Board and care castaways: older adults outside the long term care continuum

Board and care homes for the elderly offer a protective housing option. However limited resources and an increasingly disabled population have put severe stress on these facilities. This study looks at the boundaries of board and care in a California sample by comparing case examples of problem residents who were retained in board and care homes and problem residents who were asked to leave. Results from a discriminate analysis show those expelled have more personal care needs, fewer social skills, less family support and that the home has fewer resources to deal with the particular resident. Both groups have similar number of health and behavioral problems. Findings suggest additional resources for non-medical, maintenance care are needed to extend stay and prevent nursing home admission.