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| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES September 12th, 2025 |
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| | Message From Executive Director |
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| Friends – one of the many exceptional aspects of Adult Family Homes and our culture is the cultural diversity represented by our providers and caregivers. That diversity enriches our work, broadens our skills and understanding of each other, and empowers our proven effectiveness working with individuals with communication challenges. Your diversity as members of this organization helps to paint the canvas that makes the Adult Family Homes Council more vibrant and meaningful for all Washingtonians. Starting September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s our opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements. Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together. Bringing AFH communities together is why the AFHC exists, and part of the value to our industry and AFH service every day. Thank you for celebrating our diversity, and all you do as AFH providers to ensure all individuals are respected, and treated with the dignity, care and understanding that makes you superheroes in our State. -Bob |
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| | | Only 14 Days Until Fall Conference! |
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| | We’re bringing together 20+ inspiring speakers, a dynamic vendor showcase, and fun extras like Vendor Bingo (with prizes!) and a live performance from Elvis himself. Plus, don’t miss our Legacy Vision Hour and a powerful keynote by Renee Smith, MSOD, founder of A Human Workplace LLC, who will share how to lead with love in organizational transformation. This is your chance to learn, connect, and recharge with providers from across the state—and seats are going fast. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time! Check our website for lodging, registration, and the most up-to-date schedule. Let’s make this one of the most unforgettable conferences yet! |
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| | | | Weathering the Season: Essential Emergency Prep for Adult Family Homes |
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| It’s starting to feel cooler, fall and winter are on their way. Is your AFH ready to handle the effects of stormy weather? WAC 388-76-10830 requires a written emergency and disaster plan. WAC 388-76-10840 requires a minimum of 72 hours emergency food supply for each resident, including any specific dietary needs. WAC 388-76-1084 requires a minimum of 72 hours emergency drinking water, at least 3 gallons for the home’s licensed capacity, every household member and staff. There are other critical supplies and items to consider that are beyond the WAC. A generator to supply power to your home and essential medical equipment such as: Hospital bed, Oxygen, Condensers, Water heaters, Charging phones and other electronic devices A charcoal bbq for cooking without power and as back up to a propane bbq A food and water supply sufficient for residents plus household members and caregivers Paper goods: plates, bowls, cups, plastic ware, TP, paper towels Disaster/emergency supply kit: flashlights, batteries, emergency blankets, radio, first aid kits, battery operated lanterns and candles Copies of residents contact information and MARs Extra blankets, hand and feet warmers, hats & scarves If your heating source is wood or propane make sure to have extra fuel during the colder months Extra water for toilets and cooking
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| | | | | | A Quick Tip for an Easier Call to the Council |
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| To help make your call as quick and efficient as possible, please have your license number ready. Remember, your license should be posted in your home, but it’s also helpful to keep it handy when you’re away—such as saved in your phone notes, a photo, or in your wallet. A little preparation goes a long way in helping us serve you smoothly and without delay. To serve you better, we’ve made a small change to how calls are handled. During certain times of the day—8–9AM, 12:30–1:00PM, and 4–5PM—your call may be answered by our professional answering service. This ensures you always reach a live voice, even when our team is working behind the scenes to gather information and resources on your behalf. |
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| | | A Simple Way to Boost Your Visibility |
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| Your Home Finder listing is often the very first impression families, providers, and partners have of your adult family home. Keeping it up to date is one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to showcase what makes your home special. To make it even easier, we’ve created a quick how-to video that walks you step by step through updating your listing. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how to refresh your details, highlight services, and ensure your contact information is current. Why does this matter? An updated listing helps: Taking a few minutes today to update your listing can make a big difference in how you’re seen tomorrow. Watch the video, follow the steps, and keep your Home Finder listing working for you! |
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| | | | Creating a Safer Home This Autumn |
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| September marks Fall Prevention Awareness Month, a timely reminder for adult family home providers that falls are not a normal part of aging and are often preventable. Each year, many residents experience falls, but with careful planning and awareness, the risk can be significantly reduced. Encourage residents to stay active with gentle exercises that improve strength and balance, review medications for side effects like dizziness, and ensure regular vision check-ups. In your home, pay attention to lighting, clear walkways, and small adjustments such as nightlights, secure rugs, and non-slip mats. Resources like the DSHS fall prevention programs offer guidance, tips, and checklists to support safety. Taking a few proactive steps this season helps create a safer environment for your residents, giving them greater independence and peace of mind while supporting your role as a caring, attentive provider. |
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| | | | Temporary Pause on Tuesday Training Updates Email |
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| We’re making some improvements! To better serve our providers, we are temporarily suspending Tuesday training updates while we redesign the content and layout. Our goal is to make the updates clearer, more helpful, and easier to use. In the meantime, you can stay up to date by checking our Friday newsletters, our Facebook page, or our Events page. The updated training updates will return after our Fall Conference in October. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing the new format with you soon! |
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| | | | AFHC Trainings and Events |
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| | | Stay Up-To-Date with Our Upcoming Events and Webinars! |
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| | | | | | | | | P: 1.360.754.3329 | F: 1.360.943.6653 | T: 1.888.439.8999 3309 Capitol Blvd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 |
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