Adult Family Care
About Adult Family Care
The Adult Family Care Program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Resources. The program is designed to serve adults who, because of physical, mental or emotional limitations, are unable to live independently in their own home. Adult Family Care offers elderly or disabled persons who need or desire the care, support and security of family living, the opportunity to live in a family setting.
Any individual or family who wants to provide a home and family for an elderly or disabled adult may apply to be an Adult Family Care provider. Applicants:
- Must meet certain fire, safety, sanitation and health standards
- Can not accept more than three residents
- Must provide adequate living space and nutritious meals for each adult placed in their home
- Must be willing to accept an adult without regard to race, creed or national origin
How to Apply to Become an Adult Family Care Provider
The application process to become an Adult Family Care provider is comprised of two parts:
1. Completion of the APPLICATION PACKET
- Application Form
- Fire & Safety Checklist
- Personal Reference Letter (2 required - unrelated to applicant)
- Credit Reference Letter
- Physicians Statement (for each adult household member)
2. Completion of the HOMESTUDY:
- Initial visit to the home
- Interview with the applicant
- Individual interviews with each family member
- Group interview with all household members together
Payment for Services
Monthly Payment for Care Provided
Adult Family Care providers are paid on a monthly basis for the care they provide to adults placed in their home. Adult Family Care payment rates are established by the Department of Health and Human Resources and range from a minimum total payment of $879.90 per month to a maximum total payment of $879.90 per month for each adult placed in the home. The actual payment for each individual is determined based on their unique needs and circumstances, therefore, payment will vary from one adult to another within this payment range.
Payment to the Adult Family Care Provider is made on a monthly basis. In most instances, the adult has income of their own which they are required to use toward the cost of their care. In instances where the adult's income is less than the established cost of their care, the Department of Health and Human Resources may make a supplemental payment for the balance of the monthly payment. Therefore, payments for Adult Family Care may be paid by the adult placed in the home, by the Department of Health and Human Resources or a combination of these two sources.
Clothing Allowance
Adult Family Care providers may receive reimbursement for clothing purchased for adult's placed in their home. Reimbursement for clothing is based on the adult's need for clothing and may be available at the time of placement and on six month intervals thereafter. Up to $100 is available for the initial clothing allowance at the time of placement. Thereafter, up to $75 is available every six months.
Reimbursement for Additional Training
Adult Family Care providers may be entitled to receive reimbursement for approved training they receive. Adult Family Care providers are encouraged to participate in relevant training opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Incentive Payment for Adult's Return to Independence
When adults are unable to live independently, and a residential placement is necessary, the Department of Health and Human Resources always seeks to arrange placement that is least restrictive and ensures the adult the highest level of independence and autonomy possible. Whenever possible, a return to independence is the ultimate goal. In order to encourage the movement toward independence whenever appropriate, an incentive payment may be awarded to a provider who has been responsible for enabling an adult to improve the point they are able return to their own home to live.
For Additional Information:
If you would like additional information about the Adult Family Care program, you may contact the Department of Health and Human Resources, Adult Services Unit in your county.
OR
Please take a few minutes to complete the Adult Family Care/Adult Emergency Shelter Care inquiry. The information will be forwarded to the Adult Services Unit in your county.
