How much does adult foster care cost?
Adult foster care can be a more personal, home-like option, but the cost can still feel hard to sort out. Here is a plain-language guide to what families usually pay and what to ask before choosing a home.
What adult foster care usually costs
Adult foster care, also called an adult family home or board-and-care home, is usually priced as a monthly room-and-board amount, plus any extra personal-care services the home provides. Costs vary a lot by state, city, home size, and how much help the older adult needs.
In many areas, families may see monthly room-and-board costs in the low thousands, but some homes cost more and some cost less. This is only a typical range, not a quote. Always confirm the current price directly with the home.
You can also compare general pricing ideas on our costs page.
What is usually included
Many homes include housing, meals, basic housekeeping, laundry, and help with daily routines. Some homes also include reminders, supervision, or help with personal care in the monthly rate.
Other services may cost extra. For example, the home may charge more for a higher level of personal care, special diets, transportation, incontinence supplies, or shared room vs. private room. Each home sets its own rules.
Before you decide, ask for a written list of what is included and what costs extra. That makes it easier to compare homes fairly.
What can make the price go up or down
A home’s price often depends on:
- Location and local housing costs
- Private room or shared room
- Level of personal care needed
- Whether staff are available at all hours
- Special services or support needs
- The home’s license type and policies
Because rules vary by state, a licensed home in one state may offer different services, staffing, or pricing than a similar home somewhere else. Ask the home to explain its current rates in simple terms.
We can help you get matched with licensed adult family homes near you, but you should still confirm the home’s current license, services, and fees yourself.
How Medicaid may help
In some states, Medicaid waivers or other Medicaid programs may help pay for personal-care services in an adult foster care setting. Room and board are often paid privately, while care-related help may be covered depending on the state and the person’s eligibility.
Medicaid rules are different from state to state, and coverage can change. This page is only general information, not advice. If you think Medicaid may help, check your state Medicaid office or speak with a benefits counselor.
For a simple overview of the kinds of support some homes provide, see our services page.
Questions to ask before you tour
A tour is one of the best ways to understand the real cost. Ask the home for current answers in writing if possible:
- What is the monthly rate?
- What is included in the base price?
- What costs extra?
- Is there a private room rate and a shared room rate?
- How often can rates change?
- Is a deposit required?
- What happens if care needs change?
Also ask to see the home’s current state license or certification, and confirm it with the state licensing agency yourself. That simple step can give families more peace of mind.
A simple next step
If you are comparing homes now, start with a few licensed options and ask for the same pricing details from each one. That makes it easier to compare apples to apples.
HearthRow is free. We help you find licensed adult family homes near you and connect you with them, but we are not the home and we do not set prices or make care decisions. 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.
Adult foster care costs vary a lot, so ask each licensed home for its current monthly price, what is included, and what costs extra before you tour and decide.