What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living provides the perfect balance of independence and support. Residents live in private apartments with 24/7 staff available for help with daily activities, medication management, and emergency response.

Assisted living community exterior showing welcoming entrance and common areas
Senior receiving daily living assistance

Daily Living Support

Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance when needed.

Restaurant-style dining room with seniors enjoying meals

Meals & Dining

Three nutritious meals daily in large dining rooms with flexible dining options.

Seniors participating in community activities and social events

Activities & Social Life

Fitness classes, social events, outings, and wellness programs to keep residents engaged.

Board & Care (Residential Care Homes)

Board & Care homes (also called residential care homes or care homes) are smaller, licensed communities in residential neighborhood homes that provide 24/7 care for typically 6–10 residents. They offer a more intimate, family‑like setting with highly individualized attention.

Residential care home exterior in neighborhood setting
Cozy living room common area in care home
Personalized care and attention in residential setting

Personalized Attention

Smaller size allows for higher staff‑to‑resident ratios and deeper personal relationships with caregivers.

Homelike residential care environment with comfortable living spaces

Homelike Environment

Located in neighborhoods with family‑style dining, comfortable living rooms, and private or shared bedrooms.

24/7 support and care services in residential setting

Support & Care

Round‑the‑clock on-site staff with daily activities, medication management, and emergency response.

Assisted Living vs Board & Care (Both RCFE)

Similarities

  • Both are typically licensed as RCFEs in California
  • 24/7 staff presence and emergency response
  • Help with ADLs (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting)
  • Medication management and care coordination
  • Meals, housekeeping, laundry included
  • Care plans, activity programming, family involvement

Key Differences

  • Size: Assisted Living often 50–200+ residents; Board & Care typically 6–10
  • Environment: Assisted Living = campus‑style apartments; Board & Care = single‑family homes
  • Staffing Model: Larger interdisciplinary teams vs small on‑site caregivers
  • Programming: Larger activity calendars vs intimate, home‑style routines
  • Cost Range: Assisted Living usually higher base; Board & Care often more predictable all‑inclusive pricing
  • Best For: Assisted Living: social, amenity‑oriented; Board & Care: higher supervision, quieter, personalized

Which Option Fits Your Loved One?

Tell us about your situation. We’ll compare nearby Assisted Living communities and Board & Care homes (RCFEs) that match your needs, budget, and preferred locations.

Family meeting with advisor to discuss senior living options