As elder abuse rises in Alabama adult foster care needed to bring comfort and security to the vulnerable

By Williesha Morris 

When vulnerable Alabamians need care and comfort but don’t need the advanced services provided by a nursing home, adult foster care providers open up their homes.

The Adult Protective Services division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) monitors cases of abuse and exploitation and recruits foster care providers for around the clock attention.

“An adult foster home is a home that’s based in the community, and (care providers) open their home to someone who is an elderly or disabled adult at risk for abuse or neglect,” said Billie Robinson, program supervisor. “So, it’s a community setting.”

In 2022, DHR received 12,033 reports of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, an increase of 115% in the last decade. Nationwide, according to the National Council on Aging, one in 10 Americans aged 60 and older has experienced some form of elder abuse. DHR communications director Dominic Binkley said this increase can be attributed to a growing aging population and DHR increasing awareness about this problem.

Valinda Young of Millbrook has been an adult foster care provider for three years. She loves giving people the security and freedom they otherwise wouldn’t receive.

“In return, they give me a lot of joy because it gives me companionship. We do pretty much everything together,” Young said. She normally lives alone, “so, it’s just been a blessing all the way around.”

Foster care provider applicants must go through a detailed approval process. Homes must have sufficient and comfortable space for the occupant, lock guns and medications, and provide balanced meals, among other requirements.

Besides the stringent approval process, Young said you don’t need special skills to become a foster care provider. The only thing required is an openness to love and be loved in return. She said there are challenges to caring for other adults, many of whom have special medical needs and are unaccustomed to unrestricted movement in a home. However, the experience is like adding new members to the family.

She shared that the first person she welcomed into her home had no intention of staying. This adult was planning on finding her own accommodations. But after living with Young, she didn’t want to leave. Young loves taking them shopping and on vacations, but love and attention are what’s most important.

“They’re happy with anything you want to do,” Young said. “It is so neat. It’s like you don’t have to do a whole lot of stuff. It’s just the little things they’re just totally excited about.”

DHR hopes to recruit at least one adult foster care provider in each county. For more information, go to DHR’s adult foster care website.

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As elder abuse rises in Alabama adult foster care needed to bring comfort and security to the vulnerable