About Adult Family Homes - Personal Care Homes - Adult Foster Care By whatever name the Private Care Home is called, there are a wide variety of services available for your loved one in a home-like setting. Adult Care homes are generally homes in residential neighborhoods that have been upgraded to standards set by the State and County to meet the care needs, specifically, of the elderly. In most cases an adult care home is a private residence, often close to family or friends, where residents are able to retain their dignity and privacy in a comfortable family-like setting, while receiving personalized, individual care.  Not all Adult Care Homes are created equal. There are as many, if not more, specialized ACH homes as there are doctors. Each home is set up with distinctive variations. For example, some homes may care for only women, or only men; others specialize in Alzheimer's care, or will only accept those that are ambulatory (without wheelchairs) or some will only accept those that are private pay. Few even welcome small pets, or offer a covered area for smokers. Each home is Unique. Adult Care Homes have many faces. No two homes are alike. You may indeed drive by some homes in a neighborhood and not be able to tell that they are indeed an Adult Care Home. Although, they blend in with the rest of the neighboring homes, they have been modified with additional rooms, or baths, and appropriate safety features. Other homes have been specifically built as Adult Care Homes with private rooms, including private baths or ˝ bath, and generally separate living quarters for the family or care-givers. Many homes offer cable TV at no cost.  Each home has its own personality. Homes will take on the persona of the other residents, as well as, the personality of the caregivers or owners. Assessing that personality is generally almost more important for appropriate matching than location. Adult Family Homes in most States are required to be licensed. In Oregon, for example, homes are licensed according to the level of care a caregiver is allowed to provide - either as a Level 1, 2 or 3. Most States require this type of community-based care to follow strict guidelines for operation. All caregivers and home providers must have a certain level of training and experience in the care of seniors - the licensing level of the home dictates the level of experience required.  Continuing Education of Caregivers and Providers is required in most States/Counties. Several hours of training classes are required annually to qualify for re-licensing. Visits to each Adult Care Home are made by the licensing staff on a regular basis to assure these high standards are maintained. Complaint records are often available at Counties for the consumer to inspect. The Cost of Care in an Adult Care Home - must be care-based. Providing 24 hour, 7 day a week care for a senior is never easy work. In many cases the provider is required not only to provide quality care for the senior, but at the same time fill the home with a pleasant atmosphere, provide appetizing nutritious meals, keep the home sanitary and clean, motivate the seniors to keep as active as possible, and on top of all that make time for the seniors families along with their own; in other words, providing care is hard work. Using Oregon as an example, private pay residents generally pay between $2,200 and $3,000 per month - perhaps slightly higher if the care is a high level 3 care. You will find that costs indeed varyfrom State-to-State and from County-to-County within each State. This fee is negotiated by the client or their representative and the provider. In most States, the fee can be raised, if a 30 day written notice is given detailing the reason for the increased costs, such as the increased level of care. In general costs not covered by the monthly fee: private phone line, medications, transportation to doctors, church or social outings, and incontinence supplies. Remember, Appropriate Matching is Extremely Important when choosing an Adult Care setting. Be sure to visit several homes and follow your gut feelings - as well. Repeat visits can aid in accurate judgments regarding your final decision for placement. During your visit, you may want to observe the following: - Does the provider enjoy talking to and relating to the residents? - How do residents respond? - Does the provider encourage you to talk freely, ask questions, and speak to other residents? - Does the provider welcome suggestions from family or friends? - Are the other residents an appropriate match for your loved one? - Are the residents treated with dignity and respect? - Does the provider seem to be organized? - Does the provider show respect by knocking on the senior's door before introducing you? In many areas of the county, you may find that Adult Family Homes are not accustomed to unanncounced visits by the consumer and actually prefer that you either call ahead to schedule your visit or if you are considering placement that you use a local Referral & Placement Agency for pre-screening and assistance in locating the most appropriate care home. You are encouraged to normally check your State or County public disclosure files for any concerns or compliance issues prior to making your final selection. Each one of the homes with photos and write-ups are comfortable with Direct Contact from the consumer regarding placement.
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