This program provides 24-hour family living for elderly persons and disabled adults who due to frailty, chronic illness or advanced age can no longer safely live alone. As an option to nursing homes or other forms of institutional care, Adult Family Care (AFC) helps those who require assistance but wish to continue living in a community-based setting.
Adult Family Care is funded in part by the Division of Medical Assistance / MassHealth. Service is also available on a private pay basis.
What is Adult Family Care? It is an Option to Living Alone.
The concept was developed more than 25 years ago to provide family living for adults who, because of illness, frailty or advanced age can no longer safely live alone. This program serves diverse populations of all ages dealing with medical or psychiatric disabilities. It is designed for people who do not need the continuous supervision provided by institutional care. It is for those who could successfully reside with another individual or family.
Who Is Eligible?
Any adult who is on Standard MassHealth and who has a medical or psycho/social need requiring assistance with their health care management in order to live in the community may be eligible. Participants must not have any open court cases. We carefully check past backgrounds of both participants and caregivers. Personal motivation of the applicant for family care is essential. Family members may care for loved ones as long as the caregiver is not the spouse or legal guardian of the participant.
How Does It Work?
Anyone interested in becoming either a participant or caregiver may refer themselves. Participants are carefully matched to families on the basis of common interests, location, physical suitability of the home and the ability of the host family to provide the required care. A professional team of a registered nurse and case manager assesses the interested client and caregiver. Once a match is considered, interested parties spend time with one another on three separate occasions. After several visits, if both parties are willing, the client will move in with the caregiver.
What Happens Now?
Prior to move-in date, a care plan will be developed with the help of both the caregiver and participant. Weekly visits by the professional staff will take place during the first 5 weeks to ascertain that the medical/psycho/social care plan is implemented. Thereafter, client and caregiver will be visited by either the RN or the case manager on a monthly basis. A staff member is on call 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Additional training and support for both caregiver and participant is provided.
What is the Cost?
Participants must be on Standard MassHealth. At present, they contribute $15 per day (which may increase due to the cost of living) and the caregivers are paid a daily, tax-free stipend from MassHealth.
Do you know a person who needs a Home and is at Risk of Living On Their Own?
• Who is not safely able to live alone?
• Who needs companionship?
• Who would like to be part of a family?
Please call us to:
• To obtain more information
• To become a participant
• To provide a caregiver home
508-677-3822 or toll free at 1-800-253-6427 (Anne McGuirk ext. 3117 or Susan Prevost ext. 3518)
