Adult Family Care

Adult Family Care (AFC) provides a supportive family environment for people who need assistance living successfully in the Greater Boston area. AFC staff matches potential Participants with Host Caregivers who open their homes and provide care which prevents or delays institutional care. AFC staff also provides ongoing support and training to Participants and Host Caregivers, and monitors the Participants' medical conditions.

Who can be a Participant?

Participants are people living with a variety of medical diagnoses who need help with activities of daily living. Participants range from frail elders who receive assistance from family members to younger adults involved with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Some Participants work; some attend Adult Day Health programs.

Eligibility: Individuals 16 or older who have a chronic medical diagnosis that requires assistance with at least one activity of daily living per day (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, and ambulating). MassHealth Participants are eligible for five days a week of Adult Day Health.

Fee: MassHealth Participants pay only room and board charges (approx $400 per month), all other services are paid for by MassHealth. Private pay options are available for participants who are not on MassHealth.

Who can be a Host Caregiver?

Host Caregivers may be any individual including a friend or family member of the Participant (excluding spouses or legally responsible adults).

Host Caregivers are thoroughly screened; including interviews, home assessments, three references, and a criminal history check. They also undergo an assessment process to ensure the best possible match with a potential Participant. Host Caregivers can have up to three AFC Participants in their home.

Payment: Host Caregivers are paid monthly by MassHealth and receive room and board reimbursement. Depending upon the Participant's level of need, a Host Caregiver can receive up to $18,000 per year in Tax-Free income.

AFC Staff

The AFC staff consists of a Program Director; Registered Nurses who visit every 60 days to monitor medical conditions, treatments, and vital signs; and Social Workers who visit at least every 60 days to monitor the quality of the placement, and to provide support and crisis intervention as needed. AFC staff coordinate with the Participant's other providers (DDS, DMH, physicians).

Since the AFC program is part of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, a back-up nurse and social worker are also available as well as 24-hour emergency beeper coverage.

Services

• Host Caregivers provide and Participants receive the following:
• A supportive family environment with a private bedroom
• Meals prepared for the Participant and eaten with the Host Caregiver
• Assistance with medication reminders and daily personal care needs
• Assistance with transportation to medical and social appointments
• Possibly other services, depending on the Participant's needs