Adult Foster Care, or AFC, is a Massachusetts state program designed for individuals who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. Through this program, caregivers—often family members or close friends—provide essential, hands-on care to eligible adults in a home environment. The best part? Caregivers receive a tax-free stipend and can benefit from the reduced costs of shared living!
Patients must meet several criteria. They must be 16 years of age or older and require daily assistance with one or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or mobility, due to a medical or disabling condition. Additionally, they must live with an approved caregiver who is not their spouse or legal guardian. Patients must also be eligible for MassHealth (Medicaid) or be able to pay privately for AFC services. These criteria ensure that patients receive the necessary care and support in a home setting.
A caregiver must be at least 18 years old and reside in the same household as the participant to provide daily care and supervision. While caregivers can be relatives, such as a sibling or adult child, they cannot be the legal guardian of a minor or spouse of the participant.
The caregiver must be physically and mentally capable of assisting with activities of daily living, which includes tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Additionally, they are required to complete training provided by the AFC agency, covering essential topics such as personal care, safety, emergency procedures, and documentation.
A crucial part of the eligibility process involves passing a criminal background check (CORI). Caregivers must also demonstrate a willingness to actively participate in creating and implementing a personalized care plan for the participant, working closely with the AFC agency. In some cases, caregivers may need to undergo a health screening to ensure they are fit to fulfill their caregiving duties. These requirements are designed to ensure that caregivers are fully prepared and capable of providing the necessary support and supervision to individuals enrolled in the AFC program.
As an AFC caregiver, you are required to live in the residence of the patient you care for.