Adult foster care costs

Cost

The basic rate for adult foster care is established by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and covers the basic needs to be provided in the adult foster home.

In addition to the base rate, an additional Difficulty of Care payment may be paid based on a resident's physical, emotional or behavioral needs. This payment will be determined through the use of a Difficulty of Care rating form for adult foster care.

Payment

Methods of payment for adult foster care services include

• Private funds
• Earnings
• Income from a pension
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (must meet eligibility criteria, apply at Rice County Social Services)
• General Assistance (must meet eligibility criteria, apply at Rice County Social Services)

There is a growing need for a sensitive and creative alternative in the community for adults who cannot live alone. The adult foster care program provides this alternative and gives the individual a sense of dignity and self-worth.

Licensing criteria

All adult foster care homes in the county must be licensed by Rice County Social Services.

The foster care homes must meet and enforce the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code. A state fire marshal will complete initial and subsequent inspections to ensure fire safety.

Caregivers and household members must have a medical exam and be free from communicable diseases (this also holds true to residents upon entering the home). Each caregiver or family members, over 13, must also submit to a criminal background check for the disclosure of arrest, conviction and criminal history.

Adult foster care homes are expected to comply with sanitation and health standards, ensuring the residence will be clean, and free from accumulations of dirt and other dirt-producing substances.

Caregivers of adult foster care must complete an orientation provided by Rice County Social Services. In addition to the orientation, the caregiver must also receive additional training as required by the Adult Foster Care Rule.

Every home shall have a living room to which the residents have free access. The resident will also have their own bedroom unless they have mutually consented, in writing, to share a bedroom with another resident. No more than two residents may share one bedroom that will have:

• A separate, adult-size single bed or larger with a clean mattress in good repair
• Clean bedding appropriate for the season for each resident
• An individual dresser and closet for storage of personal possessions and clothing
• A mirror for grooming

When possible, a resident shall be allowed to have items of furniture that she/he owns in the home as pre-arranged with the caregiver.

All foster care residents are protected by the Minnesota statute 626.557, the Vulnerable Adults Act. The Vulnerable Adults Act states that anyone over 18 who cannot report abuse or neglect without help from someone is considered to be a vulnerable adult. Anyone living in an adult foster home is considered to be a vulnerable adult. The adult foster care provider is required to protect each resident from abuse and neglect.