Residential Care Facilities

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Residential Care Homes for Seniors

(Also known as Board and Care Homes)

In California, there are over 8,100 licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), providing a vital alternative to institutional care for aging adults. These homes offer non-medical, personalized assistance in a warm, residential setting—often within converted single-family homes or small apartment complexes. More than 90% of these facilities serve six or fewer residents, delivering care in an intimate, home-like environment that feels less clinical than larger communities.

Larger residential care settings do exist and are commonly classified as Assisted Living communities. However, both residential care and assisted living operate under the same state licensing regulations set by California’s Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD), part of the Department of Social Services. Any differences between them are typically due to the size of the facility or the specific care programs offered—not regulatory classification.

What Residential Care Homes Provide

Residential care homes offer support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:

Bathing and grooming
Dressing and toileting
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and dietary assistance
Medication supervision (but not administration via injection)

While these homes are not permitted to provide skilled nursing services, such as wound care, insulin injections, or catheter maintenance (unless a licensed RN or LVN is on staff), they are a perfect fit for seniors who require intermittent help throughout the day but do not need 24/7 medical care.

A Safe, Dignified Option for Alzheimer’s Care

Small residential care homes can be especially beneficial for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. With just a handful of residents, these environments reduce overstimulation and create a calm, structured routine. Close supervision by one or two dedicated caregivers helps ensure safety and emotional reassurance.

However, due to their limited size, some residential homes may offer fewer activities or structured programming—something to consider for more active or restless individuals. In some cases, these homes partner with nearby adult day programs to provide additional mental and social stimulation.

Cost of Residential Care in California (2025)

Residential care homes are often more affordable than nursing homes and many assisted living facilities. Current average pricing includes:

Shared bedroom: $3,000/month
Private bedroom: $4,000–$7,000/month

Rates can range from $2,500 to $5,000+ depending on location, the level of care needed, and the quality of accommodations. Most homes offer both shared and private rooms, though SSI-only placements are limited and may require family supplementation. Larger facilities may be more likely to accommodate residents on SSI who require only minimal personal care.

A Home-Like Environment with Flexibility

In a residential care home, seniors can continue enjoying many aspects of an independent life:

Hosting family and friends
Going for walks or out to eat
Participating in community life when able

This model offers a dignified, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to more institutionalized care, and is often preferred by families for its warmth and personal attention.

Licensing and Oversight

All Residential Care Homes in California are regulated by Community Care Licensing, which ensures that homes meet strict safety, staffing, and care standards. The RCFE model was established in the early 1970s as a way to serve dependent populations—such as the elderly, developmentally disabled, or those with mental health needs—in non-institutional settings.

The term “Board and Care” continues to be used interchangeably with residential care, though “RCFE” is the official designation.

Get Expert Help Finding a Residential Care Home

Finding the right care home can be overwhelming. Our team at California Registry has personally evaluated over 2,000 licensed residential care homes across the state and can provide expert guidance to match your loved one’s needs with a high-quality home.

Call our toll-free helpline at (800) 777-7575

for a curated list of trusted homes in your area, along with expert advice on what to look for and how to compare options.

How our FREE service works

Our family-first process will help you find the right senior living community for your loved one.

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Review a personalized list of communities

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Our Senior Living Advisors can help with:

Hospital discharge
Rehab Facility discharge
Alzheimer’s & Dementia care