Board and care homes, also called 6 packs or residential care facilities, are smaller, more personal homes for seniors who are in need of assistance, supervision, and care. These homes are typically licensed for up to 6 residents and have 2 to 3 caregivers. This ensures that residents get sufficient care. Board and care homes have the same licensing requirements as the larger assisted living facilities. The screening and training process for staff remains the same in these smaller assisted living homes.

Generally, board and care homes are excellent choices for individuals who need more care than an assisted living community can offer. For some families, this is difficult to manage – different work schedules and locations can cause seniors to not to get the right amount of help. In board and care homes, families can rest assured that their loved ones are receiving more than sufficient attention and supervision.

Caregivers and staff provide health maintenance, medication management, transportation to medical appointments, and more. They also see to it that seniors receive 3 meals a day, lots of water, fresh laundry and bedding, assistance bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and all other daily needs.

Additionally, board and cares work with residents who need a wheelchair or are bedridden. They assist with daily transfers and incontinence. Hospice services are brought in when needed.

Is a board and care home the right choice for your loved one?

When deciding on the best senior living option, you’ll need to pay attention to how much care your loved one requires. The varying degrees of care will be a good baseline indicator for the type of home you’ll search for; older adults who are alert, capable and active, for example, would likely be best suited for assisted or independent living communities.

If your loved one has dementia, a small home could be the right fit depending on their ambulation, their behaviors, and their day-to-day routine.

Both assisted living communities and board and care homes provide daily assistance and care to residents. However, board and care homes typically offer a quieter environment with more caregivers ready to help and assist.