Finding the right Adult Family Home for your loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. In Pierce County, Washington, families navigate this process with the help of DDA case managers — but understanding the steps yourself can make the journey much smoother.
Step 1: Connect with DDA
If your loved one isn’t already enrolled with Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), that’s the first step. DDA determines eligibility and assigns a case manager or support coordinator who helps identify appropriate placement options, including Adult Family Homes.
Step 2: Define Your Priorities
Before touring homes, sit down as a family and identify what matters most. Consider:
- Location — proximity to family and familiar community
- Caregiver qualifications and training (ABA, nursing, behavioral support)
- Resident-to-caregiver ratio
- Communication style and family involvement
- Cultural fit and home environment
- Availability of activities and community integration
Step 3: Tour Multiple Homes
Never choose a home without visiting in person. During a tour, pay attention to how the staff interacts with current residents, whether the space feels like a home rather than a facility, and whether your questions are answered openly and honestly.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Key questions to ask during any AFH tour:
- What is your caregiver’s training and certification background?
- How do you handle behavioral challenges?
- How often do you communicate with families?
- What does a typical daily routine look like?
- Are you DDA-certified and in good standing?
Step 5: Review the Individual Care Plan
A quality AFH will work with you and your DDA case manager to develop an individualized care plan aligned with your loved one’s goals and needs. Be cautious of homes that offer generic, one-size-fits-all care.
Schedule a Tour at Avenue Home
Avenue Home is a DDA-certified Adult Family Home in Puyallup, WA, specializing in ABA-informed care for adults with developmental disabilities. We welcome families to visit, ask questions, and see our home for themselves. We currently have an opening available.
Contact us today to schedule a tour, or call 253-348-6004 to speak with our care team directly.
