Small Assisted Living Homes: Residential communities offer a close-knit lifestyle

Assisted living homes with 15 or fewer residents are often called group homes or senior care residences. Many people seeking an assisted living environment for themselves or a family member have investigated these homes as an option along with larger assisted living communities. Most of these homes offer the same services as larger communities, except in a smaller and more intimate setting.

Considering a group home when researching assisted living is an important step if your loved one would prefer a smaller, homelike environment. Some of these smaller homes specialize in care for Alzheimer’s disease or related memory impairments.

Individuals and families get to know each staff member well and can enjoy participating in the preparation and serving of meals, housekeeping tasks, gardening, or other daily activities. Food is prepared in small quantities, and residents are encouraged to help. Group homes are usually nestled into neighborhoods, indistinguishable from other surrounding properties.

Though regulations governing these homes differ across regions, a variety of agencies (county health departments, social services, long-term care ombudsmen) in most counties and cities provide significant monitoring of homes with four or more beds.

As with any community, it is important to visit the homes to talk with staff as well as the current residents and their families. Be sure that you are given specific information about caregiver training, community amenities and costs.