What is a Residential Care Home?
Residential care homes, are also known as adult family homes, adult family care homes, residential care facilities, personal care homes, and care homes depending on what part of the country you live in. Most care homes are in single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. Residential care homes usually range in size from one to six beds. Residents share communal areas such as a living room and dining room but will generally have their own private room with a handicap accessible design. In some cases, the owners are required to live in the home, and in other cases they are not.
Typical Services Offered in Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes offer a wide range of services, but consumers should look closely at the programs of each facility to see if the services will meet their needs. Some homes will also offer community and social activities in addition to basic services.
Amenities in residential care homes typically include:
• Comfortable private or semi-private rooms
• Three home prepared meals
• Housekeeping service
• Laundry service
• Medication management
• Social programs and activities
• Transportation to and from doctor's appointments
Residential care homes are group living arrangements in a residential setting designed for people who can no longer live independently, and who don't require the care of a nursing home. Daily rates of these care homes are usually less than the rates at a nursing home.
Level of Care
Most providers choose the level of care assistance they provide however, they must be certified. Residential care homes provide varying levels of care, protective supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing and basic self-care. Some homes specialize in caring for people who are physically frail. Other homes care for people who have Dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Some homes provide support to individuals who are both frail of body and mind. A limited number of homes also care for younger adults with developmental disabilities. Each home has its own unique personality and area of specialty.
The depth of knowledge and experience spans a broad spectrum among providers and care giving staff. Some homes are operated by medical professionals such as physicians, nurses or therapists. Other homes are operated by para-professionals such as certified nursing assistants or nursing assistants registered.
Caregiver Training and Certification
In addition to fundamental courses on caregiving, first-aid, CPR and annual continuing education, residential care home providers and their staff must become certified in various areas of specialty, if they provide care to individuals with those specific needs.
Cost of Residential Care Homes
Living in a residential care home is often half the cost of nursing home care, and in some states, it is even more affordable than assisted living care. However, cost can vary depending on the geographical location of the residential care home, as well as the types of services needed. In some residential care homes, the cost can be anywhere from $2,200 to upward of $5,500 each month and dementia care can cost even more.
