About HearthRow

Who we are

HearthRow helps families in the United States find small residential homes for adults who need daily support. These homes may be called adult foster care homes, adult family homes, or board-and-care homes, depending on the state.

We are not a care home, care provider, medical professional, or government agency. We do not provide hands-on care, medical advice, nursing advice, legal advice, or financial advice. We share general educational information and help you connect with licensed or certified homes near you.

Many families come to us because they want a setting that feels more personal than a large facility. Others need help understanding what these homes are called in their state, what questions to ask, and how to get started.

What we do

Our role is simple. We help you find and connect with licensed adult family homes that may fit your needs, location, language, and budget.

When you reach out, you can tell us basic contact information and what kind of home you are looking for. For example, you might share your city, preferred language, or whether you want a private room. We do not need medical records, financial account numbers, or other sensitive documents.

We then help connect you with homes that may be worth exploring. You can learn more about the process on our How It Works page, start with Get Matched, or contact us if you want to talk first.

We cannot promise placement, availability, a certain price, or any specific outcome. Open rooms, services, and costs change often, and each home makes its own admissions decisions.

What makes small family-style homes different

Small homes can feel quieter, more personal, and more like everyday home life. In many states, a smaller number of residents live in a regular house or similar setting, with support from trained caregivers.

That said, rules vary widely by state. A home's license, staffing rules, training requirements, and allowed level of care may be very different depending on where you live. Terms vary too. One state may say "adult family home," while another may use "adult foster care home" or "board-and-care home."

Because of that, families should always confirm a home's current state license or certification directly with the home and with their state's licensing agency. We also strongly encourage you to tour the home before making a decision.

How we are paid

HearthRow is free for families.

Some homes pay HearthRow a flat fee when we connect them with a family. It never changes what you pay, and you are never under any obligation.

Our goal is to make the search easier to understand, especially for families who are new to the US system or more comfortable in a language other than English. Even when we help you connect with homes, the final decision is always yours. You should compare options, ask questions, confirm the home's license, and visit in person if possible.

What we want families to know before choosing a home

This is an emotional decision. It is also a practical one. Taking a little time to check the details can help you feel more confident.

Before choosing a home, we encourage families to:
- Confirm the home's current state license or certification themselves
- Tour the home and pay attention to cleanliness, safety, and how residents are treated
- Ask what services are included and what costs extra
- Ask who is in the home day and night
- Ask how medications, meals, bathing, mobility help, and transportation are handled
- Ask about language, culture, food preferences, and visiting hours

If your loved one has medical or nursing needs, confirm directly with the home whether it can legally and safely meet those needs. You should also talk with the person's doctor and the state's licensing agency when needed, because care limits and rules vary by state.

Cost, Medicaid, and honest expectations

Costs vary widely by state, area, and level of support. In many adult family homes, room-and-board is usually paid privately. Medicaid waivers often help with the personal-care part, but the rules are different in each state, and not every home accepts Medicaid.

Any cost numbers you see online should be treated as typical estimates, not quotes. The home should explain its current rates, what is included, and whether there are added charges.

We share general educational information, but we do not make Medicaid decisions and we do not tie Medicaid guidance to being matched with a home. Families should confirm Medicaid eligibility, waiver rules, and payment details with their state's Medicaid office, the home itself, and any trusted professional advisor they choose.

If you are ready to begin, you can Get Matched or contact us with general questions. We are here to help make the search feel more manageable.