What Is Adult Foster Care?

Adult foster care provides a homelike living environment for people who have difficulty living on their own. These individuals may be elderly, or they may have mental or physical disabilities. Typically, these homes are limited to six or fewer residents. Residents share living and dining areas, and the caregiver often lives on-site.

What Services Are Included?

The staff helps residents with everyday activities. They may offer supervision and/or support medical needs too. Services could include:

  • Assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal grooming
  • Mobility support (climbing stairs, moving to/from a wheelchair)
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Meal preparation
  • Transportation to/from appointments
  • Medication and/or health management
  • Entertainment and socialization opportunities

What’s the Difference Between Adult Foster Care and Other Living Arrangements?

Adult foster care homes are much smaller than nursing homes or group homes. Depending on state regulations, they may have anywhere from one to six residents. As a result, they feel more like an everyday house and less like an institution. In addition, residents usually require a lower level of intervention. Therefore, although supervisors may be available twenty-four hours per day, they do not have to be awake and on duty. This differs from nursing homes, group homes, and assisted-living facilities which offer continuous, round-the-clock care.

What Are the Advantages?

Some people truly dislike the idea of moving into an institutionalized facility. Thus, if an individual only needs a moderate to low-level of care, adult foster care can give them greater independence in a more comfortable environment. As a bonus, in most cases, this living arrangement is less expensive than other alternatives.

How Much Does Adult Foster Care Cost?

The cost varies depending on location and the amount of intervention required. Generally, adult foster care costs about half as much as nursing homes, and it may be cheaper than assisted living arrangements too. Some long-term insurance policies cover these types of programs. Medicaid also pays for a portion in some states, but Medicare does not. For more information about funding possibilities, check out Adult Foster Care & Financial Assistance Options.

Would You Like to Learn More?

If you are interested in setting up adult foster care for a loved one, Anodyne can help! We offer a supportive environment for disabled or elderly adults who need assistance but not continuous nursing care. Learn more about our home care services throughout Eastern Massachusetts today!