Who Can Participate in Adult Foster Care?
To be eligible for the AFC program in Massachusetts, the following criteria must be met:
1. Massachusetts Residency & Insurance Requirements
- State Resident: You must be a resident of Massachusetts.
- Insurance Coverage: Eligible participants must have either MassHealth (Medicaid) or be enrolled in a qualifying MassHealth-managed care plan.
2. Functional Needs for Daily Living Assistance
You must require daily assistance with at least one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:
- Personal Hygiene: Bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Dressing: Upper and lower body
- Mobility: Moving around safely within the home and out in the community
- Eating: Assistance with meal preparation and feeding
- Toileting: Help with bathroom needs, including continence care
This need must be ongoing and not just occasional.
3. Medical Necessity
Your medical provider must confirm that the need for AFC services is essential. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Impaired mobility
- Pain
- Poor Balance
- Physical disabilities that limit independent living
- Cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Chronic illnesses requiring ongoing support
4. A Stable Home Environment
- Supportive Home Setting: The home where care is provided must be safe, stable, and supportive.
- Caregiver Availability: A live-in caregiver must be present to provide the needed care and support. This caregiver can be a family member (excluding spouses) or someone outside the family who meets program requirements.
No prior professional caregiving experience is required! Once you’re approved, AFC programs offer training and ongoing support to help you succeed in your caregiving role. You’ll be guided through the essentials of personal care, medication management, and emergency preparedness.
Caregiver Eligibility
Who is Eligible to be a Caregiver?
Adult Foster Care programs in Massachusetts are designed to support caregivers who provide care to adults unable to live independently. To be eligible as a caregiver, you must:
- Be 18 Years or Older
You need to be an adult yourself, ready and responsible to take on the duties of caregiving. - Live with the Person You Care For
AFC caregivers must reside in the same home as the person they are caring for. This ensures constant, around-the-clock support. - Be Able to Provide Care
You’ll need to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include tasks like dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility support. It’s essential that you are physically and mentally capable of providing this care. - Not Be the Spouse or Legal Guardian of the Care Recipient
While family members are often the caregivers, spouses and legal guardians are not eligible for AFC programs. This policy helps ensure fairness and access for others who can provide care. - Have the Time and Commitment for Full-Time Care
Caregiving is a significant responsibility. AFC caregivers must commit to providing ongoing daily care, which can be a full-time job. - Pass a Background Check
To ensure the safety of all program participants, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive background check.
Benefits for Caregivers
Becoming an AFC caregiver means you won’t just be making a difference—you’ll also receive financial support. Caregivers are eligible for a tax-free stipend to help with the time and energy they invest. This compensation can vary depending on the level of care needed but is a valuable benefit that recognizes your hard work.
