Adult Residential Services

Adult Residential Services refer to a range of services provided by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to benefit incapacitated adults who reside in certain out-of-home, paid placement settings. This type of assistance is generally needed in situations when an incapacitated adult needs a supportive living arrangement, but does not have family and/or financial resources to provide for these needs.

 

DHHR will not make a placement in any setting that is not appropriately licensed or certified. Services are outlined in West Virginia Code §16-5C Nursing Homes,and §16-5D Assisted Living Residences.

Residential setting for adult placement falls into two categories:

  • Homes that are certified by the Department of Health and Human Resources.
    The Bureau for Children and Families is responsible for certifying and monitoring Adult Family Care Homes.
  • Facilities/homes that are licensed/registered by the Department of Health and Human Resources.
    The Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) is the state agency responsible for licensure and monitoring of nursing homes and assisted living homes.

The goal is always to find the least restrictive option that is appropriate to meet the individual's needs.  If the adult's need for care exceeds the care available in the above mentioned settings, then nursing home care is generally needed.

 

How do I make a referral for Adult Residential Services?

Adult referrals are taken by the county DHHR offices. The types of requests for services could include:

  • A residential placement, such as an Adult Family Care Home or Assisted Living Home
  • Adult Guardianship
  • Health Care Surrogate

 

How can Adult Services help?

Adult Services staff can assist the adult with:

  • locating an appropriate placement setting
  • the placement process
  • help the adult become adjusted to his/her new home
  • assist with payment for their care in the placement setting when the adult does not have sufficient resources to cover the total cost of their care.
  • after placement, the staff maintain ongoing contact, support and monitoring with the adult to ensure that their needs continue to be met

 

How do I become an Adult Family Care provider? 

 

All providers must:

  • Must meet certain fire, safety, sanitation and health standards
  • Can not accept more than three residents
  • Must provide adequate living space and nutritious meals for each adult placed in their home
  • Must be willing to accept an adult without regard to race, creed or national origin
 

 The application process

1. Completion of the APPLICATION PACKET 

2. Completion of the HOMESTUDY:

  • Initial visit to the home

  • Interview with the applicant

  • Individual interviews with each family member

  • Group interview with all household members together

 3. Be fingerprinted for BACKGROUND CHECKS
  • These checks will include a criminal history background check and a protective services (APS/CPS) background check.
 

Is financial assistance available for the provider?

 

Monthly Payment for Care Provided

Adult Family Care providers are paid on a monthly basis for the care they provide to adults placed in their home. Adult Family Care payment rates are established by the Department of Health and Human Resources.

Payment to the Adult Family Care Provider is made on a monthly basis. In most instances, the adult has income of their own which they are required to use toward the cost of their care. In instances where the adult's income is less than the established cost of their care, the Department of Health and Human Resources may make a supplemental payment for the balance of the monthly payment.

 

Clothing Allowance

Adult Family Care providers may receive reimbursement for clothing purchased for adult's placed in their home. Reimbursement for clothing is based on the adult's need for clothing and may be available at the time of placement and on six month intervals thereafter. Up to $100 is available for the initial clothing allowance at the time of placement. Thereafter, up to $75 is available every six months.

 

Reimbursement for Additional Training

Adult Family Care providers may be entitled to receive reimbursement for approved training they receive. Adult Family Care providers are required to participate in relevant training opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

For questions or concerns:

About making a referral for an adult residential placement, requesting adult guardianship or a health care surrogate for an adult, or to become an adult residential provider call contact your local DHHR office. Click here to find contact information for the nearest DHHR office.