When families start looking at assisted living, most of what they see first are large communities with dozens or hundreds of apartments. Residential assisted living homes, where a small group of residents live together in a house, are another option. Both can provide excellent care. The right choice depends on the person.
What a small residential home offers
- A familiar setting. Residents live in a house with a kitchen, living room and dining table, which can feel less overwhelming than a large building.
- Knowing everyone. With fewer residents, caregivers get to know each person’s habits, preferences and moods, and residents get to know each other.
- Consistency. Seeing the same faces every day can be reassuring, especially for people living with memory changes.
- Simple communication. Families usually know exactly who to call and can reach someone who knows their loved one well.
- A calmer pace. Less noise and bustle, and routines that can bend around the resident.
What a larger community offers
- A wider range of scheduled activities, clubs and outings
- More on-site amenities, such as restaurants, fitness rooms or salons
- A larger social circle for very outgoing residents
- Sometimes several levels of care on one campus
Questions to help you decide
- Does your loved one prefer quiet or a busy environment?
- Do they find new places and large groups confusing or tiring?
- How important is it that staff know them personally?
- How much do they want to take part in organized activities?
- What level of care do they need now, and what might they need later?
Whatever you choose
In Maryland, assisted living programs of every size are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality. Ask any home or community about its license, its staffing day and night, how medications are handled and how it keeps families informed. Then visit, more than once if you can.
Our visit checklist can help you compare places side by side.