Adult Care Homes 2 to 6 residents. Are they for you?

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An Alternative to Assisted Living: Is a Family Care Home Right for You?

When a loved one can no longer live safely on their own, families are often faced with the difficult decision of choosing a long-term care facility. While large assisted living communities are a well-known option, a more intimate and personal alternative exists that many families are unaware of: the Family Care Home.

What is a Family Care Home?

A Family Care Home in North Carolina is a small-scale assisted living facility licensed to care for two to six unrelated residents. These homes are typically located in quiet, residential neighborhoods and offer a true “home-like” setting. Unlike larger, more institutional facilities, Family Care Homes provide a unique environment that many seniors find comforting and familiar.

The Benefits of a Smaller Setting

The primary advantage of a Family Care Home is the high level of personalized attention. With round-the-clock staff and a very low resident-to-staff ratio, these homes can provide exceptional personal and medical services. Key benefits include:

  • A True Home Environment: Residents enjoy the comforts of a real home, with a shared kitchen, dining room, and living room where staff and elders often prepare and eat meals together.
  • Personalized Care: The low number of residents allows for highly individualized care that can be tailored to each person’s specific needs and preferences.
  • Unstructured Daily Life: The day-to-day existence is often less rigid and more informal, mirroring the rhythm of life in a private home.

How to Pay for a Family Care Home

The cost of a Family Care Home is often comparable to that of a larger assisted living facility. For families who cannot afford to pay privately, several government assistance programs can help cover the cost. An experienced elder law attorney can help you explore your eligibility for:

Navigating these programs is a key part of any comprehensive plan for long-term care.

Finding a Family Care Home in Wake County

Wake County provides a valuable online resource that lists all licensed Family Care Homes and includes links to their inspection reports. You can access this listing on the Wake County government website.

Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.