Adult Foster Care: What Is It and How Can You Get Involved?

As a trusted housing organization that has served seniors for decades, we at the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) understand the critical need for flexible, community-based care options. One model that continues to gain popularity is adult foster care, a concept that places older adults or individuals with disabilities in warm, homelike environments with dedicated caregivers. In this article, we explain what adult foster care is, discuss why it is important, and outline how you can get involved — either as a host or a supportive community member.

Understanding the Meaning of Adult Foster Care

Before you decide to participate, it helps to grasp the meaning of adult foster care. Simply put, it is a system where a qualified caregiver or family opens up a private home to older adults or individuals with disabilities who need daily care and supervision. Unlike traditional nursing homes or large-scale facilities, adult foster care homes accommodate fewer residents, typically housing no more than four or five.

Over the years, foster care for adults with developmental disabilities has offered an avenue for people to receive individualized care, emotional support, and community integration. According to PayingforSeniorCare.com, states offer varying levels of financial support, making this an accessible option for many families. This approach exemplifies our belief that housing is health care — the right housing environment can vastly improve a person’s overall well-being.

Why Adult Foster Care Matters

As the US population is aging rapidly, the need for foster care for adults with disabilities and older adults is growing. According to the US Census Bureau, by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in American history. This trend underscores the urgent need for diverse care solutions.

When participants move into an adult foster care setting, they often experience:

Personalized Attention: Residents benefit from tailored care plans and more one-on-one interaction with caregivers.
A Home-Like Environment: Individuals live in real homes, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort.
Community Integration: Smaller settings facilitate easier interaction with neighbors, friends, and local resources.
Cost-Effectiveness: Residents can access a more affordable alternative to some institutional settings — this is especially true for those who qualify for Medicaid waivers.

Additionally, foster care for adults with developmental disabilities can help alleviate the current caregiver shortage by distributing care responsibilities within community networks.

How Adult Foster Care Works

Assessment: Prospective residents are evaluated for their medical and personal care needs. A professional team determines whether the individual requires round-the-clock supervision or a less-intensive care plan.

Home Certification: Qualified caregivers open their adult foster care homes after meeting state and local regulations. Background checks, home inspections, and caregiver training are standard requirements.

Placement: Once approved, residents and caregivers discuss compatibility. Placement specialists, such as our experts at FSL, help match individuals to the right home.

Ongoing Support: After moving in, residents receive continuous support. This includes assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and emotional or social engagement.

Through our own experiences at FSL, we have witnessed how adult foster care can relieve family caregivers who are juggling multiple responsibilities. We also recognize that professional support services — such as adult day health services — provide even more relief for caregivers, ensuring a well-rounded system of support.

Benefits for Caregivers and Hosts

If you have ever considered becoming a host, you might wonder how adult foster care could benefit you. By opening your home:

You play an active role in addressing the national shortage of senior housing resources.
You can form meaningful, often lifelong relationships with the individuals you care for.
You receive training and ongoing support from reputable organizations.
You gain a structured opportunity to give back to your community.

We have found that emphasizing the importance of volunteer appreciation further boosts morale and commitment among caregivers and volunteers. When hosts feel supported, they can better meet the emotional and physical needs of their residents.

How to Get Involved

If you are considering hosting or supporting an adult foster care arrangement, several pathways exist:

Volunteer: Reach out to organizations such as ours or visit our volunteer page to discover how you can contribute. For example, volunteers may assist with social engagement activities, errands, or meal preparation.

Sponsor a Home: Those who own suitable property can explore state regulations to convert it into an adult foster care residence. Partnering with a reputable nonprofit such as FSL ensures compliance and high-quality care.

Refer a Senior or an Individual With Disabilities: If you have a friend or family member who may benefit, direct them to a certified adult foster home. Even if a full-time move is not viable, local resources such as senior centers can improve health through social interaction and basic services.

Advocate: At the policy level, you can support legislation that makes adult foster care more accessible. Highlighting its success, especially for people who need foster care for adults with disabilities, helps shape funding and resource allocation.

Remember that small-scale environments can make an enormous difference to a person’s health and happiness. We firmly believe in working collectively, and by taking these steps, you help ensure no individual falls through the cracks.

Making an Impact With FSL

At FSL, we specialize in personalized housing solutions, recognizing that adult foster care goes beyond a simple concept: It is a lifeline for those seeking intimate, family-like care. We offer guidance throughout the entire process, from determining eligibility to helping you become a certified caregiver.

Learn more about FSL’s Adult Foster Care Program.

As the demand for senior care surges, we actively explore innovative ways to accommodate our growing older population. We encourage you to connect with us, join our mission, and help shape a more inclusive society for seniors and those living with disabilities.

With the nation’s senior population on the rise, adult foster care stands out as a dynamic, cost-effective, and compassionate approach to caregiving. Whether you are considering opening your home, volunteering your time, or advocating for better policies, your involvement can profoundly change someone’s life. FSL remains committed to serving as a reliable partner for caregivers, hosts, and seniors in our communities. By focusing on small, personalized environments, we can collectively enhance quality of life, tackle the caregiver shortage, and build a more resilient support network — one home at a time.

Established in 1974, Foundation for Senior Living provides integrated, customized care in the Phoenix area for those who need it. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:

These programs enable Arizonans of all backgrounds to age with confidence. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. And, if possible, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!

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