Adult foster/care* homes

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What are adult foster/care* homes?

Adult foster/care homes are licensed single-family residences that offer 24-hour care in a homelike setting for up to five people. Adult foster/care homes serve individuals with a wide range of needs. They must be able to provide care at all times. But not all homes’ staff are awake at night so consider if you or your loved one needs a lot of care at night.

An adult foster/care home is often less expensive than other long-term services and supports settings. It is also a home environment. Some adult foster homes even allow pets. Staff in some homes speak languages besides English.

Adult foster/care homes:

• Provide meals (including special diets)
• Provide or arrange transportation to appointments and other activities
• Do laundry
• Give medications
• Help with eating, dressing, toileting and other personal care
• Help with walking and/or getting out of a bed or a chair
• Deal with behavioral symptoms, as needed
• Provide friendship and a safe and caring environment

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS):

• Licenses, inspects and monitors adult foster/care homes to make sure they are safe and give proper care.
• Ensures providers and caregivers are trained, pass a background check and are physically and mentally able to give care.

*This type of setting is referred to as an adult care home in Multnomah County. Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services licenses and monitors these homes. It is referred to as an adult foster home in the rest of the state.

How do I pay for an adult foster/care home?

Options include paying privately or through a long-term care insurance policy. Medicare does not pay for adult foster home services. You may qualify for Medicaid if you cannot afford to pay for this care. Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection for information on who qualifies. Be sure to ask the adult foster/care home if they can accept Medicaid payment.