Adult Foster Home vs Assisted Living
Understanding your options for quality senior care
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One
When a parent or loved one needs daily care support, families face one of the most important decisions of their lives. Two common options in Oregon are adult foster homes and assisted living facilities. While both provide care for seniors, they differ significantly in size, environment, cost, and the level of personalized attention residents receive.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the option that best fits your family member's needs, personality, and preferences.
| Feature | Adult Foster Home | Assisted Living Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Residents | Up to 5 | 20 to 100+ |
| Staff-to-Resident Ratio | 1:3 to 1:5 | 1:8 to 1:15+ |
| Environment | Residential home in a neighborhood | Commercial building or campus |
| Meals | Home-cooked, tailored to preferences | Cafeteria-style, set menu |
| Caregiver Consistency | Same caregivers daily | Rotating staff shifts |
| Personalization | Highly individualized routines | Standardized schedules |
| Monthly Cost (Oregon avg.) | $3,000 – $5,500 | $4,500 – $7,000+ |
| Private Rooms | Standard (with half bath) | Varies; often shared or studio |
A Closer Look at the Differences
Size and Attention
The most significant difference is size. Adult foster homes in Oregon are limited to five residents by law. This means your loved one lives alongside just a few housemates rather than dozens of strangers. The result is more one-on-one time with caregivers, stronger relationships, and care that adapts to each individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Home Environment vs. Institutional Setting
Adult foster homes are real residential houses in regular neighborhoods. There are no long hallways, fluorescent lighting, or institutional dining rooms. Instead, residents live in a home with a living room, kitchen, dining area, and private bedrooms—just like their own home. This familiar environment can be especially comforting for seniors experiencing cognitive changes.
Consistent Caregivers
In an adult foster home, your loved one sees the same caregivers every day. These caregivers know each resident's preferences, habits, and needs intimately. In larger facilities, rotating staff shifts mean residents may interact with different aides each day, making it harder to build the deep, trusting relationships that enhance quality of care.
Meals and Daily Life
Meals in an adult foster home are prepared in a home kitchen—often with input from residents about what they'd like to eat. Everyone gathers around the dining table together. In assisted living, meals are typically served cafeteria-style on a set schedule with limited menu flexibility.
Cost Considerations
Adult foster homes are often more affordable than assisted living facilities in Oregon. While costs vary based on level of care needed, families often find that the higher quality of personalized attention comes at a comparable or lower price point than larger facilities.
Why Families Choose West Linn Care
At West Linn Care, we embody everything that makes adult foster homes special. Our home in West Linn, Oregon provides:
- A maximum of five residents for truly personalized care
- Private rooms with half bathrooms
- Home-cooked meals tailored to individual preferences
- Consistent, dedicated caregivers who know each resident by name
- A beautiful home in a quiet residential neighborhood
- Spacious outdoor areas for fresh air and gardening
We invite you to learn more about our approach, explore our services, or schedule a tour to see the difference for yourself.