What is adult foster care in Michigan? A comprehensive guide

Oct 24, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Michigan Adult Foster Care

In Michigan, licensed Adult Foster Care (AFC) homes provide 24-hour supervision and personal care for adults who cannot live alone. The state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees these residential settings, ensuring a safe, homelike environment. Understanding what is adult foster care in Michigan can help families find the right fit for their loved ones.

Quick Summary

Adult foster care in Michigan consists of licensed residential homes that offer 24-hour personal care, protection, and supervision for adults needing assistance with daily living, but not requiring continuous medical care. These settings, often smaller and more homelike than larger facilities, are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Key Points

Licensed Residential Care: Adult foster care in Michigan provides 24-hour supervision and personal care in licensed, residential settings for adults who cannot live alone.
Variety of Home Sizes: AFC homes are licensed as family (1-6 residents), small group (3-12 residents), or large group (13-20 residents), offering different community sizes.
Holistic Support: Services typically include personal care, medication management, meals, housekeeping, and social activities in a homelike environment.
Smaller and More Personal: AFC homes are generally smaller and offer a more intimate, family-like atmosphere compared to large assisted living facilities.
Affordable Alternative: Costs are often lower than assisted living or nursing home care, and Medicaid may offer a supplement for personal care services.
State Regulation: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) licenses and regulates all AFC homes, with inspection reports often available online.

A Closer Look at Michigan’s Adult Foster Care

Adult Foster Care (AFC) in Michigan is a state-regulated housing option for adults who require assistance with daily living but do not need intensive, around-the-clock nursing care. These residential settings provide a more personalized, intimate, and often more affordable alternative to large assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The type of care and environment offered can vary depending on the size and structure of the AFC home.

Types of AFC Homes in Michigan

Michigan's AFC system distinguishes between different facility sizes, each with specific licensing rules designed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Family Homes

These private residences house six or fewer adult residents, with the licensee also living in the home.

Small Group Homes

Small group homes are licensed for 3 to 12 adults, with no requirement for the licensee to live on-site.

Large Group Homes

Facilities with 13 to 20 residents are considered large group homes, offering the largest social environment within the AFC structure.

Services Provided in AFC Homes

AFC homes offer a range of non-medical support services, including personal care assistance with activities like bathing and dressing. They provide 24-hour supervision for safety, medication management support as directed by a physician, three nutritious meals daily with snacks, and housekeeping and laundry services. Social and recreational activities are often included to promote engagement, and assistance with transportation is typically available.

Eligibility for Adult Foster Care in Michigan

Individuals eligible for AFC in Michigan must be adults (18+) needing daily living assistance but not continuous skilled nursing. This includes those with developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, mental illness, or elderly individuals unable to live alone. A pre-placement assessment ensures the home can meet the resident's needs.

Finding and Choosing the Right AFC Home

Finding the right AFC home involves careful steps. Start by using the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) directory to find licensed facilities. Visiting prospective homes and speaking with staff and residents is crucial to assess the environment. Interview providers about services and policies, and review available LARA inspection reports for compliance history.

Key steps to finding a home:

Conduct an Online Search: Use LARA's statewide search tool.
Visit Prospective Homes: Observe the environment and interact with people there.
Interview the Provider: Ask about services, routines, and how changing needs are handled.
Review Inspection Reports: Check LARA's website for facility history.

Adult Foster Care vs. Assisted Living in Michigan

Both AFC and assisted living offer residential care, but they differ in scale and atmosphere. Here's a comparison:


Feature	Adult Foster Care (AFC)	Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)
Capacity	No more than 20 residents, often smaller.	Can accommodate 30 to 100+ residents.
Environment	Residential, homelike, intimate.	More apartment-style or institutional, larger.
Staffing	Caregivers may live on-site, 24/7 availability but not always required to be awake overnight.	Caregivers work in shifts, required to be awake and on duty 24/7.
Cost	Generally more affordable, typically $2,000-$4,500 monthly.	Typically more expensive, services may be à la carte.
Flexibility	Often more flexible with changing needs.	Can be less flexible due to structure.

Financial Considerations for AFC in Michigan

AFC costs are generally lower than nursing homes or assisted living. Payment options include private pay using personal funds. While Medicaid doesn't cover room and board, it may provide a personal care supplement for eligible individuals, administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Other aid like Social Security or veterans' benefits may also help. For more details on government assistance, consult the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

Conclusion: A Personalized Care Option

Adult foster care in Michigan offers a valuable, personalized solution for those needing daily support in a residential environment. The state's licensing provides options from small family homes to larger group settings to meet diverse needs. Understanding the licensing, services, costs, and distinctions from other care types is essential for making an informed decision that ensures the safety and well-being of an adult requiring care.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible, an individual must be an adult aged 18 or older who requires assistance with daily living activities, supervision, and protection, but does not need continuous, intensive nursing care.

Medicaid does not pay for room and board in an AFC home. However, it can cover a personal care supplement for eligible residents, which helps with the cost of services.

The main difference is the level of care. AFC homes provide personal care and supervision but are not for individuals needing continuous medical or skilled nursing care, which is provided in a nursing home.

All AFC homes in Michigan are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). LARA conducts inspections and investigates complaints to ensure compliance with state standards.

You can find licensed AFC homes by using the statewide search tool on the LARA website. Additionally, your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office can provide guidance and resources.

In many cases, yes. Residents may be able to receive care from outside agencies or individuals, though this can vary by facility. Always discuss this with the AFC provider beforehand to understand their policies.

When choosing, you should visit the home, talk to residents and staff, review licensing and inspection reports, and get a clear understanding of all services and costs.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.