It is important to keep in mind that the term "group home" is a generic term used for multiple types of Florida care homes. In the state of Florida, there are distinct differences between a group home regulated by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and an adult family care home regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Here's an overview of each:
Adult Family Care Home Regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA):
AFCH Target Population: Adult family care homes regulated by AHCA typically serve elderly individuals or adults with disabilities who require assistance with daily living activities but do not have significant medical needs.
AFCH Regulation: The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) oversees the licensing and regulation of adult family care homes, ensuring compliance with state standards and regulations.
Adult Family Care homes are limited to a maximum of 5 residents.
AFCH Services Provided: Adult family care homes offer housing, meals, personal care assistance, medication management, and supervision for individuals who may need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
AFCH generally do not provide ongoing staffed care due to the provider being required to live in the home. Although, relief staff is required when the provider is away from the home for 2 hours or more.
Funding: Adult family care homes may receive reimbursement from private payments, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, Social Security or stipend-based programs. Adult family care home providers are also eligible to receive reimbursement through APD Medicaid waiver programs.
AFCH Start-Up Costs: The financial startup costs for an adult family care home can vary based on several factors. Typical costs may include training certification, licensing fees, background screenings, inspections, renovations or modifications to meet licensing requirements, furnishings, and administrative expenses. On average, a perspective adult family care home provider can expect to spend $2,000 or more on start-up costs.
For more information on Adult Family Care Homes, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our AFCH Training Consultant or visit www.ahca.myflorida.com
Group Home Regulated by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD):
Group Home Target Population: Group homes regulated by the APD primarily serve individuals with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or Prader-Willi syndrome.
Group Home Regulation: APD is responsible for licensing and regulating group homes that provide residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Group Home Services Provided: Group homes under APD oversight typically offer a range of services, including housing, meals, medication administration, supervision, personal care, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living.
Group Home Funding: APD-licensed group homes often receive funding through Medicaid waiver programs, which provide financial assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities to access appropriate services and supports.
Group Home Start-Up Costs: The financial startup costs for a group home can vary based on several factors. Typical costs may include training certification, licensing fees, background screenings, inspections, renovations or modifications to meet licensing requirements, furnishings, and administrative expenses. On average, a perspective group home provider can expect to spend $10,000 or more on start-up costs.
For more information on Group Home, watch this informational APD group home video or visit www.apdcares.org
It's important to note that the specific regulations and requirements for group homes and adult family care homes may vary, and it's advisable to consult the respective agencies or Florida state authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.