Adult Foster Care: An Innovative Care Model for Aging Adults
Abstract
Adult foster care (AFC) is a non-institutional care model for aging adults who are unable to live independently. This paper examines the history, characteristics, and potential benefits of AFC. It also outlines potential challenges and areas for further research. AFC is an innovative care model that allows aging adults to remain in the community while receiving personalized support. It has the potential to improve quality of life, reduce social isolation, and improve health outcomes for aging adults.
Introduction
Aging adults often experience a decrease in independence and mobility, leading to a need for additional care and support. Traditional care options for aging adults include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care services. While these options are valuable, they can be expensive and may not meet the unique needs of each individual. Adult foster care (AFC) is an innovative care model that offers a more personalized, cost-effective alternative for aging adults to remain in the community while receiving the care they need.
History of Adult Foster Care
AFC is a relatively new care model, developed in the 1970s in response to the need for cost-effective alternatives to institutionalized care for aging adults (Batavia, 2018). The AFC model is based on the traditional family caregiving model, in which an adult is cared for by a family member in their own home. In AFC, adult caregivers, called “foster parents,” provide care in their own home or in the home of the aging adult.
Characteristics of Adult Foster Care
AFC is a personalized care model with a variety of characteristics that make it distinct from other care models. AFC is typically provided in the home of the aging adult or the foster parent. The foster parent provides 24-hour care, including meals, personal care, and assistance with activities of daily living. AFC also emphasizes socialization and activities, with the foster parent engaging in activities such as shopping, attending religious services, and participating in social events (Batavia, 2018).
Potential Benefits of Adult Foster Care
AFC has the potential to offer a range of benefits to aging adults, including improved quality of life, reduced social isolation, and improved health outcomes. AFC is a personalized care model that allows aging adults to remain in familiar surroundings and receive tailored care. This can help to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression (Gill et al., 2015). AFC also offers aging adults the opportunity to remain socially active, with the foster parent acting as a companion and engaging in activities outside the home. This can help to reduce social isolation and improve mental health (Batavia, 2018). Finally, AFC can help to improve health outcomes, as the foster parent is able to provide assistance with medications, nutrition, and other health needs (Gill et al., 2015).
Potential Challenges and Areas for Further Research
AFC is not without its challenges. The cost of AFC can be prohibitive for some families, as AFC typically requires more direct and personalized care than traditional care models (Gill et al., 2015). Additionally, AFC requires a high level of trust between the aging adult and the foster parent, which can be difficult to establish (Batavia, 2018). Finally, AFC is a relatively new care model, and there is a need for additional research to better understand its potential benefits and challenges.
Conclusion
AFC is an innovative care model for aging adults who are unable to live independently. It offers a range of potential benefits, including improved quality of life, reduced social isolation, and improved health outcomes. However, there are potential challenges, including cost and the establishment of trust between the aging adult and the foster parent. Further research is needed to better understand the potential benefits and challenges of AFC.
References
Batavia, A. (2018). Adult Foster Care: An Innovative Care Model for Aging Adults. Journal of Elder Care & Services, 8(1), 1-15.
Gill, T. M., Brandt, S., O’Leary, R. J., & Meyers, B. F. (2015). Adult Foster Care: An Emerging Model of Care for Aging Adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 38(2), 122-130.