FAQs | Regal Senior Living

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you do senior care?

Ultimately, we love getting to know the stories that make each person who they are. This isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege. I could sit for hours (and often do!) sharing the incredible lives of the residents we've had the honor of caring for.

Ask me who the saxophone player was at the Palladium the night Marion met her husband. Or how Joseph’s sea bag got lost, causing him to miss the last boat out during WWII. Sophia’s husband once sent her secret messages hidden on the backs of postage stamps while stationed overseas. One resident was a dancer on the Lawrence Welk Show while another even received a scarf from Elvis after a concert!
And then there was Dorothy—an absolute riot. She grew up in a tent city outside the Hoover Dam, where her mom, who had a wooden leg, cooked for the family over an open fire. Dorothy once told me that as newlyweds, she and her husband inherited $300. I laughed at the story—until she told me they used it as a down payment on their first house.

These are the lives we get to be part of. These are stories we carry with us, and that’s why we do what we do.

What is a Board and Care Home?

A board and care home is a licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) that provides non-medical support to seniors who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, and medication management. Unlike larger assisted living communities, board and care homes offer a more intimate, home-like setting with a smaller number of residents. Whether it’s a large facility or a six-bed home like ours, all operate under the same RCFE license through the California Department of Social Services.

When Should I Start Looking for Senior Care?

The best time to search is before it becomes urgent. Often, families start the search after a hospital visit or the loss of a caregiving spouse — and decisions are rushed under stress. If you're reading this, you’re probably already considering it. We recommend:

Touring facilities early
Understanding your options and budget
Joining waitlists at homes you like

This way, you can choose a time to move, rather than being forced to act during a crisis.

What is the Admission Process Like?

Here’s how it works:

Initial Contact: We’ll chat briefly to make sure we’re a good fit.
Tour: You’re welcome to visit one or more of our homes.
Assessment: We’ll meet your loved one to assess their needs (required by the state).
Care Plan: We’ll create a personalized plan and coordinate with your doctor.
Move-In: We assist with a smooth, low-stress transition.

Note: All residents must have a Physician’s Report (LIC 602A) completed prior to move-in.

Are There Any Admission Fees?

Yes — our admission fees start at $2,500 depending on the home, which helps cover the initial onboarding process, including detailed paperwork, getting to know the residents’ preferences, medication setup, and doctor coordination.

Exceptions: For word-of-mouth referrals or direct contacts, we waive the first $2,500 - often reducing it to $0.

How Do You Handle Medications?

All RCFEs in California are classified as “non-medical.” That means we can assist with medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Even over-the-counter meds (like Tylenol or cough syrup) require a physician’s order.
Extra doses can’t be given without written approval. Family requests cannot override state guidelines.
Fun Fact:

A 98-year-old resident once enjoyed a nightly 2 oz. glass of peach brandy. Her doctor wrote an official prescription for it — and that’s the kind of personalized care we’re proud to provide.

Our System

We use an electronic Medication Administration Record (e-MAR) system, which allows us to:

Log and track all medications in real time
Provide accurate reports to physicians
Easily share records with hospitals or emergency responders

c. Updating Medications

To update your loved one’s medication list:

Email us at info@regalcare.org . Include a clear photo or scan of the doctor’s order or have your doctor fax updates to 805-624-4262

What Are Your Staffing Requirements?

All staff at Regal must:

Pass a Live Scan and DOJ background check
Complete 40 hours of initial training
Complete 20 hours of annual continuing education

This process ensures our caregivers are compassionate, well-trained, and fully compliant with California’s licensing requirements.

What About Referrals?

We are honored by referrals from families, nurses, social workers, and local professionals. To show appreciation, we offer:

A $1,000 referral bonus, donation to charity, or an invoice credit for successful move-ins
(Subject to employer policy — some professionals may be restricted from receiving compensation.)

How to Search on Your Own

You can look up licensed RCFEs (including inspection reports) on the official CA Department of Social Services website: ccld.dss.ca.gov/carefacilitysearch/search/elderlyassistedliving
Just enter your city or zip code to see local facilities and avoid commission markups.

Understanding the Referral Industry

Referral agencies are often helpful during times of crisis — but few families realize that these services are not truly free. Care providers pay these agents up to 100% of the first month’s fees as commission.

Example:
If the care costs $6,000/month, the agent collects a $6,000 commission — or more for luxury homes.

We believe families deserve transparency. Even if we’re full, we encourage tours and are happy to share advice and questions to ask as you search.

If using a referral agency, we recommend a local agent who has physically visited the homes they suggest.

What levels of care can you provide?

Over the past decade, we’ve cared for seniors with a wide range of needs. Some residents simply prefer the peace of not managing a household anymore. Others may be physically frail or unsteady on their feet. Some require extensive support due to advanced cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Whatever the need, we’re equipped and experienced to provide thoughtful, personalized care at every stage — from assistance with daily living to specialized memory care.

We believe in minimizing transitions for seniors. That’s why every room in our homes is licensed and approved for hospice care. As our residents age or their needs change, they’re able to remain in the comfort of a familiar, home-like environment — surrounded by caregivers they know and trust.

Whether your loved one needs non-medical support, memory care, or hospice-level care, our team is here to provide compassionate, consistent care tailored to each individual.