As people age, they often begin to lose motor functions or mental clarity, leading them to need more care than before. For many, this means moving in with adult children or other adult relatives. However, now all aging people have children to live with, and not all children can afford to care for their aging parents. In situations such as this, adult foster care may be the answer.
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What Is Adult Foster Care?
There is no one-size-fits-all definition for adult foster care, largely because there is no national standard definition. Simply put, adult foster care is a family living situation for adults who cannot care for themselves in a non-medical nature. This includes requiring assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing and meal preparation.
How Does Adult Foster Care Differ From Assisted Living?
The big different between adult foster care and assisted living is the actual dwelling and how it is monitored. Adult foster care homes typically have four or fewer residents, and the caregivers live in the home with the residents. In an assisted living facility, there can be dozens of residents, and the caregivers work in shifts and go back to their own homes when they aren’t working.
How Much Does Adult Foster Care Cost?
As with most types of care for aging adults, the cost of adult foster care service Massachusetts varies greatly depending on your city, the chosen home, and your exact needs. For most, it can range from $18,000 to more than $40,000 per year. However, Medicare, Medicaid, veteran’s benefits, or other types of financial assistance may be available.
When choosing adult foster care for your loved one, research thoroughly first. Ensure you choose a home that is licensed, insured, and transparent about how they hire their employees and whether their workers have medical training and receive ongoing education. Always verify references and visit in person before deciding on a place.