Find Assisted Living Options Here
Helping Families Find Eldercare Solutions

We are San Diego's Largest Free Eldercare Referral Service!

Why is a Residential Care Home (Board and Care) Different?

Most board and care homes will also care for incontinence issues, special dietary restrictions, lifting needs, and transportation, with some able to care for those with Dementia, Alzheimer's and other health issues.

Unless the home has a credentialed RN or LVN on staff,  board & care homes are not allowed to provide catheter and colostomy care or give injections (see chart below for Prohibited Care). These and other more serious medical issues are best cared for at a nursing home where skilled nursing care is provided. 

Board and care facilities can be a more cost effective option as well, often from 20-50% less than at another type of community in the same area. 

Factors such as care needs, the quality of the accommodations and the location of the facility contribute to the monthly rate, however in general the average cost per month for a shared room is $2500 and a private room runs about $3500. Board & Care or Assisted Living facilities are not covered by Medi-Cal.

 

Basic Services generally include: For an additional fee, many will also provide:
  • A clean, furnished room (private or shared) 
  • Dietary services: nutritious meals and snacks, in accordance with medical requirements
  • Housekeeping and linen service
  • Personal (custodial) care (dressing, bathing, grooming)
  • Incontinence of bladder issues
  • Medication management
  • Therapeutic recreation and activities
  • Resident evaluation and care planning
  • Transportation (some)
  • Incontinence of bowel, colostomy or catheter
  • Insulin dependent diabetes requiring daily injections
  • Oxygen dependent residents with a Concentrator
  • Transfer and ambulation assistance, with special lifting needs
  • Special care units for late stage Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other memory loss issues (including wander risk an managing difficult behavioral issues)
  • Stroke, paralysis, Parkinson’s, Cancer and Hospice
  • Some allow pets to come stay
  • Respite temporary stay