The Hidden Gems of Assisted Living & Memory Care
When people think about assisted living or memory care, they often imagine large, hotel-like communities with lots of residents and activities. But tucked quietly into neighborhoods all over California are smaller, lesser-known options that offer some of the most personalized and high-quality care available: Residential Care Homes—often called Board and Care Homes.
Surprisingly, these homes make up the backbone of memory care and play a huge role in the assisted living world. Yet many families don’t even know they exist.
What is a Residential Care Home?
In California, under Title 22, there's a single license that covers Assisted Living, Memory Care communities, and Residential Care Homes. These homes typically care for six residents, although some may serve up to 14.
They’re often tucked away in residential neighborhoods, blending into the community—but inside, they offer high-touch, full-service care that’s ideal for those needing more hands-on support.
Why Families Overlook Residential Care Homes—And Why They Shouldn’t
One reason Residential Care Homes fly under the radar is their small size and quiet profile. But when a high level of care is needed, these homes can be one of the best options both for care and cost.
Of course, with over 400 such homes in any given region, not all are created equal—or safe. That’s why choosing the right one is so important. Here’s what to know:
1. Get Expert Help—At No Cost to You
Searching for the right care home is overwhelming. That’s why it’s smart to work with a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA™) who specializes in placement.
Think of it like working with a real estate agent—you don’t pay a fee, but you get the benefit of insider knowledge, connections, and professional guidance.
A good CSA will:
Conduct a personalized care discovery to understand your loved one’s needs, preferences, and budget.
Present a variety of vetted options, not just one or two.
Personally visit every home they recommend—so they can tell you if homemade soup is on the menu or if there’s a garden full of fruit trees for your mom to enjoy.
These details matter. And they’re the difference between placing someone in a facility… and helping them thrive in a new home.
2. Residential Care Homes Provide Full Care Through End of Life
Nearly all Residential Care Homes have hospice waivers, allowing your loved one to remain there through “end of days”—no additional moves necessary.
Most are equipped for:
Bed-bound care
Catheter and wound care
Feeding assistance
Diabetic and incontinence management
Bathing, dressing, and full mobility support
They also coordinate seamlessly with Hospice and Home Health, which are covered by Medicare and welcomed in-home.
This makes Residential Care Homes an ideal choice when a loved one is facing serious physical or cognitive decline and needs full-time care in a stable, familiar environment.
3. Fresh Food, Familiar Routines, and a Calm Environment
What sets these homes apart?
Freshly prepared meals daily
Personalized routines
A quiet, home-like setting—so important for individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, or advanced physical limitations.
Many residents report that the calm, consistent atmosphere feels like being part of a family, not just a resident in a system.
4. Small Homes = Better Staff Ratios and Faster Care
Many Residential Care Homes are owned by Registered Nurses (RNs) and staffed with 2–3 caregivers for just six residents. That’s an exceptional ratio.
Compare that with a large assisted living facility, where a loved one might wait too long for help—and that delay can lead to dangerous falls, ER visits, and faster decline.
To be clear, large communities have their place—and we work with many wonderful ones (stay tuned for another blog on that topic). But when safety and responsiveness are top priorities, small homes have a clear advantage.
5. Every Home Has Its Own Personality—Find the Right Fit
One of the best things about Residential Care Homes is how customizable they are to your loved one’s personality and preferences.
Looking for…
A rose garden with an ocean view? I know one.
An all-female high-functioning home? Absolutely.
A grumpy old man cave? Got it.
Live music every week? Check.
Frequent beach walks or trips to In-N-Out? Yes, please.
One size fits one—and that’s exactly why working with an expert matters.
Let Us Help You Find the Hidden Gems
If you’re navigating care for a loved one, don’t do it alone. Let someone who knows the landscape guide you to safe, compassionate, personalized care that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Here’s to Aging Well.
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Jacqui Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor™ (CSA™), founder of Living Coastal Senior Resources, editor-in-chief of Aging Well Magazine, and host of the Get Ready for Better Aging podcast. She’s an industry-leading expert on senior living, care placement, and communication strategies for aging well.