Adult Foster Care homes (or "homes plus") are generally single family homes that serve no more than 5 persons. Homes are owned by organizations or individuals, licensed through the county by the MN Department of Human Services. Adult Foster Care Homes provide general care or concentrate in a specialty area (memory loss, dementia, high physical needs, and ventilator patients). 

What is the Cost of Adult Foster Care Per Month? 
 
Up to $2,000 - $3,600 a month approximately 

How Do I Pay for Adult Foster Care? 

Payment is made in one of two ways: 

1) Private pay: for clients who have the financial resources to pay for the services they need.  This fee is negotiated by the client or their Adult Foster Care representative and the provider.  These negotiations are private and do not involve employees of the county. 

2) County or public pay: for clients who meet income and other eligibility criteria.  Other programs may be available to adult clients depending up their financial and medical eligibility.  Contact the Preadmission Screening / Alternative Care Program in your county for further information. 

Finding Quality Adult Foster Care 

1. Assess your situation.  Identify areas where you need help in order to maintain your independence. 

2. Be sure to visit several homes and let your first impression serve as a guide.  Repeat visits can aid in accurate judgments regarding your final decision for placement. 
During your visit, you may want to observe the following: 

Does the home environment combine friendliness, warmth and concern for one another? 

3. Prepare a list of questions before you visit.  The following are suggestions you may wish to consider: 

  • Ask to see their license. 
  • Check to be certain that the provider is caring for no more than he/she is licensed for. 
  • You can verify a license by calling the county social service department. 
  • Most homes are not licensed for more than 4 or 5 full-time residents. 
  • Ask if they have ever been given any citations/warnings by the county.  If they have, ask for an explanation.  You can also ask your county social service department if they have ever given a citation to a particular provider. 
  • Ask how they manage time-off for themselves. 
  • Ask for a list of references. 
  • Ask the provider if they offer opportunities to meet with family members to discuss the health and care of the resident. 
    • Will the provider be able to meet the needs of your relative/friend?  How will your staff mak my relative/friend more comfortable living here? 

    5. Don't be afraid to monitor the care your relative/friend or you receive.  As in child day care homes or centers or nursing homes, families are encouraged to come unannounced to help monitor the care their relative is receiving.  This is certainly true for those who receive care in an Adult Foster Care home. 

    If you have concerns about your care or the care a loved one is receiving, be certain to discuss it with the provider.  If the explanation does not satisfy you or if you are uncomfortable speaking to the provider yourself, feel free to share your concerns with the county social services department. 

    For Information on Where Homes Are Located, visit the Senior Mall or the Senior Linkage Line. You can also call the Homes Plus Representative: 

    Anoka County: (612) 422-7157 / (612) 422-7143  
    Carver County: 1-800-223-7292 or 320-587-3762  
    Hennepin County: (612) 348-4500 
    Ramsey, Dakota and Washington Counties: 1-800-333-2433 (Senior Linkage Line)  
    Scott County: (612)496-8505 

    For complaints: Contact the office of the Ombudsman at (651) 296-0382, or 800-657-3591.


       
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