Frequently Asked Questions – AFH Provider Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
What are some management responsibilities for operating an adult family home?
The following is a partial list of some things the provider must do.
Know and comply with all AFH applicable laws and rules;
Meet the assessed care needs and preferences for each resident which may include, but is not limited to:
Assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, bathing, toileting, body care, walking and moving from one spot to another,
Providing nutritious meals,
Offering activities other than television,
Providing medication assistance or administration, and
Providing supervision to residents with challenging behaviors or at risk of falls;
Be responsible for the care and services provided to residents 24 hours a day whether the provider is on site or not;
Screen and hire responsible, dependable and qualified staff members;
Ensure that staffing is adequate to meet all resident needs at all times (24 hours a day, seven days a week);
Provide staff orientation and ongoing staff support and training;
Maintain adult family home records such as individual resident records, staffing records, accounting, income tax and payroll records; and
Ensure that each resident is protected from
abandonment,
verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse,
exploitation and financial exploitation,
neglect, and
involuntary seclusion.
Skills Needed
What are the skills necessary for operating an adult family home?
The provider must:
Have the character, competence and suitability to operate an AFH;
Have the ability to read, understand and meet all laws and rules related to AFHs;
Protect resident rights first over the needs of yourself and your family; and
Be able to communicate in the English language and ensure that there is staff on-site at all times who are capable of understanding and speaking English well enough to be able to respond appropriately in case of an emergency and implement resident care plans.
WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE I CAN APPLY TO BE AN ADULT FAMILY HOME PROVIDER?
You must attend a Prospective Provider Orientation class before applying for an AFH license, unless you are currently licensed, or have been licensed within the past year.
This one-day class is held at six community colleges across the state; cost is $29.
Find a location near you and register online at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/residential-care-services/afh-line-orientation-class-registration by selecting the link in the right hand column that corresponds with the site where you are interested in attending class.
