Tucked into neighborhoods there are private homes that are tending to seniors. Sometimes they are called elder care homes, personal care homes or group homes. They provide increased supervision, as well as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for elderly adults often run by doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Just like every house on the block is different, no two residential care facilities are styled or managed the same way.
Generally, residential homes include a private or shared room, home cooked meals, assistance with toileting, bathing and dressing, custodial care with laundry and housekeeping, transportation, medication management and activities. Some of them also specialize in dementia care. Often the price tag is more affordable, sometimes half of assisted living. Care homes can range from 3 to 16 residents. When finding a personal care home, keep in mind that in the state of Texas, they are licensed according to size, type and building safety features so be sure to ask what type of license they have. Some personal care homes that host three or fewer residents do not require a license.
A care home’s family-like atmosphere is fostered by a high staff-to-patient ratio, which is typically higher than nursing homes or assisted living communities. The staff-to-resident ratio varies, ranging from 1-to-3 to 1-to-6. For a senior citizen who is active, a residential care home may not offer enough stimulation depending on their hobbies and interests. In my Moms care home, they watch movies together, play cards, do puzzles, do art projects and during non-Covid times had musicians visit.
Paul Markowitz, the founder of my company adds “Another plus for residential group homes is they look and feel more like home. Most are designed to resemble a private family home. This type of warm, homey environment may put older adults at ease.”
Cost of Residential Care Homes in and Around Houston
An added value of a residential care home is the price. They are a much more affordable alternative to other senior living option. Prices will vary from zip code to zip code, levels of care and type of room the price will be approximately:
- $2000 – $3,500 per month for a shared room
- $3,000 – $6,500 per month for a private room
