ALABAMA, USA — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is helping older adults who may need help find foster homes. According to Alabama DHR, this program is for elderly who can live safely in a home environment but may not be able to care for themselves daily.
The need for this is crucial as Alabama DHR tells it. In FY 2023, Alabama DHR received more than 12,000 reports of elder abuse or neglect. That’s an increase of 125 percent since 2013. With the help of qualified and capable adult foster homes, many of these cases could be avoided. DHR’s goal is to recruit at least one adult foster home in each of Alabama’s 67 counties.
“The rise in elder abuse and neglect over the last decade has been disheartening, but we have also seen so many individuals step up to provide loving, caring homes for many of Alabama’s aging individuals,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “Becoming an adult foster care provider is both helpful for the adult in need and incredibly rewarding for the person opening their home. The need for these extraordinary individuals is growing every day and I believe there are many more Alabamians who are ready to step up and help.”
Those interested in becoming adult foster care providers are encouraged to contact their county DHR office. More information, including eligibility requirements, is available here.
Alabama DHR also reminds the public to report suspected adult abuse, neglect and exploitation by calling the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, or contacting a county DHR office. Warning signs include:
- Increased fear or anxiety
- Isolation from friends or family
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts or sores
- Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene
- Unusual or sudden changes in financial spending patterns, wills, or other important documents