How to Find Foster Care for Adults

Adult foster care homes, often called assisted living facilities, are homelike residential settings provided for people age 18 and older who are unable to live alone due to physical or emotional ailments. Caregivers often help with day-to-day activities such as dressing, feeding, bathing and general hygiene. Adult foster care facilities should not be confused with nursing homes where medical assistance is provided. Following is information on how to find adult foster care.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Search through the yellow pages of your local phone book for “assisted living facilities.” Call a few, ask if any openings are available and interview them over the phone. Ask such questions as: How many people live in the facility? What’s a normal day look like? What activities are available? What kind of training do their caregivers have?
   If a facility passes your phone interview, ask to set up an appointment to visit the home personally.

2. Visit websites such as Assisted Living Directory and Assisted Living Info, both provide a directory of facilities in your state as well as a guide to help you through the selection process.

3. Talk with your personal physician, clergy member or social worker about what types of facilities and resources are available in the community.

4. Contact your state's National Center for Assisted Living affiliate office. The NCAL focuses on providing support and education to the assisted living community.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your homework before choosing an adult foster care facility. The Minnesota Department of Human Services has a comprehensive checklist to review that can be applied to almost any state.

Resources

• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Assisted living directory
• National Center for Assisted Living