When you think of foster care, you typically imagine young children in need. However, adult foster care services are available to aging adults and other individuals over the age of 18 with special needs. Foster homes specifically for adults provide them with around-the-clock care in a comfortable, home-like environment.
Serenity Home Care offers individuals and their families in the Greater Portland, Oregon, area a full lineup of comprehensive services, including adult foster care. Here, we explain in-depth how adult foster care works and its benefits.
What Is Adult Foster Care?
By definition, adult foster care is a placement alternative for adults unable to live alone and who do not need an institutional setting. Simply put, it provides a family setting for individuals who require additional assistance but wish to live in a community-like environment with other adults. Residents of an adult foster care facility can include individuals who are elderly, have developmental disabilities, or have a mental illness. In comparison to dedicated living facilities with much larger populations, adult foster care homes typically have no more than six residents.
To be classified as an adult foster home, the single-family residence must be approved by governing parties. In Oregon, adult foster homes are inspected and licensed, both before the licensee can accept residents and annually, as long as the licensee stays in business. Any discrepancy regarding the care provided to residents is investigated by Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offices.
The setting of an adult foster care facility is under the supervision of licensed professionals. Every potential adult foster home licensee must meet certain standards in order to obtain certification.
Types of Care Provided By Adult Foster Care
Adult foster care works by providing residents with varying levels of care in a positive family atmosphere, depending on their needs. Residents will typically have their own living quarters with access to common areas.
The goal of an adult foster care home is to provide care and services to residents while supporting their independence. Levels of care can range from around-the-clock care for those with substantial needs to daily drop-ins for assistance with specific tasks. Adult foster care providers may help residents with the following daily activities:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Using the restroom
- Bathing and grooming
- Walking, which may include getting in or out of a bed or chair
- Behavioral issues, as needed
Adult foster care providers will also perform other general tasks, such as:
- Housekeeping
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Transportation arrangements
The Benefits of Adult Foster Care
When you or a family member is no longer able to safely take care of themselves independently, adult foster care can be a great option. There are several benefits to relocating to an adult foster care home, including:
Around-the-Clock Care
Perhaps the biggest advantage of adult foster care is the around-the-clock care provided to residents. You or your loved one will have someone available to help them at any time of the day or night. This level of care is especially beneficial to adults with debilitating conditions.
Opportunities to Socialize
Aging alone can drastically impact an individual’s mood and quality of life. Limited socialization is a common occurrence for adults who are unable to leave their homes or travel to see people. Adult foster communities provide residents with ample opportunities to socialize, catering to their needs for human interaction. Care workers will conduct group activities and gatherings, which all residents are encouraged to join.
Relieve Stress for Family Members
When a loved one is aging alone, it’s natural for other family members to worry about their well-being. The 24/7 care available to residents in an adult foster care home can provide family members with peace of mind. Knowing that someone is always available if anything was to happen is a massive relief to friends and family members. Adult foster care facilities allow both residents and families to live their lives without worry and comfortably.
Seek Adult Foster Care With Serenity Home Care
When aging in place isn’t an option, many adults and their families opt for adult foster care services. The providers at Serenity Home Care deliver top-quality care for you or loved ones across Oregon in a positive family atmosphere. We understand your needs and provide the type of care you require to live a fulfilling life, offering consistent supervision of clients.
Licensed by Oregon Health Authority and Health Care Regulation and Quality Improvement, our facility also complies with the requirements of Division 536 of Oregon Administrative Rules as a Comprehensive In-Home Care Agency. Schedule a consultation at Serenity Home Care today to learn more about our adult foster care services and to see if it’s the right choice for you.
