Adult Foster Care Homes in Oregon

March 6, 2012 Oregon Senior News

An adult foster care home in Oregon is typically a single-family style residential home that serves from one to five elderly or disabled residents. Adult foster homes offer personal and health care services to individuals in private, licensed and state monitored, neighborhood family homes, offering a more personal and homelike touch to senior care for a cherished loved one. Oversight, care and supervision are typically provided by the adult foster care home owner/operator in order to maintain a safe and secure setting for elderly individuals.

Adult foster homes are licensed, inspected and monitored by the Oregon Department of Human Services Seniors and People with Disabilities Division and Area Agency on Aging offices. People often choose adult foster care homes in Oregon because they are generally more affordable than other care facilities and care is provided in a more homelike setting creating a comfortable environment while empowering a senior’s independence, choice, dignity and decision making ability. The owners/caregivers many times tend to provide a degree of friendship and the opportunity for the resident to reside in a safe, more personal and caring environment.

Adult foster care homes provide various levels or types of care depending on their license. Every adult foster care home in Oregon provides assistance with daily living activities, personal care services, 24-hour supervision and essential assistance by the private care home staff. Generally, the staff does not consist of licensed nurses, but some homes that meet more stringent standards may provide care by licensed nurses. It is important to check with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) office to be sure the adult foster home you are considering is licensed to provides the type and level of care you or your loved one needs. Many times, the level of need is determined by the individual’s medical conditions and/or physical and mental limitations.

All Oregon adult foster home providers and the primary caregivers must meet the following requirements:

• Pass a criminal record check
• Complete a basic training course and pass an exam
• Be physically and mentally able to provide care
• Provide care in a home that meets structural and safety requirements

All Oregon licensed facilities must provide the following:

• Three meals a day and snacks
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• 24-hour supervision
• Planned activities
• Help with medications
• Help with dressing and personal grooming
• Help with bathing
• Help with toileting
• Help with walking
• Help with transferring from one place to another (such as from chair to bed)
• Help with confusion or forgetfulness
• Help with finding transportation
• Sufficient staff to meet resident’s needs