What Is a Board and Care Home? | Texas Senior Care Glossary

Senior Care Settings

Board and Care Home

A board and care home (also called a residential care home or group home) is a small, house-style senior care facility — typically serving 4 to 8 residents — that provides meals, personal care assistance, medication management, and 24-hour supervision in an intimate, home-like setting.

Full Definition

Board and care homes are licensed by the Texas HHSC as Type A or Type B Assisted Living Facilities, but in small-capacity configurations. They operate in residential neighborhoods, often in converted single-family homes, and serve a small number of residents with high levels of individualized attention.

These homes are typically more affordable than large assisted living campuses, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $5,000/month in Texas. They offer a quieter, more intimate environment that suits seniors who may be overwhelmed by the activity level of larger communities. However, they generally offer fewer structured activities, amenities, and on-site medical resources.

Quality varies significantly in small residential care homes, and licensure status and inspection records are public records on the Texas HHSC website. Families should verify licensure and review any deficiency citations before placement.

Questions About Board and Care Home?

Erika Crossley is a Texas senior care placement specialist. A free 30-minute consultation gives you plain-language answers about how this applies to your family.

Book a Free Consultation