Board and Care Homes in San Diego

Board and care homes are licensed adult care homes usually located in residential neighborhoods. They are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or residential care homes for the elderly and they generally provide custodial care. However services differ from one board and care home to another, and it is not uncommon to find homes that offer specialized care such as for Alzheimer's care. These homes provide surroundings designed to prevent a confused elderly resident from wandering off.

In general board and care homes in San Diego provide custodial care. Before you choose this type of residential care, it is important to understand what types of services fall under the term custodial care. Not every home provides all these services so you will have to check with them for particulars, but you can use this list for ideas and to help formulate questions when you talk with different board and care homes.

If you're not sure where to start, you can contact the local District Office of Community Care Licensing to receive a listing of facilities. They can also provide access to licensing reports.

Custodial Care Services

• Meal planning and preparation
• Housekeeping
• Help to manage prescription medications
• Incontinence care
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Recreational activities

All board and care homes provide custodial care of differing degrees. Reasons these homes are preferred by many are:

• Board and care homes tend to have fewer residents and a higher staff to resident ratio than other types of facilities.
• They provide a family type atmosphere.
• You also have a better chance of finding a home where others of similar interests are boarded. For instance a home for veterans or residents of a certain faith.

Elderly people with Alzheimer's and dementia have special needs and board and care homes can meet those needs as long as skilled nursing services are not required. Residential board and care services for Alzheimer's and dementia are available through facilities like Resort Gate Manor Poway. Facilities that offer these services must meet specific licensing requirements. If you're considering board and care for your loved one, be sure the facility has the licensing and experience necessary to provide the care they need.

When you find a home in San Diego that sounds like it offers the services and care you're looking for, schedule an appointment to see the facility's public file by contacting the Community Care Licensing office at 619-767-2300. They can also provide a listing of facilities in San Diego.

Also plan to drop by the facility unexpectedly for a first-hand look at how residents are cared for, cleanliness, and how caregivers interact with residents. If you like what you see, talk specifics and find out whether they have a bed available or a waiting list.