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AFHCollab.com is excited to announce the homes at Avalon Ct. – 6 AFH homes are starting to open their doors.

Ernest Home

Harmony House

Aspen Acres Family Home

Mariposa

Affluent Living

Shalom Care

With private rooms, secluded culd-de-sac, top notch home providers, and Spokane Valley comfort, these homes will fill up fast. Here is a sneak peak in pictures:

As we age, we may find ourselves in need of extra care and support that our family members may not be able to provide. That’s where adult family homes come in. These facilities offer a homelike environment with personalized care and assistance for seniors who require a higher level of support. But not all adult family homes are created equal. Here are some key things to look for when choosing an adult family home for yourself or a loved one.

1. Quality of Care
   The most important thing to consider when choosing an adult family home is the quality of care that is provided. Take the time to research the facility’s reputation and ask for references. You want to make sure that the staff members are knowledgeable, compassionate, and experienced in caring for seniors with your specific needs.
2. Safety and Security
   Safety should be a top priority in any adult family home. Check for safety features like handrails, non-slip flooring, and emergency call systems. Make sure that the facility is secure and that staff members are properly trained in emergency procedures.
3. Cleanliness and Hygiene
   A clean and hygienic living environment is essential to maintaining good health. Look for a facility that is well-maintained and has a regular cleaning schedule. Make sure that staff members are properly trained in infection control procedures.
4. Comfortable Living Spaces
   A comfortable living space can make a big difference in the quality of life for seniors. Look for a facility that offers private or semi-private rooms with comfortable furnishings and personal touches. Common areas like living rooms and dining areas should also be comfortable and inviting.
5. Social and Recreational Activities
   Staying socially and mentally engaged is important for seniors’ overall well-being. Look for a facility that offers a variety of social and recreational activities like exercise classes, game nights, and outings. Make sure that there are opportunities for residents to connect with each other and with the community.
6. Nutritious Meals
   A healthy diet is essential to maintaining good health in seniors. Look for a facility that provides nutritious meals and snacks that meet your dietary needs.
7. Personalized Care Plans
   Every senior has unique needs and preferences. Look for a facility that offers personalized care plans that are tailored to your specific needs. Make sure that the care plan is reviewed regularly and that you have input into the plan.

In summary, choosing an adult family home is a big decision. Take the time to do your research and choose a facility that meets your specific needs and preferences. Use the checklist below to help you make an informed decision.

Adult Family Home Checklist:

• Quality of Care
• Safety and Security
• Cleanliness and Hygiene
• Comfortable Living Spaces
• Social and Recreational Activities
• Nutritious Meals
• Personalized Care Plans

Remember, the right adult family home can provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for seniors who need extra care and assistance.

Adult Family Homes (AFHs) are small, residential homes designed to provide care for seniors and adults with disabilities. These homes are operated by licensed AFH Administrators, who often have nursing or caregiving experience, and offer a personalized approach to care. In Washington State, AFHs have a rich history dating back to the 1980s, and they have become an increasingly popular option for seniors and adults living with a disability and in need of long-term care solution.

The concept of AFHs began in the early 1980s when a group of social workers in Washington State recognized that many seniors were living in large, institutionalized settings that did not offer the personalized care and attention they needed. These social workers came up with the idea of creating small, residential homes where seniors could receive one-on-one care in a more homelike setting. The first AFHs in Washington State opened in the mid-1980s, and they quickly gained popularity as a more affordable and personalized alternative to traditional nursing homes.

Over the years, AFHs have evolved to become an integral part of the long-term care system in Washington State. Today, there are thousands of AFHs throughout the state, serving seniors and adults with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. These homes offer a range of services, from basic assistance with daily living activities to more specialized care for individuals living with dementia or other chronic conditions.

According to a recent study by the Washington State Residential Care Council, AFHs offer a more personalized approach to care than larger facilities. The study found that caregivers in AFHs spend more one-on-one time with residents, getting to know each resident individually and tailoring their care to meet their unique needs.

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of AFHs in Washington State is the personalized approach to care that they offer. As Shubing Shi, a caregiver at an AFH in Spokane, explains, “We get to know each resident as a true individual, we learn about their likes and dislikes, their hobbies, their family history, and what routines they like. All of this helps us provide the best possible care for each individual resident.”

In addition to the personalized approach to care, AFHs are also more affordable than many traditional long-term care facilities. The smaller size of AFHs allows for a higher staff-to-resident ratio, which means that caregivers have more time to spend with each resident. This can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for residents, as caregivers are better able to manage their care needs.

According to the Department of Social and Health Services, which regulates AFHs in Washington State, “AFH operators must meet rigorous training and licensing requirements to ensure that they are capable of providing safe and high-quality care to their residents.”

In recent years, AFHs have faced some challenges, including staffing shortages and increased competition from larger, corporate-owned facilities. However, many people continue to choose AFHs as a preferred option for long-term care, citing the personalized care, homelike atmosphere, and affordability as key factors in their decision.

In conclusion, Adult Family Homes have a rich history in Washington State, dating back to the 1980s. These small, residential homes offer personalized care for seniors and adults living with disabilities, providing a more homelike atmosphere and higher staff-to-resident ratio than traditional long-term care facilities. Although they have faced some challenges, AFHs remain a popular and important option for individuals in need of long-term care in Washington State.

Learn more by visiting the DHSH site here.

References:

Department of Social and Health Services. (n.d.). Adult family home. Retrieved from https://www.dshs.wa.gov/alts

This article was written with the help of AI

As our loved ones age, finding a suitable long-term living arrangement becomes a top priority. There are many options available, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of long-term living options for seniors in Washington state.

1. Independent Living Communities:
   Independent living communities are an excellent choice for seniors who are still active and independent but want a low-maintenance lifestyle. These communities offer a range of amenities, including social activities, transportation, and housekeeping services.
2. Assisted Living Facilities:
   Assisted living facilities provide a more structured environment for seniors who need assistance with daily activities, such as medication management, personal care, and meal preparation. They offer a balance between independence and support, allowing residents to maintain their dignity and quality of life.
3. Memory Care Facilities:
   Memory care facilities are designed for seniors with memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These facilities provide specialized care and support to meet the unique needs of residents.
4. Skilled Nursing Facilities:
   Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock medical care and supervision to seniors who have complex medical needs. They offer rehabilitation services and specialized care for chronic illnesses.
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities:
   Continuing care retirement communities offer a range of living options, from independent living to skilled nursing care, all on one campus. This allows residents to age in place and transition to higher levels of care as needed.
6. Home Care:
   Seniors can receive in-home care services, including assistance with personal care, housekeeping, and transportation. This option allows seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving the support they need.
7. Adult Family Homes:
   Adult family homes are small, residential homes that offer a homelike environment for seniors who need assistance with daily activities.
8. Respite Care:
   Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers by providing short-term care for seniors. It’s an excellent option for families who need a break or who are going out of town.
9. Hospice Care:
   Hospice care provides comfort and support to seniors who are nearing the end of life and their families. It focuses on pain management and quality of life, allowing seniors to live their remaining days with dignity.
10. Co-Housing:
    Co-housing is a type of intentional community where seniors live in a shared living space with other like-minded individuals, sharing responsibilities and socializing. It’s an excellent option for seniors who want to maintain their independence while enjoying a sense of community.

While there are many options available, adult family homes are an excellent choice for seniors who need personalized care in a homelike environment. These homes are typically small, with only six residents or fewer, allowing caregivers to provide more one-on-one attention. They offer a more affordable option than larger assisted living facilities or nursing homes, and residents often have a higher quality of life. They also offer a family-like atmosphere, with caregivers who develop close relationships with their residents.

In conclusion, there are many types of long-term living options for seniors in Washington state. It’s essential to consider the unique needs of your loved one and choose the option that will provide the best quality of life. Adult family homes offer many advantages and are an excellent choice for seniors who need personalized care in a homelike environment. However, it’s essential to explore all options and choose the one that’s right for you.

Understanding the difference between the “nursing care” and “nurse delegated care” can help a resident choose an AFH that meets their needs.

Nursing Care is care that is specifically given by a licensed nurse, whether it be an LPN or RN or even Nurse Practitioner. Although some nursing care can be delegated, most of it cannot be delegated. Here is a list of items that only a nurse can be responsible for:

• Administering medications and intravenous fluids
• Performing wound care and dressing changes
• Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature
• Inserting and removing urinary catheters
• Administering tube feedings and caring for patients with feeding tubes
• Providing education and counseling to patients and their families about their medical conditions and treatments
• Initiating and monitoring intravenous therapy
• Administering injections, including vaccines
• Conducting patient assessments and developing care plans
• Performing tracheostomy care and suctioning
• Monitoring and managing patients with complex medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure
• Supervising and delegating tasks to HCAs and other nursing staff.

Nurse Delegated Care is care that an HCA (Home Care Aide) can provide, but only if they are willing and have been trained and delegated by a nurse who deems the HCA competent and able to complete the care. The caregiver is basically limited to helping with medications, some cleaning/sanitizing, and feeding. Nurse delegated tasks can include:

• Administration of most medications
• Non-sterile dressing changes
• Ostomy care
• Urinary catheterization
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Gastrostomy feedings

Understanding your needs can help you identify those AFHs or Long-term Living Facilities that can meet your needs.

Welcome to the AfhCollab.com website.

This site is to serve 2 primary groups of users:

1. Those who are searching for a place to live. Medicaid clients are welcome, and as of the date of this writing, most of our clients are Medicaid clients. We have a network of Adult Family Homes which are licensed by the State of Washington and run by certified AFH Administrators.
2. This website is also here to serve the AFH Administrators and staff that are part of the AfhCollab.com family. We will continually update the site with resources to support homes that we collaborate with. If you are interested in joining our collaboration, then please email [AfhCollab @gmail.com] with your specific inquiry. New non-exisiting AFHs are the best fit for our collaboration efforts.

Serving together, we hope to better care for the needs of our fellow Washingtonians.