Adult foster homes—sometimes called family care homes—provide assisted living for the elderly and/or disabled in a private residence, as opposed to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Adult foster homes are smaller facilities, housing only a few people at a time. Around the clock care and services are provided, usually by a live-in caregiver.
Residents of adult care homes live in their own rooms, but also have access to shared dining, sitting and recreation rooms, and often, outdoor areas. Personal and health care assistance is provided according to the resident’s individual needs and might include personal care and grooming, medication administration, transportation, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry and activities.
Adult foster homes are licensed, regulated, inspected and monitored by state and local governments.
Many people choose a family care home because it is more affordable than housing in a larger facility. In addition, some seniors are more comfortable in the smaller, homelike environment of adult foster care.