Monday, 5 May 2014

Board And Care: A Possible Eldercare Option

By Rue Nichols


Choices for eldercare can be found skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities or be like hiring in-home care or perhaps a board and care facility. The common understanding about the board and care option is that it is a residential care home or an adult family home. For seniors who can't or don't wish to live alone this may present a good option. Try to get to know more about this eldercare option by reading on.

It is within larger residential homes that these board and care homes are typically located in and it comes with an assurance that at any one time only a maximum of six residents are accommodated and sometimes fewer than six. Surely a staff member is present there 24 hours daily so there is always someone on call. In case an emergency should occur, no resident would find it a worry because there are staff members responding even in the middle of the night.

Nursing care is not provided, but residents can be helped with many daily tasks and chores. For example, laundry and housekeeping generally is included in the monthly costs. A staff member can help residents with dressing, grooming, and bathing and toileting tasks. The bathrooms also should be equipped with safety bars and generally these homes are handicap accessible to make life as easy as possible for residents. While medical care rarely is an option at a board and care home, medication management often is included. Meal service also is included, as well.

One is likely to find board and care homes as great options if one wishes to be with a more personal and homey atmosphere yet get the help on daily tasks. Assisted living communities are much more expensive choices over this and nursing homes can feel fairly institutional. Most seniors choose a nursing home over assisted living facilities or board and care though because they can pay with government assistance programs which they can't do in other types of eldercare facilities.

The downside to board and care is that this is a less social environment than you'd find in an assisted living setting and generally there are fewer amenities. Generally, residents have a private bedroom, but it's not like the apartments and studios you would find in assisted living. Of course, while there are fewer options, the smaller number of residents also means each resident should receive more personal attention and care. Although, there certainly are some board and care homes that provide an assortment of activities and amenities.

Try and inquire about the experience level of the board and care homes you go to from each of their staff members. References from people you know may also help you in your search for the right board and care. Make sure you ask about the security features in each home you look into along with how clean the kitchen and common areas are. Talking to the residents will give you an idea of how content they are or how much they enjoy the facility they are in. Having more options would surely help you determine which home could be the best match for you or a loved one. San Diego board and care or Orange County board and care searches can be made easier if you try the service like Care Placement as this can match you with pre-screened homes apt for your budget and needs.




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