Guide
A small family home
A real house with six residents or fewer. The same few caregivers every day, meals at one table, and a quiet routine.
What a day looks like
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner at a family table
- The same caregivers, who know each person's habits
- TV, music, the patio, a walk around the block
- A quiet house, with less coming and going
Who tends to do well
- People who did best at home and want it to still feel like home
- People who get overwhelmed in busy places
- Many people with memory loss, who do better with fewer faces
- People who need a lot of hands-on help
What it usually doesn't have
- A big activity calendar
- A gym, salon or theater on site
- Lots of other residents to socialize with
What it costs
- Many small homes in South Florida charge a monthly rate for room, meals and care
- Private rooms cost more than shared rooms
- Some take Medicaid long-term care, some don't
- Each listing shows the price only if the home confirmed it
Questions to ask when you visit
- Who will be here at night, and how many caregivers?
- What languages do the caregivers speak?
- How do you tell me when something changes?
- What happens if my mom needs more care later?
- Can I visit any time?
- What did the state cite at your last inspection, and what did you change?
Neither kind of place is better. The right one is the one where your loved one will do well. I tell every family to see at least one of each before deciding.