As the number of senior citizens continues to increase, the need for all types of elder care is imminent. From residential care facilities to skilled nursing centers, large urban areas seeing a growing trend in the number and type of facilities sought by its aging population.
For example, take popular retirement location of Orange County, California. Just like anywhere else in the state, the goal of an elder care facility is to help seniors remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, preferably in their own homes or similar settings. When living alone is no longer an option, board and care homes are the next best thing. They allow seniors to live intimate, residential care settings, similar to their own houses, and receive 24/7 help from caregivers.
Facts About Orange County's Senior Population
Orange County is California's third largest county in terms of population. As of the 2010 census, there were roughly 350,000 senior citizens residing within the county. By 2030, that number is expected to double. While many of these seniors are native to the state, many come here to retire mainly because the weather is nice year-round. Top-notch medical facilities and the number of readily available leisure and cultural activities are other draws.
Most older adults live in the southeast region of Orange County mainly because of the large amount of retirement communities and board and care facilities. However, larger numbers of seniors are found living in:
- Laguna Woods
- Seal Beach
- Newport Beach
- Anaheim
- Garden Grove
- Huntington Beach
- Santa Ana
Typically, in communities where there is a larger amount of seniors residing, more elder care facilities are also found. Board and care homes are no exception to this, especially since there are more of these types of facilities in Southern California than nursing homes and larger residential communities combined.
Orange County's Board and Care Homes
Most of the county's board and care homes are single family, private residences transformed into care facilities. Licensed by the California Department of Social Services, each home typically accepts up to six residents at one time, although there are facilities available that have licenses for more residents.
Unless the facility has a licensed nurse on staff, residents in board and care homes are under the guidance of a full-time caregiver. This setting is good for elderly persons who need a high level of care, who are very frail or who are not able to safely take care of their daily living activities. While remaining independent is a goal, it is not expected.
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