Compassionate Care in a Loving Home

Overview of the Adult Foster Care Program

Through the Massachusetts Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program, program participants reside in a private home (an adult foster care home) with a caregiver who provides around-the-clock supervision, personal care assistance, and homemaker services. This program is intended for state residents who require assistance due to an inability to independently complete their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, mobility, and toileting. While a program participant can be as young as 16, this program is particularly relevant to seniors, as physical limitations due to the natural process of aging, medical conditions, and cognitive issues, such as those commonly seen in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, can be a cause for needed assistance.

The live-in caregiver, who must be 18+ years old, maybe a close friend or a family member. This includes an adult child, grandchild, niece / nephew, or sibling, but unfortunately, does not include a spouse or a person legally responsible for the care recipient. Caregivers are employed and paid by Adult Foster Care providers that are contracted by MassHealth. Up to three program participants can reside in an adult foster care home.

The home in which the program participant resides must be a private home. The live-in caregiver may move into the home of the program participant, or the program participant can live in the caregiver’s home. An AFC program participant cannot reside in a rest home, an assisted living residence, or a group home. However, there is another MassHealth program, the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) Program, which allows program participants to reside in assisted living residences.

The AFC program is an entitlement, which means meeting the state’s Medicaid eligibility requirements guarantees one will receive benefits. This means the state does not limit the number of persons who can receive adult foster care services.

The Adult Foster Care Program may also be called the Adult Family Care Program. It is a long-term service and support that is offered under Massachusetts’s Regular State Plan Medicaid program. The Medicaid Program in MA is called MassHealth.

Benefits of the Adult Foster Care Program

Benefits available via the AFC Program are as follows:

24-Hour Supervision
Caregiver Training – initial and continuing
Care Management
Companionship
Nursing Oversight – provided by a registered nurse
Bathing – includes grooming and personal hygiene
Dressing / Undressing
Eating
Housekeeping
Laundry
Meal Preparation / Clean Up
Maintenance of Wheelchairs and Adaptive Equipment
Medication Management – includes assistance with paperwork to receive prescribed medications
Mobility
Shopping for Essentials
Toileting
Transferring
Transportation – to appointments.

Eligibility Requirements for MassHealth Adult Foster Care Program

The AFC program is for MA state residents who are 16+ years old and cannot live alone due to a condition that prohibits them from independently completing their Activities of Daily Living. The condition may be medical or mental in nature. Additional eligibility criteria are as follows, and the program is only relevant for seniors 65+ years of age.

Contact us today at 508-630-4514 to learn more about your eligibility for AFC, and let’s start your journey towards exceptional AFC in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines adult foster care, and who is it designed for?

Adult foster care is a community-based service that offers a family-style living environment for adults who need daily supervision or assistance with daily activities. Unlike traditional assisted living, this service is often provided in a home setting with a limited number of residents, which fosters close personal relationships and a homelike atmosphere. It is ideal for seniors or adults with disabilities who do not require intensive medical care but benefit from a supportive environment.

How does adult foster care differ from other senior living arrangements?

Adult foster care is distinct in its emphasis on a more intimate, home-like atmosphere compared to larger assisted living facilities. With fewer residents and personalized attention from caregivers, this model supports a family-oriented approach where social interactions and individualized care are prioritized.

What types of daily assistance are provided in adult foster care environments?

In adult foster care settings, residents receive help with various daily tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication management. The caregivers are dedicated to meeting each resident’s individual needs, ensuring that they maintain a sense of routine and independence while receiving the necessary support.

What considerations are made for social interaction and community within adult foster care?

Adult foster care environments are built around the idea of community living. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities, social gatherings, and community outings, which help foster social connections and reduce feelings of isolation.

How is the quality of care maintained in an adult foster care setting?

Quality in adult foster care is maintained through ongoing staff training, regular health assessments, and an individualized approach to care planning. Caregivers develop personalized plans that are regularly reviewed and adjusted according to each resident’s changing needs.

Find Compassionate Care Here
Discover compassionate, personalized care that feels like family with us. Contact us today to learn how we can support your loved one’s independence and well-being at home.