Adult Family Homes also know as Board and Care Homes or Residential Care Homes

For the senior who values one-on-one care by the same care provider day-in-day-out an Adult Family Home located in a familiar neighborhood might just be the most appropriate choice. They are family homes that are either remodeled or newly constructed and designed for foster care and blend well into their neighborhoods. Most of them will have up to six private bedrooms with half bath and additonal large walk-in/wheel chair showers, usually located in the hallway close to the bedrooms. The care provider with their family live in the same house and are able to take care of seniors 24/7.

In this type of setting the provider gets to know everyone well - understanding their likes and dislikes, each individual's care needs and managing their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as personal hygiene, mobility, eating, dressing, toileting and behavior management, along with medication management. The care provider is not allowed to dispense nursing services.

The senior can bring their own bedroom furniture, bedding, TV and decorate to their liking with pictures, knick-knacks, etc. Wholesome meals are prepared and served in the home's dining room. Many diets can be accommodated. The living room/family room is popular for socializing. Often music or pet therapy is hired in; the newspaper is read and discussed. There might be bible study, bingo and other activities. Some seniors still go and visit their senior center or clubs - who might offer transportation. Most homes will focus on continued life enrichment. The care provider can arrange transportation to physicians, clinics, etc. at an added expense.

Adult Family Homes/Board and Care Homes are licensed by Community Care Licensing, a sub agency of the California Department of Social Services and usually care for up to six residents.

Find Residential Care Homes in CaliforniaSince Adult Family Homes/Board and Care Homes are located within neighborhoods and don't necessarily stand out as such, check on The Senior Care Guide for name, phone # and address for the location you are interested in. You might want to check out 3 to 5 homes. Initially, call and find out if the home has a vacancy, make an appointment for a visit to see the home, ask questions of the provider and possibly meet the other residents. If you just drop in, do not expect a sit-down conversation with the care provider, remember they have up to six seniors to take care of. They'll happily agree to a scheduled appointment to give you their undivided attention. After checking out several homes that you are very interested in, a drop-in visit to take a second look at the homes you are considering - is appropriate. If the home is well kept, the residents look well cared for and you feel that the care provider is a good match with your senior - personality wise, then you might want to bring Mom or Dad by (if possible), to keep them involved in the decision making process.

To find out if the Adult Family Home is in good standing call your Community Care Licensing Regional office:

 (760) 929-2121 -- Southern Region
(916) 229-4500 -- Northern Region
(415) 266-8860 -- Coastal Region
(310) 574-6633 -- Los Angeles Region


Before signing the Adult Family Home's contract make sure that all care arrangements and costs are spelled out and are satisfactory to both parties, before the senior moves in.