- Legal EditorHenry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator
Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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Board And Care – Assisted Living
Most Board and Care facilities, sometimes called residential care facilities, are regulated by the state and are usually small private facilities, with no more than 25 or fewer residents. Board and Care rooms may be private or shared. Residents receive personal care and meals and have staff available around the clock.
Assisted living often bridges the gap between living in a board-and-care facility and the next step which is living in a nursing home. Assisted living typically offers a combination of housing, meals, supportive services, and primary health care.
Board and Care living residences generally provide 24-hour staff but do not provide medical care.
Assisted Living Arrangements Vary from State to State
Depending on the state, some assisted living residents, depending on residents’ medical status, can live in their own apartment or room and share common areas. Residents have access to many services, including:
- On-site staff and 24-hour supervision
- Assistance with personal care
- Help with medications
- Three meals a day
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Planned social and recreational activities.
Common Features Of Board & Care Living
Board and Care facilities provide help with activities of daily living. Most people can help with personal care, like taking medicine, using eye drops, getting to appointments, or preparing meals. Residents may choose which services they receive from the facility, such as help with bathing, dressing, eating, or medication reminders.
Residents often live in their rooms or apartment within a building or group of buildings and often have their meals together. Social and recreational activities are usually provided. Some of these facilities have health services on site. Most of them do not.
Not all assisted living facilities provide the same services. Assisted living facilities may or may not offer services specifically designed for the health needs of all residents.
In many cases, assisted living residents pay a regular monthly rent and then pay additional fees for services they may require.
Board And Care Costs Vary by State
The federal government does not heavily regulate assisted living facilities. Designated state agencies usually do this.
State regulations of board and care facilities vary considerably. Costs depending on the services provided. For example, a full-service Board and Care can cost as much as $4,000 to $5,000month for a private room depending on where you live.
Independent Living Very Different from Assisted Living
Independent living is very different from assisted living. Independent living provides older adults with a carefree lifestyle. It caters to those who want to enjoy retirement with ease and convenience.
Senior independent living usually provides various leisure services, including prepared dining, transportation, social events, and housekeeping.
Unlike assisted living, independent adult living does not provide personal care for residents such as bathing or going to the toilet.
Independent living is a lifestyle choice for older adults who wish to remain active, in shape, and, most importantly, live independently.
Some services assist people as to which form of senior living is right for them. These types of decisions, however, should be guided by the elder’s physician as well as the family.
A Board & Care Locator
Most of locator and referral services do not charge a fee. Instead, the fee is generally paid by the facility that receives the placement and has paid for the advertising to be on its network.
If you’re looking for the right board and care facility for your loved one, one respected and established referral service is A Place for Mom.
