Guides
Guides for families
Plain answers to the questions we hear most, before you ever request a tour.
Assisted living vs. board and care homes in California
The two terms families mix up most — what actually separates a large assisted living community from a small residential care home, and how to tell which one fits.
5 min readHow much does a California care home cost?
What actually drives the price of assisted living and other residential care in California, and the real questions to ask before you commit.
6 min readHow to pay for assisted living: Medi-Cal, VA benefits, and private pay
A plain overview of the main ways California families cover the cost of residential care, so you know which questions to ask next.
6 min readSober living vs. transitional housing: what's the difference?
Two kinds of temporary, supportive housing that get confused often — who each one is actually for, and how they're regulated differently in California.
4 min readQuestions to ask on a care home tour
What actually matters to see in person, beyond the listing photos — a practical checklist for your first visit.
5 min readWhat an RCFE license means, and how to check one
What California's Residential Care Facility for the Elderly license actually certifies, and how to verify a specific home's status yourself.
4 min read