#8 - What's the difference between Assisted Living and Board and Care Homes?

Assisted Living Facilities and Board and Care Homes are all licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) under Title 22. Most facilities that market themselves as "Assisted Living Facilites" are large communities where the resident has his/her own apartment and private bathroom. They tend to have a strong activity program and there is often a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse on staff to oversee resident care. "Board and Care Homes" are small RCFE's which usually have up to 3 to 8 beds. Residents may have their own room, but may also share a room. The residents often have to share a bathroom. These homes tend to be quiet, more homelike and are usually located in suburban neighborhoods.