| Adult Foster care homes are private homes that are | | | | During your phone calls you should also ask any other |
| generally run via owner/operator and relief help or | | | | questions you can think of. Make notes of the |
| resident managers and relief help. They provide care | | | | answers and put a check mark by the homes that fit |
| that your loved one needs in a one on one family | | | | your loved ones care needs. |
| setting. These homes can have five residence at a | | | | Then I suggest that you visit the homes that you have |
| time and some can also have, two day care clients. | | | | checked. Do this unannounced and take a look at the |
| The care is relaxed, private care, in a homely, family, | | | | house, the caregiver, and the other residents. Make |
| friendly atmosphere. | | | | notes and put a star by the homes your loved one |
| There are different classes of Adult Foster care | | | | would feel at home in. For example, if your loved one |
| homes. | | | | is active you wouldn't want them in a home where the |
| Class one: Takes people that don't need a lot of | | | | residence just sit and watch TV. |
| attention, normally their only need is medication | | | | Once you have done that and narrowed your list |
| management. | | | | down, return two more times to the top three homes |
| Class two: Being the most popular, because they can | | | | you have chosen from your list. Make sure these visits |
| take people that class one can and can also take | | | | are unannounced and at different times of the day. I |
| people requiring more care, Like; shower assistance, | | | | have you do this because a caregiver needs to be |
| assistance with daily activities, Like dressing and diet | | | | flexible, if he/she can't drop what they're doing and |
| management. Class two homes can also take people | | | | take time for you then tell me, how do you think they |
| in wheelchairs. Some even allow your loved ones pets | | | | would handle an emergency situation. |
| to live there too. | | | | Once you have completed all the above you will |
| Class three: Homes take people requiring more care, | | | | distinguish what home will work for your loved one. So |
| Including; tube feeding, and bedridden residence. | | | | now it's time for your loved one to see the home. Call |
| No matter what class the home is they are all licensed | | | | the home and ask if they do a day care program. If |
| through the state. This means that anyone can call | | | | they say no suggest one, tell them you would like your |
| their local senior and disabled division to obtain a list of | | | | loved one to come and stay for an eight hour period |
| Adult Foster care homes in their area. | | | | before you place them in their home. (This time should |
| Now that you have an understanding about how Adult | | | | be during two meals.) Offer to pay for the day if that's |
| Foster care works, the following information will help | | | | what it takes. I believe this time will ensure that your |
| you choose the right home for your loved one. | | | | loved one likes the food, and that they can get along |
| First look at the list you obtained from your senior and | | | | with the other residents, But most important it will allow |
| disabled services, whether that would be class; one, | | | | The caregiver a chance to make sure they can |
| two, or three. | | | | provide adequate care for your loved one. |
| Then right down some questions you might ask on | | | | When you pick up your loved one ask the caregiver if |
| your first call to those homes. I have given you a few | | | | they feel like they could provide the care your loved |
| ideas listed below. | | | | one needs on a long term basis. Because the last thing |
| 1. You always want to ask the price and or does the | | | | you need to do is move your loved one from home to |
| home accept Medicare clients. | | | | home. If you decide that this home will not work. |
| 2. Is the home owner operated? | | | | Complete this step again with the top houses on your |
| 3. If your loved one has a pet ask if the pet can stay | | | | list until you find the one that will work. |
| with your loved one. Or if your loved one has allergies | | | | Then it will be time to call the home and let them know |
| you may want to make sure the house has no pets. | | | | that you would like to move your loved one into their |
| 4. If your loved one is a private person, you may want | | | | Adult Foster Care Home. |
| to ask if the home has a private room available. | | | | The owner will then have you go over some paper |
| 5. If you live out of state or maybe your schedule | | | | work that they are required to do by law, and give you |
| won't always Allow You to take your loved one to | | | | a move in date for your loved one. |
| appointments. You should ask if the home could | | | | Please know that I am not a professional in this field, |
| provide this service. | | | | but I am someone who cares. I have done care giving |
| 6. Is your loved one incontinent? Or maybe they have | | | | for twenty eight plus years in many situations. Out of |
| a hard time walking and need a commode by their bed | | | | those years the ones I enjoyed the most were the |
| you may ask is that is acceptable. | | | | seven years I owned and operated my Adult Foster |
| 7. Is your loved one a wanderer? If so you need to | | | | Care Home. |
| know if the house has alarms on the doors. | | | | |