Adult Foster Care FAQ

An adult foster home is a small, licensed residential home in Oregon where a few adults live and receive personal care, meals and medication support from caregivers. It offers daily help in a home setting rather than a large facility.

Living Waters Care operates three licensed adult foster homes in Salem, Oregon: Waldo House, Alana House and Misty House. You can see each home on our Homes page.

Our caregivers provide personalized assistance based on each resident’s needs. Services may include bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility assistance, medication management, meals, laundry, housekeeping and coordination with healthcare professionals. Additional care services are arranged according to individual needs and the home’s capabilities.

Yes. Caregivers are in each home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Overnight, caregivers are asleep, on site and available if a resident needs help.

Our homes provide comfortable daily routines centered around each resident’s preferences and abilities. Residents enjoy freshly prepared meals, snacks, conversation, music, television, games, outdoor relaxation and other activities they enjoy. Individual interests, quiet time and family visits are all important parts of daily life.

Yes. Residents enjoy freshly prepared, home-style meals and snacks. We accommodate individual food preferences and medically necessary dietary requirements whenever appropriate and within our care capabilities. Our caregivers also provide assistance with eating and monitor nutritional needs when required.

Yes. Living Waters Care can provide a supportive environment for individuals experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment. Our Misty House in West Salem specializes in higher-acuity care and dementia support, with individualized assistance designed around each resident’s needs, abilities and safety.

Yes. Depending on the home, staffing, licensing and individual care assessment, Living Waters Care can support residents with significant physical care needs, mobility limitations, diabetes, medication needs and other ongoing conditions. We coordinate with healthcare providers and nurses when additional clinical support or delegated care is appropriate.

Yes. Living Waters Care can coordinate with hospice providers to support residents receiving end-of-life care. Our caregivers work alongside hospice professionals and families to provide comfort, dignity and individualized support. Any additional care arrangements are discussed based on the resident’s changing needs.

Absolutely. We encourage residents to maintain meaningful connections with family and friends. Residents may receive visitors of their choosing, consistent with their rights and applicable safety requirements. Families are also welcome to participate in care discussions and remain involved in their loved one’s daily life.

Yes. We encourage residents to personalize their rooms with familiar belongings, photographs, decorations and suitable furniture. Creating a comfortable, familiar living space can make the transition easier and help residents feel more at home. Furniture arrangements are reviewed for accessibility and safety.

Yes. We welcome both Medicaid (Oregon APD) and private pay residents. For Medicaid residents, a state or county case manager is part of the planning. Call us at 503-930-2557 and we will talk through which path fits your situation.

The cost of adult foster care depends on the resident’s individual care needs, room accommodations and services required. At Living Waters Care, private-pay rates are determined through an individualized assessment so families understand the services and associated costs before admission. We are happy to discuss pricing and provide detailed information during the inquiry process.

Yes. Short-term respite care may be possible depending on whether a room is open, staffing and the individual’s care needs. Families seeking temporary care are welcome to contact us to discuss their circumstances and options.

Getting started is simple. Call us at 503-930-2557 or send a request through our contact page to discuss your loved one’s needs. Tours are by appointment, and same-day tours are often possible. We review relevant care information and determine whether one of our homes would be an appropriate fit. If everyone agrees to move forward, we work with the resident, family and involved professionals to coordinate a smooth transition. See the steps on our Care and Admissions page.

We review care needs to see whether we can safely meet them. If we cannot, we will say so plainly rather than promise something we cannot provide. We are part of a network of licensed providers through OpenBedCo, and we can refer residents to other homes that may be a better fit.