Room and Board
Room and Board
Room and board for seniors, also known as Group Homes, provides a supportive living arrangement that includes accommodations, meals, and essential services such as housekeeping in a communal environment. This setting is well-suited for individuals who require help with daily activities but do not need extensive medical or nursing care.
One day Lisa got a call from her cousin’s wife. “I just found out that your mom got an old friend of hers to fix a sink in our home. This must never happen again. This is my home and I get to decide how it is kept and who comes in to do the repairs. Please make sure your mom understands well that this is NOT HER HOUSE!”
“WOW! Wow! Wow!” Lisa said aloud after she had the phone slammed in her ear.
Next week she paid her mom and aunt a visit. The first thing Lisa’s mom said was “The mattress is no good, it hurts my back, the springs are getting too exposed”.
Lisa could only imagine the cousins’ reaction when they saw a big truck pull into their driveway with a new mattress, after the episode last week. So instead, she went and brought a thick and comfortable mattress topper that could fit in her rental car with ease. She got her mom comfortably sleeping that afternoon for a nap.
Then she called the Executive Director of the Village. “Do you by any chance have any recommendations for a room and board?” She got a list in her mail within minutes of the call. The Executive Director cautioned Lisa, “You know these are family-owned accommodations and lack any regulatory oversight. I will also send you a list of questions you should ask. Above all you want to try and meet the other residents to see if your mom and aunt will fit into that house’s dynamics. So far none of our Village members have chosen to move into one, several have evaluated the list I am going to send you. This list is the cream of the crop, but that is not saying much. There may be better ones in other parts of the world, but not necessarily around here.”
As she started the research, it was very hard for Lisa to find a three-way match between her aunt, her mom, and facilities on the recommended list.
Yet, the essence of room-and-board facilities, their familial atmosphere and close-knit resident community posed the greatest challenge. Finding a place where both her mom and aunt could seamlessly integrate with the existing residents, where their personalities and care needs would be embraced rather than merely accommodated, seemed an insurmountable task. In the end, the elusive triad of the right setting, compatible community, and affordable care remained just out of reach, leading Lisa to reluctantly abandon the pursuit.
An Unexpected Home
Angela, Hazel, and Eva’s Story
Angela received a call from her mom, Hazel, who was clearly distressed. “Angela, our landlord has sold the building, and we need to move out in a month. I don’t know what to do.”
Angela, who lived two states away, felt a surge of panic. Her mom and Aunt Eva needed a stable living environment, and time was running out. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll find a solution,” Angela reassured her.
Angela began researching housing options and came across an organization that offered room and board for seniors. These homes provided meals, housekeeping, and assistance with daily activities in a communal setting. It seemed like a perfect fit for her mom and aunt.
Angela called the organization. “Hi, I’m Angela. My mom and aunt need a new place to live. Can you tell me more about your room and board facilities?”
The coordinator, Wilma, was very helpful. “We have several homes that might suit your needs. Each home is family-owned, providing a close-knit community feel. I’ll send you a list of our available homes and some questions you should ask when visiting.”
Armed with this information, Angela traveled to her mom and aunt’s city. Together, they visited several homes, meeting with the homeowners and current residents.
At the third house, they were greeted by a cheerful woman named Nancy. “Welcome! Let me show you around,” Nancy said warmly.
The home was cozy, with a spacious living room and a well-maintained garden. The residents seemed happy and engaged in various activities.
“What kind of activities do you offer?” Angela asked.
“We have weekly movie nights, gardening, and craft sessions. We also celebrate holidays together,” Nancy explained.
Hazel and Eva were impressed. “This feels like a home,” Hazel said.
Eva nodded. “And the people are so friendly.”
After careful consideration, they decided this was the place. The move went smoothly, and Hazel and Eva quickly settled into their new home.
Angela visited often, and each time she was relieved to see her mom and aunt thriving. They had made friends and were actively participating in the community activities.
One afternoon, Angela received a call from Hazel. “Angela, guess what? Eva and I started a book club here. We’re having so much fun!”
Angela smiled. “That’s wonderful, Mom. I’m so glad you’re both happy.”
The move to the room and board home had been an unexpected but perfect solution. Hazel and Eva found a new sense of belonging, and Angela could rest easy knowing they were well cared for.
A Fresh Start
Eliza, Doris, and Mabel’s Story
Eliza was at a loss after her mom, Doris, called her in tears. “Eliza, the assisted living facility we’re in is closing down. We have to move out in a month. What are we going to do?”
Eliza, who lived on the other side of the country, knew she had to act fast. She started looking into various housing options and came across a concept called “room and board” for seniors. These homes offered a supportive living arrangement with meals and essential services.
Eliza contacted the first place on the list. “Hello, I’m Eliza. My mom and aunt need a new place to live. Can you tell me about your room and board options?”
The owner, Hugo, was very accommodating. “We have a few homes that might work for your family. Each one is a small community with a family-like atmosphere. I can send you some details and questions to consider when visiting.”
Eliza immediately booked a flight to her mom and aunt’s city. She spent the next few days visiting different homes, trying to find the perfect fit.
One of the homes, run by a friendly couple named Gary and Diana, stood out. The house was warm and inviting, with a large kitchen and a beautiful backyard. The residents seemed happy and engaged in conversation.
“What activities do you offer?” Eliza asked.
“We have a weekly cooking class, card games, and garden projects. We also have group outings to local parks and shops,” Diana explained.
Doris and Mabel were intrigued. “This place feels like a real community,” Doris said.
Mabel added, “And everyone seems so friendly.”
After discussing their options, Doris and Mabel decided this was the place for them. The transition was smooth, and they quickly adjusted to their new home.
Eliza visited as often as she could, and each time she noticed a positive change in her mom and aunt. They were more active and seemed genuinely happy.
One evening, Eliza received a call from her mom. “Eliza, Mabel and I joined the cooking class, and we’re learning new recipes every week. It’s so much fun!”
Eliza was relieved. “That’s fantastic, Mom. I’m so glad you’re both enjoying yourselves.”
The move to the room and board home had been a fresh start for Doris and Mabel. They found joy and companionship in their new community, and Eliza felt a sense of peace knowing they were in a place where they were cared for and happy.
