As the population ages, many families start to consider care for their elderly members. Senior living facilities have changed over the decades, focusing on both the physical and the mental health of the patients residing within their walls. If you are looking into adult foster care service Massachusetts, read on to learn how these facilities take care of the aging population.
What is Adult Foster Care?
The legal definition of adult foster care varies from state to state. Also known as small group assisted living or elderly foster care, it typically involves a small group of residents living within a common facility. Unlike large nursing homes, these facilities only house six or fewer people. Residents have their own private bedrooms, but they share living and dining areas. Services provided in these facilities are usually non-medical, and the staff is available to help with daily activities which can include:
- Walking and navigating stairs
- Dressing and personal grooming
- Grocery shopping and meal preparation
The smaller number of residents allows for more personal care while giving residents a strong sense of independence.
The Cost of Adult Foster Care
The cost of adult foster care is different depending on where you live, but in general, adult foster care tends to cost less than nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Another factor that can affect the cost is the amount of care a resident will need. If a resident has more medical concerns that will need to be addressed or monitored, the cost can increase. Many options exist to help cover the costs of care, and while some are dependent upon the state of residency, they can include:
- Medicaid
- Social Security supplements
- Veterans Directed Care Program
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Life Insurance Policy
When deciding on quality care for aging family members, there are many options available. Adult foster care can provide the medical care an elderly family member needs while allowing them to live in a home-like setting that keeps some of their independence.