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ABOUT

ADULT FOSTER CARE

Adult Foster Care (AFC) allows individuals who are unable to live alone due to chronic illness, physical and/or mental disabilities, or advanced age to stay in their home or the home of a qualified caregiver in order to maximize their life. It is an alternative to nursing homes, assisted living placements, or residential care. Caregivers provide support with activities of daily living, in-home supervision, and companionship.

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ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for AFC services, you must receive MassHealth (either Standard or CommonHealth), be at least 16 years old, and services must be ordered by a physician. You must also require supervision, cueing, or physical assistance with one of more activities of daily living (ADLs) and/or daily management of behaviors. ADLs include:

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  • Ambulation

  • Eating/feeding

  • Dressing/undressing

  • Bathing

  • Toileting

  • Transferring

SERVICES

In addition to providing support with activities of daily living and management of behaviors, the AFC program offers assistance with resources, connections to community programs, and support so that members can live safe, happy, and fulfilled lives. Staff also coordinate other services such as Adult Day Health, VNA, and hospice services as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

AFC participants live with their caregivers. Caregivers can be parents, siblings, or non-family adults, ages 18 and older, who can provide 24/7 care in a qualified home setting. Caregivers may not be guardians or the spouse of the AFC participant, and they must complete a comprehensive application process, including a CORI and SORI check, RMV check, medical clearance, and home evaluation.

Caregivers are responsible for completing the following:

  • Daily caregiver logs

  • Monthly online trainings

  • Monthly visits from a RN and Case Manager

  • Bi-Annual fire drills with the member

COMPENSATION

Caregivers receive a monthly, tax-free stipend for the care they provide. Caregivers are also eligible for 14 days of paid vacation per year. Upon entry to the program, alternative caregivers should be identified. The same qualifications apply for the alternate caregiver, who can fill in for the primary caregiver when needed. 

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