Types of senior care explained
Senior care comes in several forms, each licensed differently in California. Knowing the differences helps you search for the right kind of care — not just any facility.
Assisted living
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) — licensed by CDSS
For older adults who need help with everyday tasks — meals, medication management, bathing, dressing, getting around — but not round-the-clock medical care. Settings range from small six-bed “board and care” homes to large communities with dozens of residents.
Memory care
RCFE with a dedicated dementia-care program — licensed by CDSS
A specialized, secured form of assisted living for people living with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It carries the same RCFE license, plus a secured setting (to prevent wandering) and staff trained in dementia care. It's the right fit when confusion or wandering makes a standard setting unsafe.
Skilled nursing
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) — licensed by CDPH
Round-the-clock licensed nursing care and rehabilitation for people with higher or more complex medical needs. Often used after a hospital stay (for recovery and therapy) or for ongoing medical conditions that need professional nursing.
Home health
Home Health Agency (HHA) — licensed by CDPH
Licensed clinical care — skilled nursing, physical or occupational therapy — delivered in a person's own home, usually short-term and ordered by a doctor. This is different from non-medical “home care” (help with chores and companionship), which isn't a licensed health service.
Respite care
A service offered within an RCFE or SNF — not a separate license
Short-term stays that give a family caregiver a needed break, or bridge a transition. Because it's a service rather than a license, availability varies by facility.
Not sure a listing’s license is current? How to verify a facility’s license, or browse facilities by care type.