How to Choose the Right Adult Family Home: What Families Should Know

Written By Isabella Hanein

Choosing an Adult Family Home (AFH) for a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional decision. These homes can offer a warm, intimate setting with personalized care—but not all AFHs are created equal.

As the popularity of Adult Family Homes grows, so does the number of new providers entering the industry—sometimes for the wrong reasons. While there’s nothing wrong with starting an AFH as a business venture, the motivation behind the care matters. Families must be diligent and ask the right questions to ensure their loved one is safe, respected, and truly cared for.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right AFH for your loved one.

1. Meet the Owner – and Trust Your Gut

One of the most important steps in selecting an AFH is meeting the owner directly. You’re not just assessing their business—you’re assessing their values.

Questions to ask:

  • Why did you start this Adult Family Home?

  • What’s your background in caregiving?

  • Are you involved in daily operations?

  • What’s your philosophy on elder care?

Red flags:

  • The owner is absent, uninterested, or vague about care practices

  • They focus only on pricing or dismiss emotional needs

  • They cannot or will not answer questions about licensing, background checks, or staff training

It’s okay if someone started an AFH to build a business—but the right owner should also genuinely care about people. Compassion and attentiveness should come across clearly.

2. Ask About the Food – Quality Matters

Nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, especially for seniors. Some homes cut corners by serving cheap, processed food or offering very limited options.

Things to look for:

  • Sample menus (ask for a week’s worth)

  • Home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients

  • Ability to accommodate dietary needs (diabetes, vegetarian, allergies, etc.)

  • Flexibility in mealtimes or portions

Tip: If possible, ask if you or your loved one can try a meal during a visit.

3. Explore Activities and Social Engagement

A quality AFH offers more than just meals and medication—they support mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Look for:

  • Daily activities: crafts, games, music, exercise, etc.

  • Outings or events (seasonal, weather-permitting)

  • Celebrations for birthdays or holidays

  • Opportunities for spiritual or cultural practices

If residents are sitting around a TV all day, ask why. A good AFH should feel alive and enriching.

4. Cleanliness and Maintenance

Cleanliness isn’t just about appearances—it reflects how much the owner and staff respect the residents.

When touring a home:

  • Are the common areas clean and odor-free?

  • Do residents appear clean and well-dressed?

  • Are bathrooms stocked and sanitized?

  • Is the furniture in good condition?

  • Are safety features (grab bars, clear walkways, fire extinguishers) in place?

Don’t be afraid to open a closet or ask to see resident rooms. A good home has nothing to hide.

5. Check the Amenities – and Watch for Cost-Cutting

Amenities can vary widely, but they should always meet basic quality-of-life standards. Be wary of homes that skimp on essentials just to save money.

Common amenities include:

  • Private or semi-private rooms

  • Outdoor spaces (garden, patio)

  • Internet access or cable TV

  • Transportation for appointments

  • Laundry and housekeeping services

Red flags:

  • Broken or missing appliances

  • No outdoor access

  • No accommodations for personal preferences

  • Services like bathing or toileting being limited or rushed

6. Staffing – Are They Qualified and Vetted?

Some AFHs cut costs by hiring unqualified workers, including individuals without proper documentation, training, or background checks. This can put residents at serious risk.

Ask the owner:

  • Are all caregivers licensed and trained?

  • Do you perform background checks on every employee?

  • Are staff CPR and First Aid certified?

  • What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio?

If the owner hesitates or avoids these questions, take it as a warning.

7. Licensing, Inspections, and Reviews

Every Adult Family Home should be licensed and regularly inspected by state authorities. You can (and should) request to see inspection reports or look them up online.

Pro tips:

  • Ask to see the most recent inspection report

  • Search for complaints or violations with your state’s department of health

  • Ask for references from families of current or former residents

  • Read online reviews—but don’t rely on them alone

8. Is the Home Compassionate—or Just a Business?

At the end of the day, the most important thing is how your loved one will be treated. Is the home focused only on business, or is it a place where people are genuinely cared for?

Look for signs of compassion:

  • Staff know residents by name—and vice versa

  • Residents appear happy, calm, and engaged

  • The owner and staff listen more than they talk

  • The home has a warm, welcoming energy

Final Thoughts

Choosing an Adult Family Home is not just about price or location—it’s about trust. It's about knowing your loved one will be safe, respected, and truly cared for. While many homes are run by kind and compassionate people, some are simply in it for the money, cutting corners on food, care, and staffing. That’s why visiting, asking hard questions, and trusting your instincts are absolutely essential.

Take your time. Do your homework. And remember: it’s okay to walk away from a home that doesn’t feel right.Your loved one deserves nothing less than a safe and dignified place to call home.

Isabella Hanein
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