For senior adults, living alone can be a challenge. If your loved one is facing difficulty managing their daily routine and doesn’t require around-the-clock medical assistance, then you should consider talking to them about moving into a board and care home.
Located in residential neighborhoods, board and care homes provide their residents with all the amenities and facilities required for a pleasant and healthy lifestyle. Though they typically don’t have a medical professional on board, the staff at these residential care homes are well-versed in monitoring their guests’ health conditions and managing their medications.
Compared to larger assisted living facilities, board and care homes are known for their home-like environment and high resident-to-staff ratio.
Here are some of the top reasons senior adults might prefer living in a board and care home.
Unstructured Environment
Board and care homes tend to have a relatively unstructured environment. Unlike large assisted living communities or nursing homes, the residents at elderly care homes can follow their personal routine with extra assistance.
Most of these facilities also encourage the residents to bring along their personal furniture and decorate their room, whether shared or private, according to their preference. Moreover, board and care homes usually allow the residents to bring their pets with them, as being away from them may have an adverse effect on their health and well-being.
The staff at these care homes also promote activities such as gardening and picnics to make the residents feel comfortable and at home.
Personalized Care and Attention
Compared to most assisted living facilities, board and care homes have a smaller occupancy rate. So, if your parent or grandparent needs assisted living but doesn’t like large settings with many people, they might prefer living in a residential care home.
Since board and care homes only have a few residents, they tend to receive personalized care and better attention from the caregivers. Moreover, the staff members are always present on-site to help the residents with their hygiene, daily grooming, bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities. They also offer them transportation for medical appointments along with laundry, housekeeping, and other services.
These facilities are particularly beneficial for seniors dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Some board and care homes also have specialized programs in place for such individuals.
True Ambience of a Home
Perhaps the best feature of the board and care homes is their ambience. These small-scale assisted living communities pride themselves on offering their residents a cozy environment that makes them feel right at home. So, if your loved one finds larger assisted living facilities too impersonal and nursing homes too institutional, then there is a good chance they would like a board and care home.
These residential care homes also provide the residents with well-balanced and delicious home-cooked meals. To promote social interaction among the elderly living there, the staff encourages everyone to eat in the shared areas. This allows the residents to develop friendships with each other, which can certainly make them feel more comfortable.
A Sense of Privacy without Isolation
Another important reason most senior adults might prefer living at a board and care home is its privacy.
These facilities offer both private and shared rooms to their residents, providing them with a sense of privacy and dignity. Instead of feeling like they are staying in a hotel or a hospital, board and care homes make their guests feel right at home. However, this privacy doesn’t come at the cost of seclusion or isolation.
Residential care homes usually organize a variety of physical and educational activities for their residents. Apart from the daily activities, the residents are also encouraged to participate in seasonal events and group activities, which may take place both indoors and outdoors. From movie nights and musical performances to holiday celebrations and dinners, board and care homes ensure their residents don’t feel lonely or isolated.
The Cost Factor
Large assisted living communities can be a little heavy on the wallet. Fortunately, board and care homes provide many of the same services to senior adults at a lower cost. These facilities are usually more affordable, though their monthly fees vary according to their location, amenities, and more.
If your finances are holding you back from moving your loved one into a suitable care facility, consider talking to your insurance provider. Moreover, you can use the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to cover some of the costs.
Time To Talk
Once you have determined that it is difficult for your loved one to live alone, please sit down with them and discuss that it may be the time to look into assisted living. If your parents or grandparents don’t require comprehensive medical supervision but struggle with their daily routine, a board and care home could be a great solution for them.
Along with providing them with a home-like environment, a residential care home will also allow them to indulge in a healthy and active lifestyle. It may also help them increase their social circle by participating in group events and activities. Instead of feeling alone, they will find themselves surrounded by fellow residents.
Looking for a Comfortable Board and Care Home for Senior Adults?
If you live in California, Royal Garden Board and Care can provide your loved ones with luxurious and comfortable homes in three locations – Encino, Tarzana, and Valley Glens. We are a family-run care facility that offers our residents the highest level of comfort and quality care.
From offering a safe and secure environment to specialized activities for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, we are dedicated to tending to the personal needs of each of our residents.
To schedule a complimentary tour of our board and care homes, please feel free to contact us.