Types of care
Adult foster care
Adult foster care, also called adult family home care, places an adult who needs help in a private home with a trained caregiver. The home houses only a few residents. The caregiver provides meals and help with daily activities. Terms and rules differ by state.
Why it matters for your family
Adult foster care offers a small, home-like setting. A caregiver lives or works in the home and gives personal help. Some state programs pay for it through Medicaid for eligible people. Rules for who may run a home, how many residents are allowed, and what care is provided vary by state. A common mistake is assuming all homes offer the same care. Ask about licensing, training, staffing, and what happens if needs grow. The VA also describes adult family homes, with six or fewer residents, for some veterans. The state licensing agency can confirm a home's status.
Source: va.gov
Related terms
- Board and care homeA board and care home is a small residential home that provides a room, meals, housekeeping, and help with personal care.
- Assisted livingAssisted living is a residential setting for people who need help with daily tasks but not the full medical care of a nursing home.
- MedicaidMedicaid is a joint federal and state health coverage program for people with limited income and resources.
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) waiverA home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.
- Long-term care ombudsmanA long-term care ombudsman is an advocate who works to resolve problems about the health, safety, welfare and rights of people in long-term care facilities.
- Veterans Aid and Attendance benefitThe Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is an extra monthly amount added to VA pension.
