As Alabama’s population is aging and the state’s population ages, and the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is looking for adult foster homes that can help provide protection and support for vulnerable adults who are at risk of maltreatment.


Foster care for adults allows vulnerable disabled and elderly adults to remain in homes rather than in institutional settings in cases of need to relocate them to protect them.


There are more than 600 adults who need help in Alabama are confined to locations other than their homes due to they are at risk for neglect, abuse and exploitative practices. Some require the assistance of institutions like nursing homes, however certain individuals are better served by houses within their community. To help those who need it, DHR hopes to recruit at the very least one adult foster house in each of Alabama’s counties. Alabama now has 21 homes for adult foster care.


“Having many adult foster families can lead to more independence and improve the standard of living for the elderly and vulnerable who require only minimal care,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “We urge residents in Alabama who have rooms in their homes to consider giving adult foster care a to try it out and feel the benefits of this life-changing experience firsthand. .”


This program assists adults who are able to live comfortably in a family environment, but require assistance or assistance with their everyday activities. The majority of them have been abused by caregivers or family members at times.


Valinda Young, an adult foster care worker in Enterprise she said that watching the growth of the adult foster children who are in her care is the most memorable part of her time in the program.


“Since the ladies moved into my home, they have seen dramatic improvements,” Young said. “All were at risk of neglect and abuse before but they don’t have to be worried about it now. We all cooperate and help one another like a large familial .”


Around 18 percent of Alabamans are over 65 according to U.S. Census Bureau. The number of elderly people continues to grow over the past few years, running in line with the increasing number of reports of abuse and abandonment and exploitation.


The DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division received 12,033 complaints across the country in the fiscal year 2022, which is an increase of 100 percent over the last 10 years. Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed June 15 2023, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Alabama to increase awareness of the issue.


Anyone who is interested in becoming an adult foster care workers are advised to inquire with the County DHR office. Additional details about eligibility requirements can be found at dhr.alabama.gov/AFC.


DHR also reminds people to report suspected abuse by an adult or neglect by contacting the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214 or emailing aps@dhr.alabama.gov or contacting a local DHR office. Signs of danger include:


  • Fear or anxiety increases
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Retiring from regular routine
  • Strange changes in behavior or sleeping patterns
  • Inexplicably injured injuries such as bruises, cuts, or sores
  • Living conditions that are unsanitary and lack of hygiene
  • Sudden or unusual changes to the patterns of financial spending and wills as well as any other documents of importance.

The story Alabama DHR is looking for foster homes for the elderly was first reported at The Andalusia Star-News.