---
title: "Residential care homes (board and care): what to know"
description: "Board and care homes are small residences with personal care and staff around the clock. Who they suit, what they don't provide, and how to check one."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/residential-care-homes/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Explainer

# Residential care homes (board and care homes)

Some families want something smaller and more home-like than a large assisted living community. Board and care homes fill that gap.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

Residential care homes, also called board and care homes or group homes, are small private residences, usually with 20 or fewer residents. They provide meals, personal care and staff around the clock, but usually no nursing or medical care. Medicare doesn't pay; Medicaid may help in some states. States license them under various names.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

**On this page**

1. [ What they offer](#s-what-they-offer)
2. [Different names by state](#s-different-names-by-state)
3. [Who they suit](#s-who-they-suit)
4. [Check before you choose](#s-check-before-you-choose)
5. [Questions families ask](#s-faq)

## What they offer

NIA describes board and care homes as small facilities with private or shared rooms, personal care, meals and staff available around the clock. Nursing and medical care usually are not provided at the home.

## Different names by state

States use different licenses and names. Florida, for example, licenses adult family-care homes, where the owner lives in the home and provides care for no more than five residents. Other states call similar homes personal care homes, residential care facilities or small assisted living homes.

## Who they suit

- People who need personal care and supervision but not nursing
- People who do better in a quiet, family-style setting
- Families who want a smaller staff to resident group

## Check before you choose

- Confirm the license with the state agency
- Ask who is awake at night
- Ask what happens if needs increase

## Questions families ask

### What is a board and care home?

A small residence, usually 20 or fewer residents, offering meals, personal care and round-the-clock staff, typically without nursing care.

### Does Medicare pay for board and care?

No. NIA says Medicare doesn't cover these costs; Medicaid may give partial coverage depending on the state.

### Are board and care homes licensed?

Yes, by the state, under names that vary. Check the license before touring.

### How is a board and care home different from assisted living?

Mainly size and setting. Board and care homes are smaller and more home-like; assisted living communities are larger, with more amenities.

## Sources

- [National Institute on Aging: Long-term care facilities, assisted living, nursing homes and other residential care](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/long-term-care-facilities-assisted-living-nursing-homes)
- [Florida Statutes 429.65: Adult family-care homes, definitions](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/429.65)
- [National Institute on Aging: How to choose a nursing home or other long-term care facility](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/how-choose-nursing-home-or-other-long-term-care-facility)

## Read next

- [Care options](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/)
- [Adult family homes](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/adult-family-homes/)
- [Assisted living](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/assisted-living/)
- [Assisted living inspections](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/assisted-living-inspection-reports/)
- [Assisted living for couples](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/assisted-living-for-couples/)
- [Custodial care](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/custodial-care/)

### Already on Medicare? Check your 2027 plan options.

Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. If doctors, prescriptions or health needs are changing, it is worth a look before the window closes.

[Medicare Advantage guides](https://seniorchoicecare.com/medicare-advantage/)

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