GUIDE · MICHIGAN CARE TYPES
AFC home vs home for the aged vs assisted living in Michigan
Discharge planners, case managers and families in Michigan meet three names again and again: adult foster care (AFC), home for the aged (HFA) and assisted living (ALF). Here is how they differ and what to check before a placement.
Adult foster care (AFC) homes
AFC homes are licensed by the State of Michigan to give adults room, board, supervision and help with personal care. Michigan licenses several sizes: family homes (six or fewer residents, where the licensee lives in the home), small group homes (up to 12 residents) and large group homes (13 to 20 residents). Many AFC homes serve older adults who need hands-on help, including 2-person assistance, memory care or hospice support, in a small, home-like setting.
Homes for the aged (HFA)
A home for the aged is a separate Michigan license for facilities that provide room, board and supervised personal care to older adults, generally in a larger building with more residents than an AFC home. Many larger communities that market themselves as assisted living hold an HFA license.
Assisted living facilities (ALF)
In Michigan, "assisted living" describes a style of care rather than a single license. An assisted living community is usually licensed as an AFC home or a home for the aged. Some independent living buildings offer assisted living services through a licensed home care agency instead. Always ask for the license type and number.
What discharge planners check before a placement
- License type, number and status, checked on the State of Michigan (LARA) website.
- An open bed in the right room type (private, female or male semi-private).
- Care level: 1-person or 2-person assist, bed-bound, bariatric, wound care, PEG / feeding tube, tracheostomy, Geri-Psych.
- Hospice acceptance and whether the home takes respite stays.
- Monthly price, community fee and care level packages, and how the family will pay.
- Distance from the family, and how quickly the home can complete an assessment.
ElderlyPath shows all of these on every listing. See how it works for discharge planners →
Common questions
What is an AFC home in Michigan?
An adult foster care (AFC) home is a residence licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA) that provides room, board, supervision and personal care to adults who need help with daily living. Many are small, home-like settings with a handful of residents.
What is a home for the aged (HFA)?
A home for the aged is a Michigan-licensed facility that provides room, board and supervised personal care to older adults, usually in a larger building than an AFC home.
Is assisted living a license type in Michigan?
Not by itself. In Michigan, "assisted living" is a description of the service. Communities that call themselves assisted living are usually licensed as an AFC home or a home for the aged, so check the license type and number.
How can I check a home's license?
Look up the license number on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website. ElderlyPath shows the license number and status that each home reports, with a link to the state record when available.
This guide is general information, not legal or licensing advice. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).