Before you start
What is an adult care home?
Adult care homes provide 24-hour care for up to five adults in a residential house. Caregivers assist residents, while honoring their independence, preferences and choices to support their quality of life. Residents can continue to live a full life with appropriate support in place. Care homes accept either Medicaid, private pay or both.
Who is eligible to live in an adult care home?
Care homes serve older adults and people with physical disabilities, or adults with behavioral health needs. If someone is already approved for Medicaid and is facing eviction or homelessness, they may be able to move into an adult care home.
What level of care will a resident receive in an adult care home?
There are three levels of adult care homes. Class one is for residents who require less assistance. Class two and three or for those who require more. A case manager or placement specialist can help determine the classification needed.
A resident’s ability to complete their daily activities with or without assistance determines what classification of adult care home is needed. Consider if the resident is independent or needs partial or full assistance in these areas:
- Bathing/personal hygiene
- Self-preservation, decision making, ability to make self understood, challenging behaviors
- Getting dressed
- Eating
- Using the bathroom
- Walking, getting in and out of bed
For help with determining the level of care, contact our placement specialist: ach.placement.referral@multco.us or 503-988-0023. Adult care home operators will also screen residents to determine their level of care. Being honest about the resident’s care needs, behaviors and medical conditions will help find the right home.
Steps to take
1. Learn about payment options
Residents can pay for an adult care home through Medicaid or privately.
Medicaid
- If the future resident already has Medicaid, contact their case manager for help with understanding payment options.
- To apply for Medicaid, visit the State of Oregon’s online application site.
- For help with the Medicaid application, contact the Aging and Disabilities Resource Connection at 503-988-3646.
Private pay
If they don’t qualify for Medicaid, private pay is the other option. Rates for private pay residents commonly range from $3,500 to $8,000 per month. Private pay rates vary and may exceed these averages.
2. Find care home options in the area
Search adult care home vacancies in Multnomah County. Use the map or filters to narrow your search.
Or contact our placement specialist: ach.placement.referral@multco.us or 503-988-0023.
3. Visit the homes you are interested in
Once you have found homes that you are interested in, we suggest visiting multiple homes in person. Call the operator and set up a tour. Visiting at different hours of the day can give a sense of life in the home. Ask to see the week's menu and activities offered in the home.
More Information
What is it like to live in an adult care home?
In a care home, residents can:
- Have a private bedroom or share a bedroom
- Control their own schedule and activities
- Come and go as they please
- Spend time in shared space (example: living/dining room and patio)
- Spend time with friends, family and visitors
- Get assistance with transportation arrangements
Review residents' rights:
Can I view the compliance history of a home?
Search compliance history of adult care homes in Multnomah County, including annual inspection reports.
What is the county’s role in adult care homes?
The Multnomah County Adult Care Home Program (ACHP) licenses and inspects care homes annually. Homes are required to follow strict health and safety rules. The residency agreement is between the resident and the adult care home operator.
Can I find care in a preferred language?
It can be difficult to find a home with speakers who use a resident’s preferred language. Search for "additional languages" in the Vacancies Dashboard, or contact our placement specialist for assistance: ach.placement.referral@multco.us or 503-988-0023.
Are pets allowed in adult care homes?
It can be difficult to find a placement that will allow a pet. Search for "pets allowed" in the Vacancies Dashboard. Some homes already have pets in the house. Ask about it when you call or tour a home.
How do I transfer a loved one to the Multnomah County area?
If they are already on Medicaid and have a case manager, contact their case manager to help you with this process. Our placement specialist can also help: ach.placement.referral@multco.us or 503-988-0023.