“Care comes first. But everything else still has to get done.”

The Truth About Running a Small Residential Care Home in California

What the Data Shows About Burnout, Turnover and the Daily Grind of 6-Bed RCFEs
Running a small care home isn’t just a job — it’s a juggling act. Between staffing shortages, constant onboarding, compliance pressure, and family expectations, most owners wear every hat in the building.

This infographic reveals what’s really happening behind the scenes at California’s 6-bed homes, including why so many change hands, how often staff turns over, and what’s expected from admin and caregivers every single day. Download infographic.

multiple hats icon1. You’re Doing Everything — All the Time.

You’re the admin, caregiver, scheduler, HR, and tech support.

>> “Approximately 81% of California’s RCFEs are licensed for 15 or fewer residents.”

>>Most 6-bed homes are family-run, and owners wear every hat in the building. 

(Source: CA Assisted Living Association)

Closed loop icon2. Never ending Onboarding.

There’s always a new resident, a concerned family, and another stack of paperwork to prepare. 

>> Turnover is part of the job; onboarding isn’t just a single moment. It’s a continuous rhythm that keeps resetting. Families expect frequent communication and quick onboarding even when staffing is thin.

“The average staff turnover rate in small care homes is over 50% annually.

(Source: PHI National, 2023 Long-Term Care Workforce Report)

binder icon3. Paper Trails, Medication Tracking & Management = Stress.

Three-ring binders. Sticky notes. Whiteboards. Med Tracking. Annual Inspections happen once a year, but family calls happen every day. Most 6-bed homes still rely on paper to manage their records, increasing the risk of errors, and DSS citations.

>> When records are scattered, every call or audit becomes a scramble. 

“Over 75% of residents in small care homes require daily medication tracking and adherence support.”

(Source: Assisted Living Education – Title 22 Overview)

Burnout Icon4. Owner Burnout.

You love your residents, but the business side is beginning to feel like too much.

Many 6-bed care homes change hands regularly, often due to owner burnout, retirement, or shifting personal circumstances. 

>> The market remains active, reflecting the industry’s dynamic nature.

“Over 30% of RCFE licenses change ownership within 5 years, often due to owner fatigue, financial strain, or family transitions.”

(Source: California Department of Social Services (CDSS) / CHCF estimates)

Let’s Make Your Residential Care Home Run Smoother.

Whether you’re facing burnout, stuck in paperwork, or just need tools that actually work for small homes, the RCFE Admin solution was built for you.

We help 6-bed RCFE owners simplify operations, stay compliant, and find breathing room again.

Contact us today to learn more.