A Letter from the Executive Director (9/8/23)
To the Adult Family Homes of Washington,
About two weeks ago I celebrated my 10-year anniversary as the Executive Director of the Adult Family Home Council. As I was reflecting on the last 10 years, I am filled with gratitude to be a part of your community. I am also very proud of the meaningful impact we have made to advance our mission. Our mission is to improve the lives and well-being of vulnerable adults, and we do that through the support of adult family home workers. We can see this mission being actualized when we note that Medicaid reimbursement rates have gone up an average of 138% over the last 10 years (or about $75 a day). We have new opportunities to expand to 7 or 8 bed homes. Adult family homes have access to workforce development and training scholarships through the Long-Term Care Foundation. We have improved the regulatory appeals process and added new funding such as Meaningful Day, Community Integration, Specialized Behavior Support, and more.
While I can look back with some pride and sense of accomplishment, I also know there is much more to do. We know that even with the increases in DSHS rates, costs continue to rise. We know that the workforce shortages continue in long-term care settings. We hear your challenges and are working to continue to respond with advocacy, education, and support. Recently the executive board of directors and staff of the Council met to develop a strategic plan to address the concerns we hear from membership.
September has been formally proclaimed “Adult Family Home Month” in Washington. We are celebrating by highlighting the good work and big hearts that go into developing the successful operation of an adult family home. The month will end with our fall conference and an opportunity to come together to learn and celebrate the role of AFHs in our communities. I hope you will be able to join us.
Again, I thank all the members of the Council for your ongoing support. I thank you for putting your faith in us to advance your causes and grow our sector of long-term care.
As always if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
All the best,
John Ficker
Executive Director
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.