Adult Family Care Homes (AFCH) in Florida

An adult family-care home (AFCH) provides a full-time, family-type living arrangement in a private home for up to five (5) aged or disabled people, who are not related to the owner. To qualify for an AFCH license, the AFCH provider must reside in the same house as the residents.

Adult Family Homes are owned and operated by licensed "providers", who live in the home with the residents they serve. They are allowed up to 5 residents, who eat together in the dining room "family-style", unless a specific diet is required for one or more of the seniors. This home-like environment can offer "the home away from home" setting. Often times seniors watch TV programs together in the family room and might even cheer on a sports team. If a younger family operates the AFCH there might be children in the house. Usually they are well behaved and only visit with the seniors who enjoy their company. A dog or a cat might be part part of the providers family. Many seniors who always had pets of their own - really enjoy being able to pet a dog or cat. Birthdays and holidays are celebrated with family and friends. This can be a great place - if families have done their homework and understand Mom's or Dad's likes and dislikes. Visit several - until you feel comfortable with not just the home, but also with the care providers.

Each home will have an admission policy which must meet the "residency criteria". In general, an Adult Family Care Home supervises and/or assists with personal care services like eating, walking and toileting. They also assist with medication management.