What Is the Difference Between Board and Care and Assisted Living?

May 22, 2023 / Assisted Living, Board and Care

Even the most active seniors may reach a point where the activities of daily life, such as preparing meals, bathing, and medication management, become more difficult for them to complete independently. In the instance of you or your loved-one needing increased care and assistance with these everyday tasks, you may consider options such as an assisted living facility or a board and care home. The Senior Care AZ team is providing guidance on these two common types of elder-care communities: what is the difference between the two, the pros and cons of both types of communities, and how to decide which may be right for you.

What Are Board and Care Homes?

A board and care home is a long-term residential setting that is set up to provide aging yet still active adults with care and assistance with the tasks of daily life. A board and care home is designed specifically for seniors who prefer a more intimate setting, and they are generally set up with fewer than 20 other residents in a facility that resembles a home more than a large retirement community. They are located in residential areas or in rural settings, often in larger, historic homes. Residents in board and care homes will usually reside in a private bedroom, often with an en-suite bathroom. They will generally receive nonmedical assistance with personal care tasks as well as three meals a day. Housekeeping and laundry services are generally provided for residents, as is around the clock staffing should any needs arise. Board and care homes will have community oriented activities and outings to encourage socialization among residents.

Board and Care Home Pros

Board and care homes provide the benefits of a staff of individuals in place to care for residents, combined with the intimate setting of a personal home. In a board and care home, an individual will feel like they are living at home, as opposed to in a more commercial facility. They will be safe and cared for while still having the independence to complete their daily tasks as they wish.

Cons of Board and Care

While some board and care homes may be an excellent option for aging seniors, they are not as well-regulated by the government as assisted living facilities are. As such, there may be differences in what they offer, and more research may be necessary before committing to a board and care home for your loved-ones care. Board and care homes may not offer as complex nursing services as some assisted living facilities.

What Is Assisted Living?

Similar to board and care homes, assisted living facilities are set up to assist residents with the activities of daily life as needed. Assisted living facilities are usually larger, serving on average 50 residents and sometimes upwards of 200. Residents in assisted living facilities will usually choose from studios or shared apartments with kitchenettes for their private living facilities. Assisted living facilities will feel more like retirement communities, with added support when needed. There are often ample opportunities for socialization and activities with other residents, and the amenities and services focus on supporting physical health, social connection, and providing valuable intellectual stimulation for residents, aiming to slow physical and cognitive decline in an environment where seniors can be safe while maintaining a level of independence.

Assisted Living Pros

For active seniors who want to prioritize connection with a community and independent living while still receiving care as needed, an assisted living facility is an excellent option. When compared to board and care homes, assisted living facilities generally have a wider range of planned activities and outings, providing social stimulation for residents. The larger size provides residents with a wider range of people to connect with in their immediate community. Residents will also have their own apartment-style environment with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, allowing them to cook on their own and have plenty of space to spend time independently if they wish.

Cons of Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities provide a wide range of services, but they will often feel more commercial than a board and care home. They are not as cozy and are a lot larger. They will also have less staff, leading to a lower ratio of staff available per resident than in a board and care home.

Cost of Board and Care vs. Assisted Living

Due to their similarity in offerings and assistance, as well as the level of independence and privacy provided to residents, the costs of assisted living facilities and board and care homes are generally very similar.

How Much Does Board and Care Cost?

While they may vary greatly in cost depending on state, offerings, as well as the size, and some data from board and care homes may not be publicly available, with the data available it was determined that the national median annual cost for a board and care home is $51,600 per year.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

In 2020, the national median annual cost for an assisted living facility was $51,600 per year, the same cost as that of a board and care home.

Board and Care vs. Assisted Living: Choosing What’s Right for You

The team at Senior Care AZ understands how difficult the decision to put your loved one into a new residence can be, and we are here to work with you to determine the best option for your loved one and provide senior placement services in Arizona when you decide to take the next step.

Who Should Consider Board and Care?

Board and care homes may be a great option for aging seniors who require non medical assistance with the activities of daily life and who prefer to live in an environment more similar to home, with a smaller community and a cozier setting.

Who Should Consider Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities may be a good option for aging seniors who are seeking additional assistance with the tasks of everyday life but who are comfortable maintaining their independence from day to day and will not require skilled nursing services or memory care.