When an older adult starts needing extra assistance with daily tasks, a senior care facility or service can be beneficial. Two choices that provide support to seniors include adult foster care services and assisted living facilities. Serenity Home Care is a home care agency that offers adult foster care and other in-home care services to residents throughout Oregon. Here, we discuss the differences between adult foster care and assisted living and how to determine which may be better for your loved one.
What Is Adult Foster Care?
Adult foster care is a type of senior living provided in a small group setting. It is for adults who can’t live alone, those who cannot stay with relatives, or those who don’t qualify for other facilities, but don’t need medical assistance. Adult foster care homes have a few residents (usually less than four) who live together with a caregiver. The caregiver(s) assist residents with household and personal care tasks, like
- Cleaning and housekeeping
- Preparing meals
- Personal grooming and hygiene
- Managing medications
- Transporting to medical appointments
- Companionship
The small size of adult foster care homes allows residents to get personalized help and services in a welcoming environment, while still encouraging their independence. Adult foster homes are usually located within neighborhoods, so residents can still interact with the outside community. Regulations for adult foster care vary from state to state, but residents are under 24/7 supervision with at least one caregiver staying overnight in the home.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a common type of senior living where older adults live in a residential environment and have access to personal care and household assistance. These facilities are suitable for seniors who can still function mainly independently but require help with things like cooking, chores, laundry, or driving. Some assisted living facilities provide minor medical assistance and medication management, but most aren’t qualified to provide residents with medical care. Residents can get 24/7 assistance at assisted living facilities, as the staff is always awake.
Assisted living facilities generally have many residents, mostly ranging from 30 to 100. They are more common in urban areas, as more people need senior housing. They tend to offer residents amenities and recreational activities and are good for those who want a lot of social interaction.
Main Differences of Adult Foster Care and Assisted Living
Both adult foster care and assisted living communities provide seniors with welcoming environments, assistance when needed, and low-maintenance lifestyles. However, there are some differences that may make one better than the other for your loved one, depending on their preferences and needs. These differences include:
Size
One main difference between adult foster care and assisted living communities is the size. Adult foster care homes are much smaller than assisted living facilities. Adult foster care typically serves one to six residents, while assisted living facilities can have between 30 and 100 beds.
Available Amenities
Another difference between assisted living and adult foster care communities is the access to on-site amenities. Since assisted living communities are larger and serve more people, they often offer amenities like exercise classes, gyms, health services, chef-prepared meals, and recreational activities. Adult foster care homes aren’t large enough to offer these amenities, although they still provide prepared meals and social interaction.
Caregiver Presence
The next difference between assisted living and adult foster care has to do with the caregivers. Although both communities require caregivers to be present 24/7, they have different regulations. Caregivers in adult foster care homes usually sleep in the house with the residents, so they aren’t required to be awake the entire time. In assisted living facilities, caregivers work in shifts, so they must always be awake to offer 24-hour assistance.
Cost
The cost of a senior living facility or service varies depending on the resident’s location, needs, and other factors. However, adult foster care is generally considered to be less expensive than assisted living. According to the National Council on Aging, the average cost of assisted living per month in the United States is $4,500, while the average cost of adult foster care generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per month.
When deciding on the best senior living choice for your loved one, make sure to consider the above differences. At Serenity Home Care, we believe our family-owned roots and compassionate team of professionals make us the choice for home care services in Oregon.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
For comprehensive in-home care services in the Greater Portland, OR, area, trust Serenity Home Care, where we are dedicated to helping your loved one stay independent with assistance when they need it. We are licensed by the Health Care Regulation and Quality Improvement program from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide a range of home care services, including adult foster care, aging-in-place care, and more. Schedule a consultation at Serenity Home Care today to learn more about our services and your options.
