Licensing and Inspection
Board and cares and adult foster homes are licensed and inspected by state oversight agencies. It is usually the Department of Health that fulfills this function, but in some states it may be the Department of Social Services. The easiest way to find out which agency has this responsibility is to check the latest inspection report (also known as survey report). It is required that the most recent inspection report be posted where it is easy for residents and visitors to view it. Board and cares and adult foster homes are not accredited as are hospitals and other health related-facilities. However, some of the larger facilities may be members of trade associations having certain standards for membership. Check the blue pages in your telephone book for the information. You can also check www.agingcare.com/Local, enter your area, and find the information that way.
Unlicensed Facilities
In view of the scarcity of affordable living arrangements for low or modest income elderly, unlicensed board and cares and adult foster homes operate outside the purview of licensing agencies. These facilities often are informal arrangements providing room and board to the frail elderly where all involved benefit. However, the possibility of exploitation of a vulnerable population exists where unlicensed facilities continue to operate and it is advisable to avoid these facilities in favor of those operating lawfully.