What Is the Difference Between Residential Care Homes and Assisted Living Facilities?

Regardless of the reasoning, moving a loved one from independent living to a care facility can be stressful. You’ll want a place where you feel comfortable leaving them, and often that comes down to choosing between a residential care home and an assisted living facility. In short, the main difference between the two is their size. Both of these options provide similar services but assisted living communities can care for more residents. The choice ultimately comes down to what you think better fits their needs.

Let’s take a deeper look at the similarities and differences between the two.

Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes, also known as board and care homes, are located in residential neighborhoods. These homes are equipped and staffed to provide care to no more than 10 residents.

While residential care homes don’t provide around-the-clock assistance, they are still able to assist with their residents’ daily routines. Caregivers at these facilities provide their residents with home-cooked meals and help with activities such as medication management, grooming and hygiene and mobility.

Depending on where you’re located, you may hear people refer to these homes by different names, for example:

• Group home
• Senior group home
• Personal care home
• Adult family care home

When should I consider a Residential Care Home?

Many reasons could make a residential care home an option for your loved one, for example if they:

• Want a place with fewer residents
• Want the privacy of a bedroom
• Prefer a more relaxed, home-like environment
• Need help with daily tasks but do not need around-the-clock care

How much does it cost?

The price of residential care homes is largely based on the location, and the real estate value of the property and the types of services required — meaning the home could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities give residents personalized care in a residential setting. This is ideal for those who are still interested in a social and active lifestyle but need help in certain areas of their lives. Oftentimes, assisted living facilities require their residents to meet different health standards, meaning they will need to be able to do some tasks without assistance, for example, moving in and out of a wheelchair or eating. Examples of the amenities that assisted living communities offer are:

• Help with housekeeping and daily living activities
• Outings with transportation
• Resident-based activities

When should I consider Assisted Living?

Many reasons could make assisted living an option for your loved one, for example, if they:

• Want an active life but don’t have transportation
• Need assistance with daily activities
• Need minor nursing assistance
• Want to make new friends or enjoy new social activities
• Know that they will need help in these areas soon

How much does it cost?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in the U.S. is roughly $4,000, but that number can change based on different factors. For example, amenities offered, the size of the apartment, the state of which the community is in, the type of residence and the types of needed services.

Want to know more about senior living options near you?

Figuring out the best option for your loved one is important for their physical, emotional and mental health. With more and more choices becoming available, this decision can be a tough one to make. At Hollenbeck Palms, we will ensure that your loved one is healthy, active and safe. Contact us today to hear more about what we offer to see if we are the right fit for your family.