Understanding the Difference Between Two Types of Group Homes

Author

Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

Posted on

Jan 07, 2024

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

Share This

Boarding Home and Residential Care Home

When it comes to finding care options for loved ones or individuals needing assistance, navigating the various types of facilities available can be overwhelming. With the baby boomer population continuing to age, more seniors will be needing to seek out options that provide companion services and higher levels of care.  One of the potential options includes group homes. Municipal regulation of Group homes  states, “While there is no single definition of “group home” under state of federal law currently, under Texas law there are at least 24 types of homes, houses, centers, and other facilities, probably more that may qualify as a group home.” Confusing, right? There are many types of group homes that provide housing, counseling, and programs for teens, drug addiction, mental and physical disabilities, and conditions. For the purposes of this blog, we will focus on two types of group homes that cater to adults and seniors needing assistance: Boarding and Residential Care Homes. Boarding homes and residential care homes are often confused, both cater to specific needs and offer distinct levels of care.  Understanding their differences is crucial in making an informed decision to individual requirements.


Boarding Home

According to the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 260.001 a boarding home is classified as:

·  Serves elderly persons 65 and up or persons with disabilities (mental, physical, intellectual, or developmental) that impairs the person’s ability to provide for one’s care or protection

·  Provides lodging to three or more persons with disabilities or elderly that are unrelated to the owner of the home

·  Provides meals, housekeeping, transportation, grocery shopping, money management, laundry services, self-administration of medication assistance

·  Does NOT provide assisted living facility (ALF) personal care services as defined in Section 247.002

·  County or municipality may require a permit to operate

·  May have coverage under certain government programs or a long-term care policy

These homes offer a smaller environment and up to 6 residents live in a home-like setting with trained staff and supervisors that often live in the home.


Residential Care Homes

Definition: A residential care home, also referred to as community, personal care home, or board and care home, is a private home that usually house 20 or fewer residents (some as few as 3 or 4) that are staffed 24/7, deliver non-medical assistance to seniors that do not need 24/7 nursing care. Services include meals, personal assistance with daily activities of living.

·  Homelike environment with private or semi-private rooms

·  Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as: bathing, dressing, and medication management

·  Social activities, meals, and basic medical assistance provided

·  Often more affordable than traditional and larger assisted living facilities

·  Caregiver to patient ratio is typically better than in standard assisted living facilities

·  Cost is private pay, long-term care insurance, or Veteran’s assistance programs

·  Supportive care services such as home health, therapy, and hospice care can be provided by a licensed third-party service provider

·  Unlicensed Residential Care Home is allowed up to 3 non-related residents (Legal & illegal)

·  Licensed homes are certified by Texas Health and Human Services for compliance at the state and federal level. 

·  A very small number of care homes accept Medicaid


The Texas Health and Safety Code Section 123.005 notes that community homes can provide a wider array of services such as: food, shelter, personal guidance, care, habilitation services and supervision services to persons with disabilities compared to boarding homes. “These disabilities can include Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia; autism; mental illness; muscular dystrophy; multiple sclerosis, among others.” Section 123.002


Residential Care Homes can be Licensed as a Type A or B Assisted Living Facility (ALF):

Type A – Requires the resident to be physically and mentally capable of evacuating the facility unassisted in an emergency. They do not need regular assistance during sleeping hours.

Type B – Residents may require assistance to evacuate and may be incapable of following directions in an emergency. Often require attendance during nighttime hours.


When considering a Residential Care Home, it is important to find out if they are licensed or not and what level of services they provide.  If not licensed, are they operating legally and following state and federal guidelines for operations? What levels of care can they provide?  It is advisable to enlist the help of a Senior Living Advisor like Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors, as they can narrow down your search and ensure that you know what you are walking into versus wasting time on numerous homes that may not be a good fit or even worse operating illegally.  


With many different care options to choose from, making the decision as to what is the right care setting involves considering the specific needs, level of independence, and medical requirements of the individual. A group home such as a residential care home may be just what you and your loved one are looking for to provide quality senior care when the time comes. Knowing one has options outside of a traditional assisted living facility or nursing home empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions based on the needs and preferences of their loved ones.


Author: Britt Hemsell | Senior Living Advisor & Blog Contributor

Other Articles You May Like

Cory St. Aubin: A Beacon of Inspiration at HarborChase of Plano

Cory St. Aubin: A Beacon of Inspiration at HarborChase of PlanoCory St. Aubin, a distinguished figure at HarborChase of Plano, has recently been featured in the Plano Star Courier's "Plano Women of Inspiration" series. Known for her natural ability to encourage and inspire, Cory is passionate about seeing women thrive across various industries. Her dedication to the growth and well-being of the Plano community is rooted in her own upbringing and the impactful mentorship she received.A Legacy of EncouragementGrowing up in Plano, Cory was fortunate to be mentored by Emily Watson, a figure who profoundly influenced her approach to life and career. Emily challenged Cory not just to think outside the box, but to live outside it. This philosophy has become a cornerstone of Cory's professional and personal endeavors.Im a natural encourager and love seeing women thrive in their industry. I grew up in Plano and was blessed to have been mentored by Emily Watson, who challenged me to not just think outside the box but live outside the box, Cory shared in her interview with the Plano Star Courier.Fostering Growth in PlanoCorys career, which began in Plano, is marked by a continuous effort to build relationships and seize opportunities within the city. Her deep connection to the community has driven her to contribute significantly to its growth and well-being.When asked about her involvement in the Plano community, Cory emphasized the importance of authenticity and relationship-building. I advise women to keep it real and not take themselves too seriously. Create and nurture meaningful relationships that inspire women to excel, grow, and push the limits of success, she advised.Impactful Community EngagementOne of Corys notable contributions is her work with the Alzheimer's Association. Over the past few years, she has been instrumental in spreading awareness and education about Alzheimer's disease. A particularly memorable event was "Mapping the Journey," which brought together hundreds of people in Plano to foster education, awareness, and a sense of community around this critical issue.Seeing so many come together with one mission was significant, Cory reflected, highlighting the power of community collaboration.Inspiration and FaithCory credits her faith and the support of key individuals for her commitment to community service. As a woman of faith, I am thankful to the Lord for the gifts that he has placed in me and the open doors he has provided to continue to make an impact in my community, she expressed. Looking ForwardAs Cory looks to the future, she remains open to new adventures and opportunities to serve her community. Who knows what new adventure awaits me, but rest assured I will be ready, she said, embodying the spirit of a true Woman of Inspiration.Cory St. Aubins journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, faith, and community engagement. Her story continues to inspire many in Plano and beyond, as she remains dedicated to fostering growth, encouraging others, and making a lasting impact. For More Information on HarborChaseof Plano Click HERE.  Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher, Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas

We are a Veteran-Owned Business Proud to Serve our Community

Veteran-owned HomeWell puts veterans first, offering exceptional in-home care that honors their service and values.As veterans, we understand the importance of protecting the well-being of others. Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we aid families in need, support fellow veterans and help our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. Committed to providing you with the peaceful retirement youve earned.The retirement years of those who have served should be marked by dignity, comfort and belonging. However, for veterans whose years of service are etched with valor and sacrifice, life as a citizen can prove challenging. Depending on their experiences, the transition to normalcy and everyday life can be a long-term endeavorone that continues well into their senior years.At HomeWell, weve found that the comfort of home can make all the difference for our esteemed soldiers who seek to age gracefully. For these individuals, maintaining autonomy is not just a preference; its a testament to the resilience that defines them. By bringing care directly to their doorstep, senior veterans can enjoy the familiarity of their own space while receiving the individualized care they need. Our role in veterans care:Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we support veterans and their families, ultimately helping our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. We thoughtfully consider the individual needs of each veteran entrusted to our care to develop a highly personalized plan that takes into account their physical, mental and emotional well-being at home.We also extend a helping hand to veterans and their families as they navigate their finances. We understand that paying out of pocket often hinders them from pursuing non-medical home care. However, if your loved one is enrolled in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or has a monthly VA pension, they may be eligible to receive coverage for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) at HomeWell.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX  today. Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Local Services By This Author

Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists 5960 West Parker Rd Ste 278-215, Plano, Texas, 75093

When Its Time for Senior Living, We Help You Find the Perfect Community for You! With over 900 senior living options in the DFW area, Ruby Care helps families make informed decisions. We provide complimentary assistance to find the most appropriate living community including Indepenent Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care Homes, Memory Care & Nursing Home. Our ExperienceIf you've been searching for senior housing for you or your loved one, you know there are hundreds of senior living communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Let Ruby Care help you.  We do the legwork at no cost to you and help you find the place that is perfect for you and your family.Our professionals are well-known in the communities they serve.  In order to help you best, they network with health care providers, such as home health, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, physicians and other senior service providers.Collectively, our team has over 50 years of experience in healthcare and we are trained to listen to your needs so that we can work to find the best options for you...at no cost! Why Us?We know this can be a stressful time for you as you choose your next  home.  When you work with us, you will be assigned a Senior Living  Advisor (SLA) who knows the community and has first-hand knowledge of  the communities you are considering.  Your SLA will meet with you in person and will listen to your wishes, wants and needs in order to help guide  your next steps.  Your SLA will also help you with senior living community tours and  preparation to help guide you through the selection process.  We serve as your advocate and help make this a smooth, seamless transition.  Once you have selected a community, we continue to follow up for at least the next thirty days to make sure things are going well and there are no outstanding concerns. possibilities.  placement.  peace of mind.