Are you or someone you know an adult living with a disability or over the age of 65? Are you looking for a caring home where you, or a loved one, can live and feel safe, supported, and part of a family?
If so, an Alternate Family Living Arrangement, sometimes known as an AFLA, may be a good option.
What is an Alternate Family Living Arrangement?
An Alternate Family Living Arrangement is a supportive living option for adults who need help with daily tasks and supervision. In this type of arrangement, you’ll live in someone else’s home. They could help you with things like cooking meals, daily routines, and getting around the community. You'll have a safe and caring place to live; with the support you need to be comfortable and as independent as possible.
This type of arrangement is available through the Disability Support (DSP) and Long Term Care (LTC) Programs.
Choosing a supportive home
Most Alternate Family Living Arrangements start from relationships you already have. Consider people in your extended family, friends, neighbours, or others in your community who may be able to offer the care and support you need.
If you live in Moncton, Moncton Community Residences Incorporated (MCRI) may be able to help by connecting adults with providers. Learn more on their alternative family living arrangement page.
In an Alternate Family Living Arrangement, the person/people you live with will support you in daily life, and help you build new skills, grow your independence, and stay connected to the community. The level of support they provide depends on your individual needs.
Does the service cost money?
If you live in an Alternate Family Living Arrangement, you will help pay for basic living expenses like rent, food, clothing and personal items. If you do not have an income, you will need to apply for Social Assistance to help with these costs.
Who qualifies?
Who can live in an Alternate Family Living Arrangement?
An Alternate Family Living Arrangement may a good fit if you are:
- 19 years old or older.
- Receiving support through the Disability Support or Long Term Care program.
- Able to identify and live with a person (or people) in the community who can support your care needs.
- Willing to participate in the creation of a support plan (to the best of your ability).
Who can provide care in an Alternate Family Living Arrangement?
Caring for someone through an Alternate Family Living Arrangement can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s important for possible providers to think about whether this long-term commitment is right for them.
An Alternate Family Living Arrangement may be a good fit for those who:
- Are not an *immediate family member of the person they would be caring for.
- Can provide the care, support, and supervision outlined in the individual’s support plan.
- Are prepared to include the individual in their daily life, such as sharing meals, celebrating holidays, going on vacations, and participating in activities together.
- Have a safe, clean home with a private, furnished bedroom.
- Have house or tenant’s insurance to cover personal belongings in case of theft, fire, vandalism, or other events.
- Are prepared to provide personal, financial, and medical information about themselves as part of the application process and are willing to obtain a:
- Criminal record check with the Vulnerable Sector Record Check (for all adults 19 years of age or older living in the household). This is a special kind of background check done by the police to make sure that people who want certain jobs or responsibilities are safe and trustworthy.
- Social Development record check which will allow the department to check their records to see if an individual was involved or mentioned in any reported, investigated, or confirmed cases of abuse/neglect involving a child, youth, senior, or person with a disability.
- Live in a home that is their principal residence.
- Are not receiving supports from the Long Term Care or Disability Support Program.
- Will support communication and visits with the individual’s natural family.
Please note, providers can support up to two individuals under this type of arrangement. If caring for more than two people, a home would need to be a licensed special care home and meet additional requirements.
Who is considered *immediate family?
In an Alternate Family Living Arrangement, the person providing care in their home cannot be immediate family. Immediate family includes:
- A brother or sister
- A child or grandchild
- A parent or grandparent
- The spouse/common-law partner of a brother, sister, child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent
- A spouse/common-law partner
Are care providers paid?
The person/people providing care in their home is/are paid based on the level of care and support needed. This amount is determined by a social worker and included in a Disability Support Program or Long Term Care Program support plan, which may also include other supports.
How do I apply
- If you, or an adult you care for, are part of the Department of Social Development’s Disability Support or Long Term Care Program, talk to your social worker about whether an Alternate Family Living Arrangement is a good fit. Your social worker will:
- Assess your needs.
- Guide you through the process.
If you’re not sure who your social worker is, contact Social Development at 1-833-733-7835, Monday to Friday, between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- If you, or an adult you care for, are NOT part of the Disability Support or Long Term Care program, you can apply to have your care needs assessed. If you qualify, a social worker will:
- Help you explore your options, including Alternate Family Living Arrangements.
- Support you in taking the next steps.
You can find all the details you need, including how to apply online or by phone, on the following pages:
- Disability Support Program (for adults 19-64)
- Long Term Care Program (for adults 65 or older)
What do I need to apply?
If after speaking with your social worker through the Disability Support or Long Term Care program, it looks like an Alternate Family Living Arrangement may be a good fit, you will be asked to:
- Provide the contact information for the person or family offering the Alternate Family Living Arrangement, and
- Work with your social worker who will support you in taking the next steps.
