Most people want to age at home. People 65 and older have a 70% chance of needing services and support in their remaining years. Considering this, people need to look into their options. Most consider an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility, but if you want a smaller setting, look into a residential care home. Residential care homes allow a person to age in place while carrying on as usual and receiving the additional help they need.

What are residential care homes called?

• Residential care homes
• Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs)
• Adult family homes
• Board and care homes
• Residential assisted living
• Plus 30 other terms depending on the state which licenses the homes.

What do they provide?

Residential care homes provide assisted living but in a house. They are licensed facilities for residents who need non-medical care and supervision. The staff assists residents with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. Plus, staff can assist with medication management and respond to emergencies. Homes provide three meals daily, housekeeping services, and 24 hours onsite staff. In addition, most provide transportation to medical or dental appointments.

How do residential care homes compare to assisted living communities?

Assisted living communities are more of a larger community for people to age in place. People live in one-bedroom or studio apartments. Staff come to work and then go home. Residential care homes are more of an intimate setting. People live in a house or a smaller community. Homes usually are owned by a private individual, but some are company owned. It is not uncommon for staff to live in the house. The state regulates assisted living communities and residential care homes. Depending on the state regulations, and licensing, homes can house five to ten people, some up to twenty, and the more extensive facilities up to 100.

Can anyone be admitted to a residential care home?

No. Qualifying individuals must be 60 or older and are independent but require varying levels of care and supervision. Residents under 60 must have needs similar to other residents. Since residential care homes do not provide medical care, they cannot admit or retain anyone:

• Needing 24-hour skilled nursing or intermediate care
• Needs care for Stage III and IV dermal ulcers
• Needs care for gastrostomies, nasogastric tubes, or tracheostomies
• Is being treated for staph or other severe infections
• Needs assistance to perform ALL Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Anyone who has a contagious disease
• Anyone bedridden, with an exception for anyone temporarily bedridden and specific requirements met.
• Has been diagnosed with a mental disorder that results in ongoing behaviors that would upset other residents
• Anyone diagnosed with dementia unless the facility meets specific specialized care requirements.

What are the costs, and how is this paid?

Residential care homes are cost-effective since it is half the cost of assisted living communities or nursing home care. Costs vary depending on location, level of care needed, and the quality of the accommodations. Most homes provide shared bedrooms or private bedrooms. Residential care costs range from $2,500 to $5,000 a month. The average monthly cost in a six-bedroom home is $3,000 for a shared bedroom and $4,000 to $7,000 for a private bedroom, significantly less than the median annual costs of $63,000 for assisted living or $117,530 to $146,000 for a nursing home. All of these expenses are out-of-pocket expenses.

STAGES to here to educate people on their home options as they age.