Residential Care Homes are assisted living facilities providing various levels of care for those seniors who are semi-independent and those needing frequent assistance. State social welfare agencies are the regulating agency for such homes and the criteria vary by state. The home-like setting makes it much easier for seniors to leave the comfort of their own homes when they are no longer able to manage their total care. These homes offer meal service and basic care all the way to skilled nursing in some cases.

Otherwise referred to as group homes, assisted living, personal care homes, or catered living, they provide routine services like health care monitoring, medication management, personal care assistance as needed, and limited health care services. Some homes have a resident nurse, while others have on-call staffing--depending on the level of care. 

Residential care homes are similar in concept to assisted living facilities where the main focus is on assistance with non-medical needs, such as meal preparation, grooming, and other daily activities. The big difference in definition of residential care homes and assisted living facilities is the size. Residential care homes are designed on a smaller scale, offering a more intimate and personal atmosphere for seniors. State licensing is required for all residential care homes.

Using a checklist can help in evaluating the facility. Talking to current residents, visiting at different times of the day, having a meal or staying overnight can all help in developing a more realistic picture of the life within a facility.

• Home Care Agencies
  Seniors who prefer to live independently in their own homes, or stay with a family member, and have access to outside supportive care and assistance when needed.
• Independent Living Communities
  Seniors who want to and are able to live independently, prefer to live among their peers, desire additional security, but no longer want to maintain a home.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
  Seniors currently living independently but want the security of being cared for when needed throughout the aging process.
• Assisted Living Facilities
  Seniors that require some assistance with activities of daily living but wish to live as independently as possible and do not require skilled medical care.
• Nursing Homes
  Convalescent seniors or those with long-term illnesses or disabilities that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements.
• Hospice Care
  All persons regardless of age who have a life-threatening or terminal illness may receive hospice care. Patients with both cancer and non-cancer illnesses are eligible to receive hospice care.