What is Adult Foster Care?
Adult Foster Care (AFC) is
a MassHealth funded initiative that provides supported community-based, family
living to older adults and individuals with disabilities who cannot safely live
alone. To be considered eligible for the program, the potential member must
have a chronic medical condition that supports the need for physical assistance
or cuing and supervision with their activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs
include but is not limited to bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers,
ambulation, and eating.
AFC members live with
trained, paid caregivers who assist with their ADLs. Each member is assigned a
care team that consists of a Registered Nurse (RN) and a case manager that
provides clinical oversight for the member as well as supports the caregiver
and family.
Adult Foster Care has 2
Levels:
Level 1 – A level 1 member requires cueing
or supervision to complete at least one activity of daily living.
Level II – A level ll
member requires hands-on physical assistance with at least three
ADLs or hands-on (physical) assistance with at least two of the ADLs and
intervention for behavior management.
The AFC Program is a
viable community-based option for individuals who wish to remain in the
community with support from caregivers. The program provides financial
assistance to the caregivers, caregiver supports, and clinical oversight from a
Registered Nurse and Case Manager.
To qualify for AFC an individual must be:
eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth or willing to private pay. 16 years of age or older. Unable to live alone due to a medical, physical, cognitive, or mental condition. in need of daily assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADL) - bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, ambulation or transferring. willing to live with a caregiver. 1referred to AFC by their Primary Physician. willing to live with a caregiver.To serve as an AFC caregiver, you must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years of age. Live with or currently care for a family member or friend in your home. Must be able to provide supervision or physical assistance with at least one of the member’s ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, ambulation or transferring). Approved by Community First AFC through a review of CORI check, references, and interview.
Program Benefits:
Freedom to live at home. 24-Hour Personalized Care that is less expensive than an assisted living or nursing facility Monthly tax-free caregiver stipend