A residential care home, also known as a board and care home or personal care home, is a long-term care option that provides housing, personal care assistance, and support services for seniors who require help with the activities of daily living but do not require the intensive medical care provided in a skilled nursing facility. These homes offer a comfortable and home-like environment while maintaining the necessary level of care and supervision for your senior or elderly loved one. 

As the name suggests, residential care homes are generally located in residential neighborhoods and are often homes that are retrofitted to provide care to seniors. Generally, residential care homes have fewer than 20 residents, making them an amazing option for seniors looking for assisted living in a more intimate setting than a traditional, large senior living community.

Just like the search for an independent living community or assisted living community, it’s important to take the time to do careful research to make sure that you find the perfect residential care home for your senior loved one. This process involves not only researching all the residential care options in your area, but also making sure to discuss exactly the type of care and amenities your senior loved one is looking for. To learn more about finding the right residential care home for your senior or elderly loved one, check out our helpful tips below or reach out to the Sunbound team for more information. 

Your senior loved one’s needs and preferences 

Before embarking on your search, it is important to thoroughly assess the needs and preferences of your senior loved one. Take into consideration their medical, physical, and cognitive requirements. Determine the level of assistance they need with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, and mobility. Additionally, consider their lifestyle preferences, such as location, social activities, amenities, and personal interests. By involving your loved one in the decision-making process, you can find a care home that aligns with their preferences, promotes their independence, and enhances their overall well-being.

Researching residential care homes

Thorough research is crucial in finding the right residential care home for your senior relative. Begin by exploring online directories and local senior placement agencies, and seeking recommendations from healthcare professionals, friends, or family members who have had firsthand experience with residential care homes. These resources can provide valuable insights and information about the different care homes available in your area. Additionally, create a list of potential options and gather brochures, websites, and contact details for each facility for further evaluation.

Evaluating residential care homes

The quality, as well as the type, of care provided by residential care homes is key to keep in mind during your search. Ensure that the care homes you consider are licensed, regulated, and meet the necessary standards and regulations. Research their licensing status and any records of violations or complaints. Many states have agencies dedicated to licensing and regulating senior care facilities. Review inspection reports and quality ratings, which are often available online or through state regulatory agencies. 

Look for factors such as the staff-to-resident ratio, staff training and qualifications, safety measures, emergency protocols, cleanliness, and overall reputation. By thoroughly assessing these aspects, you can make an informed decision about the level of care and safety provided by the facility.

Paying for residential care homes

Understanding the financial aspects of residential care is essential for making an informed decision. Research the payment options available, including private pay, long-term care insurance, and government programs like Medicaid or Veterans Affairs benefits. Consider the costs associated with care, such as move-in fees, base monthly fees, additional services, and potential fee increases in the future. 

Create a budget to ensure affordability and evaluate any financial assistance programs that may be available. If needed, consult with financial professionals or elder law attorneys who can provide guidance on financial planning and available resources. While residential care homes are often more affordable than larger senior living communities, monthly rents are still often in the thousands of dollars per month (depending on the area and level of care provided) and so careful financial planning is important. 

Visiting and assessing residential care homes

Visiting care homes in person is crucial to get a firsthand experience and assess the quality of care provided. Schedule appointments to tour the facilities and observe the daily operations. During your visits, pay attention to staff interactions with residents, the demeanor and engagement of residents, and the overall atmosphere of the facility. 

Observe the cleanliness and organization of common areas, living spaces, and outdoor spaces. Inquire about the availability of stimulating activities, social events, and transportation options. Prepare a checklist of questions to ask about services, care plans, medication management, staff training, emergency preparedness, and staff availability to ensure that your senior relative's needs can be adequately met.

Get your senior loved one’s input

Including your senior loved one in the research and decision-making process is crucial for finding them the right residential care home. Engage them in conversations about their preferences, concerns, and fears regarding residential care. Respect their opinions and take their input into account when evaluating residential care homes. By actively involving them, you can ensure that the chosen residential care home aligns with their lifestyle preferences and fosters a sense of independence and dignity.

Making the final decision

After careful evaluation and consideration of all the factors, it's time to choose a residential care home. Review the notes, impressions, and feedback from your visits with your senior loved one. Consider the compatibility between the care home and your senior relative's needs, preferences, and budget. Trust your instincts and intuition, as they can often guide you towards the best choice. If necessary, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, social workers, or geriatric care managers who can provide expert advice based on their knowledge and experience.

Finding the perfect residential care home for your senior relative can feel like a daunting process, but by following these helpful tips the process can become much more streamlined and manageable. Remember, this process may take time, but the well-being and happiness of your senior relative are worth every effort and following these tips will pay big dividends in your search. By finding a residential care home that promotes their independence, provides compassionate care, and fosters a sense of community, you can help provide your senior loved ones with a safe and nurturing environment in their later years.

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make senior living more affordable for you or your loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and is on a mission to make senior living affordable for everyone.