WHAT IS A CARE HOME?
A care home is a residential facility that specializes in caring for a small number of seniors in a personal, home-like setting. Care homes are sometimes referred to as residential care homes, board and care homes, or residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE). Unlike larger care facilities, such as assisted-living facilities, care homes typically have a capacity of up to 6 residents and consist of larger single-family homes situated in residential neighborhoods. They are considered non-medical facilities and are not required to have medical staff, although some employ certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, or even registered nurses. Whether small or large, all senior care facilities are licensed and regulated by each state’s social services and/or health department.
WHAT SERVICES DO CARE HOMES PROVIDE?
Care homes provide housing, home-prepared meals, medication management, companionship, social interaction, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), which may include bathing, grooming, getting dressed, and eating. Many of the services offered are similar to those of larger care facilities, but care homes are able to offer more personalized care in an intimate environment with higher staff-to-resident ratios.
Services provided by care homes may differ from state to state due to licensing regulations but generally include the following:
24-hour assistance, security, and supervision
Assistance with activities of daily living
Housekeeping and laundry services
Social interaction and recreational activities
Healthy, home-cooked meals and snacks
Access to salon/grooming services
Access to health and medical services
Transportation
Sensory impairment assistance
Palliative care
Respite care
Dementia/Alzheimer’s/memory care (if licensed)
Hospice care (if licensed)
IS A CARE HOME RIGHT FOR YOU?
While most care homes provide the services listed above, some homes may specialize in certain levels of care. Whether you’re in need of companionship and light assistance with activities of daily living or you’re experiencing the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s and require memory care, you can be assured that you or your loved one will receive greater individual attention at a care home versus other types of care facilities.
The wonderful thing about care homes is that the environment allows residents to “age in place.” You can become a resident at a care home at a time when you only need minimal assistance and care but have the ability to stay there as you age and require additional assistance, all the way through to the end of life. This eliminates the physical and psychological stress of moving to other facilities as health conditions change. You can make a care home your new home and be cared for by a small group of staff that will become your second family, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your life in the comfort of a home, rather than a medical facility.
HOW MUCH DO CARE HOMES COST?
The cost of care homes varies based on geographical location, room type (single, shared, or en-suite room), and level of care required. On average, the base rate for room and board with a standard level of care ranges between $2,500 to over $6,000 per month for higher-end homes. As your care requirements increase, your monthly cost may increase based on the additional care required. Each facility will have its own categorization of care and costs for you to review.
Medicare does not pay for senior care homes. Most care homes only accept private funding, so the majority of residents cover the cost with private funds or long-term-care-insurance policies. If you’re a veteran, you may have supplemental funding available through Aid and Attendance.
For more information on financial assistance, visit our Financial Resources page.