An Adult Foster Care Home Is A Great Options For Many Seniors

| Wednesday, January 17, 2018
By Arthur Butler


The vast majority of seniors want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Not only is it the most comfortable situation for those who are aging, it is usually the most economical. Unfortunately, some seniors become unable to manage on their own and require some type of professional assistance. There are many options at this stage, and one of them is an adult foster care home.

These residences are not unlike the boarding houses that were so common in earlier times. Most houses will only accommodate four to five seniors. The residents must be largely independent. The facilities are not intended for those who require medical supervision. General services include transportation, housekeeping, laundry, and bathing and eating assistance. Most meals are communal.

Some people think these homes are comparable to assisted living, but they are not. Assisted living facilities house a lot more clients, and their staff doesn't usually live on site. You are more likely to find assisted living in metropolitan and densely populated sections of the country. Adult foster homes tend to serve the more rural regions.

The cost of living in one of these homes varies widely and depends a great deal on where it is located. Not surprisingly, accommodations are more expensive in the northeastern and western sections of the country. The least expensive homes are found in the Midwest and South. Monthly fees can range from fifteen hundred to thirty-five hundred dollars a month. This is about half what a nursing home costs.

Those interested in more information about paying for the services should contact a representative for the various options. You will find that the cost isn't covered by Medicare or supplemental insurance. If you choose this option, Medicare will still cover the items it normally would if you still lived at home or moved to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Medicaid, which is governed by the state, may provide care assistance, but not rent, room, or board.

There are Medicaid Waivers offered by states that allow assistance to individuals outside nursing homes. A little less than half the states have specific language including adult foster facilities in the waivers. The main drawbacks with the waivers are the waiting lists and enrollment caps. Medicaid State Plans are available in nine states. These are based on entitlement, so there are no waiting lists or caps.

Veterans have some benefits that can help pay for this type of assistance. VA pensions do cover the cost of these facilities. If you have a life insurance policy, you could consider cashing it in and taking that money to pay for the care. Long term care insurance is another option, but you can't take out a policy right before you enter one of the homes.

It probably isn't wise to assume you will be able to continue to live in your own house until you pass away. Even if this is your choice, you have to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. The time to make plans is when you are still healthy and independent. Your loved ones need to know what you want.




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