Adult Family Homes
What is an Adult Family Home?
Adult Family Homes are private homes where a few residents (6 or less) rent rooms. The homes have shared common spaces and Veterans might share a bedroom and bathroom with another person.
There is a trained caregiver on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This person can help the Veteran with daily activities (e.g., bathing and getting dressed). VA may also be able to provide a health professional (e.g., a nurse) to come to the Adult Family Home and give the Veteran extra care.
The VA does not pay for the Veterans rent, which usually includes basic services. However, the VA may pay for some of the extra services, such as nurse visits, that a Veteran may need in an Adult Family Home.
Am I eligible for an Adult Family Home?
Adult Family Homes are not provided or paid for by VA. Your eligibility is based on clinical need and setting availability. Your VA social worker or case manager can help you with eligibility guidelines. If an Adult Family Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate options in your community. Find a VA social worker in your area.
What services can I get?
Some services are included with the cost of renting a room. Other services may be provided by VA. Most Adult Family Homes provide:
For Veterans:
- Help with your daily activities (e.g., bathing and getting dressed)
- Help taking your medications
- Some nursing assistance (varies by state and facility)
- Some or all of your meals (varies from place to place)
- Planned recreational and social activities
For Family Caregivers:
- Round-the-clock assistance for the Veteran
- Peace of mind when Home and Community Based Services can no longer meet all the Veteran's needs at home
- A place to enjoy spending time with the Veteran without the daily responsibilities of caregiving
If an Adult Family Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate options in your community. Find a VA social worker in your area.
How do I decide if an Adult Family Home is right for me?
You can use a Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community to help you figure out what home care services or long-term care services may best meet your needs now or in the future.
There's also a Caregiver Self-Assessment. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you. Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will help you reach short-term and long-term care decisions.
Ask your social worker for these resources or download copies from the Making Decisions page at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
If an Adult Family Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate options in your community.
