Who is on staff at night?
Ask whether staff are awake on site overnight or only on call. At Loving Hands, a trained staff member is awake and present every hour of every day.
— For families
What is a board and care home?
“Board and care” is what many families and directories call a small assisted living home. Here's what it means in California, and what to ask when you visit one.
Schedule a visit
The short answer
Licensed assisted living, in a house
In California, board and care homes are licensed by the Department of Social Services as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), the same license large assisted living communities hold. They serve adults 60 and over who need help with daily life, like bathing, dressing, meals and medications, but not round-the-clock nursing.
The difference is size. A board and care home is usually a house on a residential street with a handful of residents, so care feels more like a household than a building.
How it compares
Board and care, large assisted living, and skilled nursing
All three serve older adults, but the setting, size and type of care are different. A board and care home suits someone who needs help with daily life but not round-the-clock nursing.
| BOARD AND CARE | LARGE ASSISTED LIVING | SKILLED NURSING | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | A house in a neighborhood | Apartment style building | Clinical facility |
| Residents | Often six or fewer | Often 50 or more | Varies |
| Staff | A small team that knows each resident | Rotating staff across floors | Nursing staff by shift |
| License | RCFE (CDSS) | RCFE (CDSS) | Skilled nursing (CDPH) |
Common Questions
What families ask us
What is the home licensed for?
Ask to see the license and what it covers. Ours (facility 198603969) covers dementia care, six non-ambulatory residents, and a hospice waiver for all six.
Can I check the home's record?
Yes. Every licensed home is listed on the state's Care Facility Search, with its license details and inspection reports.
How many residents live there?
Ask, and ask how many staff work each shift. Loving Hands is licensed for six residents, age 60 and over.
No question is too early.
You don't need a decision made before you call. Tell us a little about your parent and where you are in the process. A free 45-minute visit is the fastest way to know whether we're the right fit.
Schedule a visit(562) 441-8446