Becoming an Adult Foster Care Provider

Commercial Foster Homes


Adult foster home providers provide a resident's necessary care while emphasizing their independence, choice, dignity and decision making. Caregivers also provide friendship and the opportunity for the resident to reside in a safe and caring environment.

Adult foster home licensees provide:
  • Meals (including special medical-related diets)
  • Provide or arrange transportation to appointments and other activities
  • Laundry services
  • Medication administration
  • Help with personal care, such as bathing, eating, dressing, etc.
A wide variety of residents are served in adult foster homes, from those needing only room, board and minimal personal assistance to those residents needing full personal care, or skilled nursing care with the help of community-based registered nurses.

Qualifications for Providers, Resident Managers & Other Caregivers


An adult foster home provider shall meet the following qualifications:
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Live in the home to be licensed, unless a resident manager lives in the home
  • Have education, experience, and training to meet state requirements
  • Possess physical health, mental health, good judgment and good personal character determined necessary by the state and S&DS to provide 24-hour care for adults who are physically disabled or elderly
  • Have a statement from a physician or other qualified practitioner indicating they are physically, cognitively, and emotionally capable of providing care to residents
  • Pass a background check clearance* (see page 4)
  • Be literate and demonstrate the understanding of written and oral orders and be able to communicate in English
  • Have the financial ability and sufficient liquid resources to pay the costs of operating the home for two months without relying on potential resident income
  • Attend the state-required foster provider basic training course (EQC) and pass an examination
  • Attend orientation and record-keeping class, sponsored by S&DS

On-going Requirements


  • Must complete a basic first aid course and CPR course within the 1st year after obtaining an initial license
  • Take at least 12 hours of division-approved ongoing training related to care of elderly and disabled persons each subsequent year