Define exactly which residents your AFH is prepared to serve
Resident marketing works better when your home has a clear service profile. Document your licensed capacity, room availability, accessibility, staffing, accepted payment types, specialty training, care capabilities and any limits before you advertise a vacancy.
Medicaid contracting and case-management relationships can create referral channels
For state-funded residents, DSHS Home and Community Services performs eligibility and functional assessment work and assists with referrals identified in the service plan. A licensed AFH that wants to be paid through Medicaid needs the appropriate Medicaid contract and ProviderOne setup.
DSHS also maintains resources for residential settings and case-management staff. Keep your vacancy and service information accurate so referral partners know when your home may be a fit.
DSHS — Apply for an AFH Medicaid Contract ↗Make it easy for care teams to understand your home
Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home-health teams, case managers, social workers and placement professionals may all encounter adults who need residential care. Build ethical professional relationships and provide a concise vacancy profile with:
- Location and room availability.
- Private/shared room details and accessibility.
- Care strengths and specialty training.
- Payment types accepted.
- Contact method and response hours.
- Current licensing information.
Do not send protected health information through insecure marketing channels. Detailed resident information should be exchanged only through appropriate, authorized processes.
Families need to find and trust you online
For private-pay residents, a clear website and accurate online business presence can matter as much as referral relationships. Use current photos, explain the type of care you provide, describe the neighborhood and home environment, and make the inquiry process simple.
Respond quickly to calls and messages, but avoid promising admission until you have completed the required assessment and confirmed that the home can safely meet the prospective resident’s needs.
Treat every vacancy like a small intake pipeline
- Publish accurate room availability.
- Record where each inquiry came from.
- Screen for broad fit before requesting extensive records.
- Coordinate assessment and care-needs review.
- Confirm payment source and required contracts.
- Document follow-up and next steps.
- Update vacancy status immediately when a room is no longer available.
Frequently asked questions
How do Adult Family Homes get Medicaid residents in Washington?
A licensed AFH generally needs the appropriate Medicaid contract to be paid for Medicaid-funded services. Home and Community Services and other DSHS case-management systems can assist with referrals based on assessed needs and service plans.
Where should I advertise an AFH vacancy?
Use multiple compliant channels: current DSHS/case-management referral systems when contracted, professional referral relationships, your website and appropriate local/community marketing. Keep availability and services accurate.
Should I accept every resident inquiry when I have an empty room?
No. Admission decisions should be based on whether the home can safely meet the person’s assessed needs within the home’s license, staffing, training and service capabilities.
What information should I give referral partners?
Provide concise, current information about location, available rooms, accessibility, care strengths, accepted payment sources, specialty qualifications and how to contact you. Avoid sharing resident protected health information through ordinary marketing channels.