Residential Care Homes

Description

Residential Board and Care homes, also referred to simply as Board and Care homes or Small Care Homes consist of a usual bed capacity of up to 15 beds. Most States regulate these facilities in the same manner as that of assisted livings. California in particular grants the same overall type of licensure to board and care as it does to assisted living, although requirements towards licensure compliance may vary by bed size. These small board and care facilities are also not allowed to perform invasive procedures unless a nurse is present and available to meet such needs. Exceptions may also be granted by the State regulation agency if board and cares can prove their ability to care for residents who would otherwise require a higher level of care such a nursing facility or hospital.

Accomodations

Speaking of personalize levels of service, care delivery falls well into this category. Since board and care homes have only 6 residents per facility on average, residents can expect more individualized focused attention and less strict daytime schedules.
All in all, a board and care home can offer just the right element for them while providing excellent, individualized care with a focus on meeting very specific needs. All of this in a home-like, family style atmosphere which illustrates comfort and serenity.

Food

Food is often great tasting at a board and care home. Depending on which facility you choose, you may be treated to quality, homemade food using natural ingredients. Furthermore, due to the small size of a board and care, the facility will likely accommodate special meal requests and on a much more personal level.

Staff

Staffing ratios are typically 1:6 or 2:6 depending on level of care needs. As in Assisted Living, board and care homes are required to meet residents needs through adequate and sufficient staffing. I’ve found that 2:6 is usually an appropriate staffing ratio for board and care homes who typically accept dementia residents. One downside is the lack of awake night staff. Awake night staff IS required if the needs of a resident demand it, however, it’s not a general requirement at this time per California regulations (other States may vary on this requirement).
Regarding staff qualifications, caregivers are required to receive 40 hours of initial training, including a number of hours of med tech training if handling medications. In addition, experience levels vary greatly so don’t be afraid to ask about this to determine if staff can meet you or loved one’s specific needs. Some staff may have previously worked in larger, corporate settings or even possess a nursing background.

Activities

Activities are not as prominent in board and cares as they are in assisted living facilities. Although most State regulations require the offering of activities in board and cares, many staff express that their residents prefer more subtle type of stimulation such as puzzles, music, pet therapy, and occasionally and outside “field trip.” It’s important to remember that most residents in a board and care home prefer this environment for a reason. Perhaps they are introverted, prefer more privacy, and always have their entire life.

Amenities

Room sizes vary in board and care homes. Many offer both private and shared room options, and some rooms are quite large and spacious. As in assisted living, a number of board and care homes offer private bathrooms to go with the private rooms.

Price

Price ranges for most board and cares varies by area but on average will cost $2,000 to $5,000 per month or more depending on care needs. Many residents who live in board and cares prefer this environment due to its ability to provide more individualized attentions to care needs and diet requests. Resident’s may also prefer this environment if they thrive more in a less busy and quiet environment without the extra amenities he or she would never truly benefit from.

Pros and Cons

PROS (1) Accommodates specific needs, (2) Caters to special meal request, (3) Provides individualized focused care in a family-style environment, (4) Less expensive than plush Assisted Living facilities, (5) Better staffing ratios than Assisted Living, (6) Provides natural, home cooked meals

CONS (1) Staff may not be as experienced as Assisted Living staff, (2) Potential language barrier contributing to communication hinderance, (3) Less activities