What is a Residential Care Home?

  • Why should I choose a Residential Care Home?

    A Residential Care Home is a close-knit community that can provide more socialization and personalized services than a traditional assisted living facility.

    There are fewer residents and thus fewer caregivers needed, so stronger bonds can form between residents and staff, as well as between residents, making the home feel more like living with family.

    Meals are shared and activities done together, so seniors, especially those who feel isolated, my thrive in a Residential Care Home.

  • What services do Residential Care Homes offer?

    Residential Care Homes offer at the minimum basic services that include meal preparation, laundry, transportation, outings, social activities, and medication administration.

    Depending on the needs of the resident, special provisions may be put in place, especially for special needs such as cognitive disorders or mobility limitations.

    Residents are also provided with either a private or semi-private room at each care facility, which is usually set up in a traditional home, so residents typically feel very comfortable.

  • What are the requirements for a Residential Care Home?

    The requirements for a Residential Care Home may vary by state, but generally include food, shelter, and some services beyond the basics that may include medication administration.

    The Patient’s Bill of Rights applies to residents living in Residential Care Homes as well as those in nursing homes.

    Transfers and discharges may be handled differently for a Residential Care Home than for other types of assisted living facilities, however, and depending on the location may require a hearing at the Department of Public Health.

Residential care homes are private homes that provide lodging and services for a small group of seniors. Generally, residential care homes house no more than 10 seniors, with residents either occupying a private room or sharing a room with another resident. Assistance with daily living activities is provided, but medical services generally are not.

Why Choose a Residential Care Home?

Residential care homes offer a closer-knit community and more personalized services than large nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Life at a residential care home tends to feel more like life with a family than life within an institution or senior community. Since there are fewer residents, fewer caregivers are required and strong bonds often form between caregivers and residents.

Seniors that suffer from feelings of isolation may flourish in a residential care home setting. Since meals are typically eaten together, activities are shared, and more individualized attention can be given, seniors may feel more connected to those within the home than may be the case in other types of senior care settings.

Residential Care Home Licensing

Residential care home requirements may vary by state, but generally tend to include food, shelter, and some services beyond the basics. Services beyond the basics may include medication administration, which can be legally done by unlicensed personnel as long as the home meets other criteria and qualifies as a care home.

The Patient’s Bill of Rights that applies to residents in nursing homes also applies to residents in care homes. Transfers and discharges to residential care homes may be handled differently when patients wish to go to a care home, however. In some states, statutes may require that a hearing be held at the Department of Public Health regarding transfers and discharges to residential care homes.

Residential Care Home Services

Residents at care homes may receive different services depending upon their health and capabilities. Basic services include meal preparation, laundry, transportation to medical appointments, outings with other residents, social activities, and medication administration. If needed, special provisions may be put in place for residents with special needs like cognitive disorders or mobility limitations.

In addition to these services, a private or semi-private room is provided for each resident at a care home. These rooms may be furnished, in some cases. Since residential care homes are set up in traditional homes, rooms usually feel very comfortable.

Selecting a Care Home

Residential care homes may vary widely in set-up, services provided, and overall feel. Since residents must interact more directly with staff and one another, it’s helpful to visit several residential care homes before selecting the one that fits best. As time passes, it’s also prudent to regularly re-evaluate needs and culture to determine whether the residential home continues to be the best option.