Foster care is typically thought of as care for younger children; however, there are other forms of foster care available. Adult foster care service is provided in a home-like environment where those with different types of disabilities receive care and assistance. There are resources available to find adult foster care service Massachusetts and beyond, typically through local organizations.
What is Adult Foster Care?
Adult foster care includes several forms of assistance with activities of daily life, such as assistance with meals and eating, cleaning and chores, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing, walking, running errands, taking medications, and more. Adult foster care is similar to elderly assisted living, but adult foster care is typically provided in smaller groups. Those who live in adult foster care usually have been diagnosed with some form of physical or mental disability or ailment the person to need daily assistance.
How Does Adult Foster Care Work?
People are unique, so their needs for care will vary. Some foster care provides twenty-four-hour support, while others offer consistent assistance with specific tasks during certain times of the day or evening. One noted difference between adult foster care and assisted living is the availability of the staff. In most adult foster care facilities, the staff will be available at all times, but they are not expected to stay awake at all hours or have dedicated staff awake during the night shift.
How Do You Find Adult Foster Care?
To locate adult foster care, you must first identify the specific needs of the person seeking care. Do they need some type of assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, or using the restroom? If so, they may need ongoing care and some level of supervision. Typically, the staff of the adult foster care service, such as a registered nurse or care manager, will make an assessment.
It is important to find an adult foster care service that meets the needs of the person who seeks care, as well as the comfortability of their family and loved ones. Finding a trusted adult foster care service requires research, but there are options available to help provide assistance and care to those who need it.
