All in AFH Business Resource

Tips for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your adult family home

As an adult family home provider, one of your top priorities is creating a safe and comfortable environment for your residents. However, it's also important to focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true home. When your residents feel at home, they are more likely to feel happy, relaxed, and content. Here are some tips for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your adult family home.

The role of communication in building strong relationships with elderly residents

Effective communication is essential in building strong relationships with elderly residents, both in nursing homes and adult family homes. It allows caregivers to understand the needs and concerns of their residents, and it helps to create a sense of trust and connection.

The Benefits of Incorporating Music, Art, and Other Creative Activities into Elderly Care

As people age, it is important to find ways to maintain physical and mental well-being. Incorporating music, art, and other creative activities into elderly care can be a great way to do this. These activities can improve the quality of life for residents, and they can also have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being in older adults.

Promoting Independence and Autonomy Among Residents: Strategies and Tips

Maintaining independence and decision-making abilities is crucial for the well-being and happiness of any individual, and this is especially true for residents of assisted living or nursing home facilities. As a caregiver, it is important to support and encourage the independence of the residents in your care, while also respecting their individual choices and preferences.

Strategies for building strong relationships with residents and their families

Building strong relationships with residents and their families is crucial for providing high-quality care in any setting. Whether you are working in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or providing in-home care, maintaining open and honest communication, involving families in the care process, and handling conflicts in a compassionate and respectful manner are all key factors in building trust and collaboration with residents and their loved ones.

The importance of staying up-to-date on industry best practices and regulations

Running an adult family home can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. As a care provider, you are responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of your residents, which means it is crucial to stay up-to-date on industry best practices and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions – Adult Family Home Characteristics

Adult Family Home Characteristics

Review Chapter 388-76 WAC for current licensing requirements

The following information can help interested parties make a good decision about the type of home to buy, rent, or lease for use as an adult family home.The applicant must consider what type of residents they will serve to determine if the structure and characteristics of the home are appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions – Building Inspections

Building Inspection

Review Chapter 388-76 WAC for current licensing requirements

If you are applying for an adult family home license, you must submit with your application a copy of the adult family home building inspection checklist that verifies the home has “PASSED” the local building inspection. See WAC 388-76-10695 and 388-76-10700.

Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Provider – Self Assessment

Self Assessment for Potential Adult Family Home Providers

The following assessment was primarily developed by a group of adult family home providers with many years experience in running adult family homes. It is the intent of the assessment to give you as clear a picture as possible of the considerable demands of running an adult family home.

Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Building Requirements

Building Requirements

What are some of the standards that my home must meet when the licensor makes the initial inspection visit?

You must be able to show or verify the following for your home (this list does not reflect all requirements).

  • The home:

Meets current building code requirements for a single family dwelling (no apartments or condominiums

Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Alternative Scenarios

Education Alternatives

If I do not meet the minimum education requirements, are there other alternatives?

See WAC 388-76-10130. There are no exceptions to these requirements.

  • Successful completion of government-approved public or private school education in a foreign country that includes an annual average of one thousand hours of instruction over twelve years or no less than twelve thousand hours of instruction (this is equivalent to grades 1-12 in the United States);

Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Application

What are some of the application requirements that I must meet to be licensed as an adult family home provider?

  • $2,750 fee must be turned in with the license application;

  • For a change of ownership (CHOW) for a currently licensed AFH, submit a written letter from the current licensee saying that they are willing to give up their license when and if your license is approved;

  • Copy of your AFH Orientation Certificate taken within the last 12 months;

  • Copy of Washington State Business License

Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Provider Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

What are some management responsibilities for operating an adult family home?

The following is a partial list of some things the provider must do.

  • Know and comply with all AFH applicable laws and rules;

  • Meet the assessed care needs and preferences for each resident which may include, but is not limited to:

o Assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, toileting, body care, walking and moving from one spot to another,

o Providing nutritious meals,

o Offering activities other than television,

How To Find & Hire The Best Caregiver

All of the strategies that I have outlined here work together to help create a more complete picture for candidates. The more complete the picture, the better chance that you will have of attracting candidates—candidates who will not just be a great fit for your company but will also be interested in your company. This is important because your pre-employment marketing campaigns are likely to cost less than your post-employment marketing campaigns.

Training Requirements and Classes (All)

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website provides guidance on training requirements & classes. “CareLearn Washington provides access to professional online training, including DSHS approved continuing education, for long-term care professionals in adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and enhanced services facilities. Visit CareLearn...