Helpful guides

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Both assisted living and memory care offer support with daily life, but they are designed for different needs.

Some communities offer both, which can allow a resident to stay in a familiar place if needs change. Your loved one’s physician is the right person to advise on the level of care needed.

What Is a Board and Care Home?

A board and care home is a smaller residential care setting, usually a house in a residential neighborhood, where a handful of residents receive meals, supervision, and help with daily activities. In California, these homes are licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), the same license category that covers larger assisted living communities.

Families often appreciate board and care homes for:

• A quieter, more home like atmosphere
• A small number of residents and familiar caregivers
• Personal attention that some seniors find comforting

Larger communities, on the other hand, may offer more amenities, activities, and social opportunities. The right fit depends on your loved one’s personality and needs.

Tip: You can look up any California licensed care facility, including its license status and inspection history, using the California Department of Social Services Care Facility Search.

Signs It May Be Time to Consider Assisted Living

There is rarely a single moment that makes the decision obvious. Families often notice a combination of changes, such as:

• Difficulty keeping up with meals, housework, or bills
• Missed medications or medical appointments
• Falls, near misses, or new bruises
• Growing isolation or loss of interest in activities
• Changes in hygiene or weight
• A family caregiver who is exhausted or stretched too thin

If you are noticing changes like these, start by talking with your loved one and their physician. Exploring options early, before a crisis, usually gives everyone more choices and more time.

Questions to Ask During a Senior Living Tour

Tours can blur together quickly. Bring a notebook and consider asking:

• What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
• How are care needs evaluated, and how often is that updated?
• How do rates change if care needs increase?
• What is the staffing like during the day, evenings, and overnight?
• How are medications managed?
• What does a typical day look like for residents?
• Can residents bring their own furniture and belongings?
• What happens if a resident’s needs exceed what the community can provide?
• May we join residents for a meal or an activity?

Pay attention to how residents and staff interact. The feel of a place matters as much as the floor plan.

How to Downsize a Parent’s Home

• Start early. Downsizing almost always takes longer than expected.
• Begin with the new space. Measure the new room or apartment first so decisions are based on what will actually fit.
• Prioritize what matters most. Favorite chairs, photographs, and familiar items help a new space feel like home.
• Work room by room. Small, steady progress is less overwhelming than marathon sessions.
• Plan for everything else. Decide what will go to family, donation, estate sale, storage, or disposal.
• Be patient. Letting go of belongings can be emotional. Allow time for stories and memories.

Preparing for a Senior Move

• Confirm the move in date and any paperwork the new community requires
• Arrange movers early and confirm what they will and won’t handle
• Pack a first night bag with medications, toiletries, clothing, and important documents
• Set up the bed, favorite chair, and familiar items first
• Update mailing address, pharmacy, and important accounts
• Plan visits during the first few weeks to help with the adjustment