Assisted Living vs Board and Care Home
Board and care homes (also called residential care homes or group homes) are smaller, home-based facilities with 2-15 residents. Assisted living communities are larger facilities with 20-200+ residents. Arizona has a particularly strong board and care market.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Assisted Living Community | Board and Care Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20-200+ residents | 2-15 residents |
| Setting | Commercial building, campus-style | Converted residential home |
| Staff Ratio | 1 caregiver per 8-12 residents | 1 caregiver per 3-5 residents |
| Amenities | Pool, gym, salon, library, theater | Home-like: kitchen, backyard, living room |
| Activities | Full daily schedule, outings | Informal, family-style |
| Meals | Restaurant-style dining hall | Home-cooked meals at a family table |
| Avg Cost (AZ) | $4,195/month | ~$3,200/month |
| ALTCS | Yes, if qualified | Yes, if qualified |
Which Is Right for Your Family?
Choose Assisted Living Community if...
- Seniors who want lots of activities and social opportunities
- Those who prefer a larger community with on-site amenities
- People who value having multiple staff on duty at all times
Choose Board and Care Home if...
- Seniors who prefer a small, home-like environment
- Families on a tighter budget
- Those who want more personalized, one-on-one attention
Pros and Cons
Assisted Living Community
Pros
- +More amenities and activities
- +Larger social community
- +On-site services (salon, therapy)
- +Easier to find availability
Cons
- -More expensive
- -Can feel impersonal
- -Higher resident-to-staff ratio
- -Institutional feel for some
Board and Care Home
Pros
- +More affordable
- +Better staff-to-resident ratio
- +Home-like atmosphere
- +More personalized attention
- +Often accepts ALTCS more readily
Cons
- -Fewer amenities
- -Smaller social circle
- -Quality varies widely
- -Less regulated than large communities
What This Means in Arizona
Arizona has one of the strongest board and care (group home) markets in the country. With over 2,000 licensed group homes statewide, families have excellent options for affordable, personalized care. Many accept ALTCS Medicaid, making them the most budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are board and care homes safe?
Yes — in Arizona, board and care homes are licensed and inspected by the Arizona Department of Health Services. However, quality varies, so always visit in person, check inspection reports, and ask for references. Our advisors can help you identify the best-quality homes.
What is a group home in Arizona?
A group home (also called board and care, residential care home, or adult foster care) is a licensed residential home that provides room, board, and personal care to a small number of seniors. Arizona licenses them for 1-10 residents per home.
Are group homes cheaper than assisted living?
Usually yes. In Arizona, group homes average about $3,200/month compared to $4,195 for assisted living communities — a savings of roughly $1,000/month. The lower cost comes from smaller overhead and home-based operations.
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Not Sure Which Option Is Right?
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