What is a Certified Family Home?

A Certified Family Home (CFH) is a real home in a regular neighborhood where a caregiver looks after a small number of adults who can no longer safely live on their own.

In Idaho, these homes are certified by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), which inspects them and sets the care and safety standards they have to meet.

A CFH can care for one to four adult residents. Homes need a special approval from the state before they take in a third or fourth resident, so many care for just two to four people. That means one caregiver for only a few residents, compared with many more per caregiver in a larger facility.

Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, and medication reminders. Since the home is small, care is personal. Caregivers get to know each resident's routine and preferences, and many homes can handle specialty diets.

A CFH is often a good fit for seniors who want a quiet, family-style home instead of a large building; need steady, hands-on help with daily care; do better with fewer people around and the same familiar faces; or have higher care needs that call for closer attention.

CFHs are usually paid for privately, and monthly costs often come in below larger assisted living communities. Prices vary with the home and the level of care needed.

For people who qualify, Idaho Medicaid (through the Aged and Disabled Waiver) may cover some care costs. Room and board aren't covered, though, and not every home accepts Medicaid.

Senior Care Haven is happy to walk you through your options, and families never pay for our help. Call 208-602-5315.