What Is an Adult Foster Home?

Understanding Adult Foster Homes

An adult foster home is a licensed residential care home where a small number of seniors receive 24-hour personal care in a real home setting. In Oregon, adult foster homes are limited by law to a maximum of five residents, creating an intimate environment where each person receives individualized attention.

Unlike large assisted living facilities or nursing homes, adult foster homes operate inside regular residential houses in neighborhood settings. Residents live much as they would in their own home, with private bedrooms, shared living spaces, home-cooked meals at the dining table, and caregivers who know them personally.

For families searching for senior care that feels less like a facility and more like home, adult foster homes offer a deeply personal alternative.

How Adult Foster Homes Work in Oregon

Licensing and Oversight

Every adult foster home in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). Homes undergo regular inspections and must meet state standards for safety, staffing, and quality of care. Caregivers are required to complete training in areas such as medication administration, first aid, dementia care, and resident rights.

Daily Life

A typical day in an adult foster home revolves around each resident's preferences. Mornings might begin with a home-cooked breakfast at the dining table, followed by activities tailored to individual interests—puzzles, gardening, music, crafts, or simply enjoying conversation. Meals are prepared fresh in the home kitchen, often incorporating residents' favorite dishes. Evenings are relaxed, with time for reading, watching TV together, or quiet reflection in a private room.

Staffing and Caregivers

One of the defining features of adult foster homes is caregiver consistency. Because the home is small, residents interact with the same caregivers every day. These caregivers learn each person's routines, preferences, health needs, and personality. This continuity builds trust and allows caregivers to notice subtle changes in a resident's health or mood—something that's much harder in larger facilities with rotating staff.

Services Provided

Adult foster homes typically provide a comprehensive range of care services, including medication management, assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, housekeeping and laundry, nutritious meals, and social engagement. The level of care is tailored to each resident's needs and can adjust over time as those needs change.

Key Benefits of Adult Foster Home Care

Who Is an Adult Foster Home Right For?

Adult foster homes are well suited for seniors who:

• Need daily assistance with personal care, medication, or mobility but do not require hospital-level medical care
• Prefer a quiet, home-like environment over the bustle of a large facility
• Thrive with consistent routines and familiar caregivers
• Are living with memory loss or early-stage dementia and benefit from a calm, structured setting
• Value home-cooked meals, personal attention, and a sense of belonging
• Want to maintain as much independence as possible while having support nearby

Many families choose adult foster homes when they want their loved one to feel truly at home—not like a patient in a facility.

What to Look for When Choosing an Adult Foster Home

Choosing the right home is one of the most important decisions your family will make. Here are some things to consider:

Visit in Person

Nothing replaces seeing a home firsthand. Pay attention to cleanliness, how residents interact with caregivers, and whether the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming. Trust your instincts—the home should feel like a place where your loved one would be comfortable.

Ask About Licensing and Training

Confirm that the home is licensed by Oregon DHS and ask about caregiver qualifications. Trained, experienced caregivers make a significant difference in the quality of care.

Understand the Daily Routine

Ask how a typical day is structured. A good foster home adapts its schedule to residents rather than enforcing rigid institutional routines.

Discuss Care Needs and Flexibility

Talk openly about your loved one's current care needs and how those might change over time. The best homes adjust their care as residents' needs evolve, so your loved one doesn't have to move again.

Meet the Caregivers

The people providing daily care are the heart of any foster home. Take time to meet them, ask about their experience, and see how they interact with current residents.

West Linn Care: Adult Foster Home in West Linn, Oregon

At West Linn Care, we believe senior care should feel like home—because it is one. Our adult foster home in the quiet Rosemont neighborhood of West Linn, Oregon provides everything that makes this model of care special:

• 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 the services we provide, see our home, or schedule a tour to experience the difference for yourself.