

  • 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

Is a Residential Care Home a Good Fit?

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

If most or all of the above statements apply, then a Residential Care Home may be a good option. You could also consider the following solutions:

If you or your loved one are in better health than these statements indicate, the following solutions may be a better fit:

If you or your loved one need more hands-on care, the following options may be a better fit:

Still not sure? Take our Care Assessment to see what care level may be best.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.

– Helen Keller