Alabama‘s elderly and disabled adults are often in more vulnerable circumstances and need special care. The Alabama Department of Human Resources is helping by finding foster homes for adults who may have trouble caring for themselves.
Adult foster care helps older and disabled adults remain in family-style homes rather than institutional settings when relocation is necessary to provide them with 24-hour care.
In fiscal year 2023, Alabama DHR received more than 12,000 reports of elder abuse or neglect. That represents a 125 percent increase since 2013. With the help of foster homes for qualified and capable adults, many of these cases could be avoided. DHR’s goal is to recruit at least one adult foster home in each of Alabama’s 67 counties.
“The rise in elder abuse and neglect over the past decade has been discouraging, but we have also seen many people who have stepped up to provide loving and caring homes for many of Alabama’s seniors,” said Nancy Buckner, Alabama DHR Commissioner. “Becoming an adult foster care provider is helpful for the adult in need and incredibly rewarding for the person opening their home. The need for these extraordinary people grows every day and I believe there are many more Alabamians who are ready to step up and help.”
The Adult Foster Care program serves adults who can live safely in a home environment but may need help with daily living.
“We are proud to partner with DHR to find the best services and care for seniors in need,” said Jean Brown, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. “Adult foster care is a life-changing experience for everyone involved and can brighten the lives of some of Alabama’s most vulnerable residents.”
Beth Nelson is an adult foster care provider in Elmore County. She said being an adult foster home provider has made her life richer and she considers her experience a blessing.
“I have had a foster adult in my home for almost 16 years and he has enriched our lives,” Nelson said. “I don’t know what would have happened to him if he hadn’t taken him in back then. “We have become a family and we do everything together.”
Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Alabama to raise awareness and hopefully encourage anyone thinking about opening their home to take that next step.
Those interested in becoming adult foster care providers are encouraged to contact their county DHR office. More information, including eligibility requirements, is available at dhr.alabama.gov/AFC.
DHR also reminds the public to report suspected adult abuse, neglect and exploitation by calling the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, emailing aps@dhr.alabama.gov, or contacting a county DHR office. Warning signs include:
— Increased fear or anxiety.
— Isolation from friends or family.
— Withdrawal from normal activities.
— Unusual changes in behavior or sleep.
— Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts or sores.
— Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene.
— Unusual or sudden changes in financial spending patterns, wills or other important documents.
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