Adult Foster Care Isn’t What You Think: Debunking the Top 5 Myths
Adult Foster Care (AFC) homes provide a safe and welcoming environment for loved ones to thrive and maintain independence. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these homes and the level of care provided. For anyone considering an AFC home for a loved one, it’s important to understand the offerings they provide. Let’s debunk some of the top myths around AFC homes.
Myth #1: Adult Foster Care Homes are Unregulated
In the state of Michigan, adult foster homes are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems. While all homes are regulated, not all homes are licensed. In order to be licensed in the state of Michigan as an AFC home, the home must provide personal care, supervision, and protection in addition to room and board to 20 or fewer unrelated persons who are aged, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or physically disabled. These services should be provided for 24 hours a day, 5 or more days a week, for 2 or more consecutive weeks as part of the licensing requirements. Check with individual homes on their licensing status when searching for your loved ones.
Myth #2: Adult Foster Care Homes Are Nursing Homes
Nursing homes and Adult Foster Care homes are not the same. Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical supervision and care to the elderly or those with severe illness who require a higher level of care in a medical facility. Adult Foster Care homes provide care to residents in a home environment. While residents in AFC homes have assistance with daily living tasks, they also have their independence and privacy. Each resident has their own bedroom, access to social activities and freedom to move around the homes as they please.
Myth #3: Homes are Large and Institutional
Most AFC homes are often the size of a traditional residential home, allowing for more personalized care. At Flatrock, on average, our homes have 4-15 residents, ensuring each resident receives the level of care they need and lives in a comfortable home environment. Each resident has their own bedroom, private bathrooms, a flat screen television and access to a variety of amenities. Safety is also top of mind, so all homes are equipped with alarmed and shatterproof windows, alarmed doors and locked medication rooms. In addition, all shared spaces are wheelchair accessible, so residents can move around freely. Located within residential areas, Flatrock homes integrate residents into the local community. Unlike large, institutional, and hospital-like settings, our homes feel like home because they are.
Myth #4: Adult Foster Care is Too Expensive
Adult Foster Care can be an affordable option for providing care for loved ones. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, or state-based programs may cover all or part of care. Adult Foster Care is usually less expensive than assisted living or in-home care. Discuss financial concerns with individual home providers and ask what type of aid is available and which programs are accepted by their homes.
Myth #5: Residents Lose Their Independence
Flatrock’s residents are empowered and supported to live a healthy lifestyle in a safe environment. Each resident has a personalized care plan, designed to help them meet their goals and live as independently as possible to achieve their potential. Not to mention, Flatrock residents keep busy! Ongoing programming gives residents the opportunity to socialize, get out and interact with each other and the community and more. From seasonal celebrations to pumpkin patch outings, residents enjoy numerous activities and events year-round. The activities team works tirelessly to provide engaging and fun social events for residents to enjoy, such as a yearly prom, Splash Village outing and more.
Choosing the Right Adult Foster Care
While evaluating your care options for your loved one, consider how an Adult Foster Care home can be the right fit. Providing 24/7 personalized care, help with daily activities and medical attention, AFC homes accommodate your loved one's needs, while offering a regulated, affordable, homey option that allows residents to thrive and maintain their independence. Learn more about Flatrock’s homes, offerings and why your loved one should join the Flatrock family today.