What Is An Adult Foster Care Home?

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The other day, one of my readers asked for my opinion of adult foster care homes. Unfortunately, I knew very little about this concept. So, I’ve been doing some research, and today I’ll share what I learned.

What is an adult foster care home?

An adult foster care home is a private home providing supervision and basic care to a small group of unrelated residents aged 18 and over. The residents may have developmental delays, mental health issues, or they may be elderly.

Rules vary depending on the state, but they usually limit the number of residents to six or fewer. Unlike an assisted living community, caregivers live in the house with the residents. While they provide care around the clock, the caregivers usually sleep during the night.

Each person has their own bedroom, although they may have a roommate with the consent of both residents. Everyone shares living and dining spaces.

What types of services do they provide?

Care provided in an adult foster care home is usually at the level of assisted living or lower. Services may include:

• Help with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, and eating
• Recreational activities
• Laundry
• Housekeeping
• Meals
• Transportation
• Medication assistance

In certain situations, other agencies might come into the home to provide additional services. This could include hospice or home health nurses. Some foster care homes also provide temporary services such as respite care to give family caregivers a break.

How much does adult foster care cost?

Costs vary depending on where in the country you live and how much care the resident requires. However, adult foster care usually costs less than care in a nursing home or in an assisted living community.

Several resources can help pay for adult foster care. These include long-term-care insurance, VA benefits, nursing home diversion programs, and Medicaid. Again, these benefits vary a great deal depending on the state in which you live.

Would you like to provide adult foster care?

Contact your local or state health department to learn the specific requirements for an adult foster care home in your state. In most cases, the home will require a license. This often involves background checks and a home inspection.

 

Do you have experience with adult foster care homes? I would love to hear your impressions.