Page 9 - Healthcare News 2024 Senior Planning Guide

Adult Foster Care
This Can Be a Compassionate Alternative for Senior Living By Anna Randall
As our loved ones get older, ensuring their well-being becomes a top priority. Finding the right balance between independence and care can be challenging for many families. Traditional nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are often considered; however, these options may not always provide the personalized, home-like environment many desire.
This is where Greater Springfield Senior Service’s Adult Foster Care (AFC) comes into play, offering a compassionate and effective alternative for senior living. This program is designed to support individuals who cannot live alone independently due to physical, emotional, or cognitive impairments.
Unlike institutional settings, in AFC, individuals reside in private homes and
receive round-the-clock care from dedicated caregivers. This arrangement creates a family- like environment, ensuring participants receive assistance while maintaining a sense of dignity and belonging.
Benefits of Adult Foster Care
• Personalized attention. One of the primary advantages of AFC is the personalized care and
support participants and caregivers receive. Caregivers work with the case management
and nursing team to develop a person- centered plan of care to meet daily living needs and achieve the client’s personal goals.
Caregivers receive support and education every month, ensuring the participant’s needs
are addressed and they feel supported in
their caregiving journey. After-hours support
is available for the caregiver and participants. This tailored approach ensures participants get the support they need, making them feel cared for and providing a sense of dignity and safety.
• Enhanced quality of life. Living in a nurturing home environment can significantly enhance the quality of life for those needing this level of care. AFC participants benefit from the stability and comfort of a family setting, which can improve their mental and emotional well-being. The AFC team qualifies every home setting to ensure the participant resides in a safe, supportive setting.
• Monthly tax-free stipend and respite for family caregivers. Caring for an aging loved one can be rewarding and demanding. The program provides a monthly tax-free stipend and valuable respite for family caregivers, allowing them to take a break while knowing their loved one is in capable hands. This support can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure family members maintain their health and well-being.
• Professional support. Caregivers in
the AFC program receive ongoing training and support from healthcare professionals,
“Caregivers
work with
the case
management
and nursing
team to
develop a
person-centered plan of care to meet daily living needs and achieve the client’s personal goals.”
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