What is an Adult Family Home?

An Adult Family Home is one of the many options in our area that is able to provide hands-on care to older adults.  These types of small communities are known by several different names: AFH, Adult Care Home, ACH, Adult Foster Home, or Residential Care.  In Washington State alone, there are more than 2,000 adult family homes; all are regulated and licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (in Washington) and the Department of Human Services (in Oregon).

An AFH provides care for a maximum of six seniors (in Washington) and five seniors (in Oregon).  This makes it a great option for someone who requires more one-on-one attention because of the lower resident-to-caregiver ratio.

All providers and staff must be certified in the fundamentals of caregiving, first aid, and CPR.  They must also obtain certifications for any specialty services that home wishes to offer and each caregiver must fulfill continuing education requirements to remain certified.

Each home is unique with its own personality and specialties.  The owner or care provider chooses the level of care provided in their home.  While some homes prefer caring for those who are physically frail, others may specialize in residents who have memory loss or dementia.  Homes may be operated by medical professionals (physicians or nurses), para-professionals (Certified Nursing Assistants), or caregivers.  This creates the broad spectrum of experience and knowledge within the AFH industry.

In a home-like setting with a state minimum of one caregiver for five or six residents, many homes go above and beyond.  This makes Adult Family Homes ideal for people who have less predictable care needs.  They are able to extend care to residents whose needs vary during both the day and evening or those whose needs vary daily.

Call CHOICE at (800) 361-0138 for free guidance regarding Adult Family Home options in your desired geographic area.  CHOICE has been helping the seniors and their families in Washington and Oregon for over 20 years, we know the homes you will want to consider.