What is Adult Foster Care?

Adult home care or adult foster care offers an alternative to residential care for recipients, or members who require supervision or physical help with bathing, hygiene, walking, transferring, eating, or dressing.

IN THIS SECTION

Funded by MassHealth (Medicaid), Adult Foster Care allows a family member or friend to provide 24-hour care for qualified members in their own homes. Caregivers receive a tax-free payment for their services, to help with the burden of care. Adult Foster Care services through MassHealth could be the solution for adults unable to live on their own who would like to retain the dignity and freedom of living at home.

The Benefits:

Living at home allows members to stick to their routines and participate in their community. Personalized care is especially beneficial for those with evolving health conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease. Adult Foster Care costs less than nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and is often also less expensive than in-home personal care services. See how Adult Foster Care compares to other care options below:

Adult Foster Care with Mass Care Link

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

Living at home allows members to stick to their routines and participate in their community.

PERSONALIZED CARE

Especially beneficial for those with evolving health conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.

LOWER COST

Costs less than nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and is often less expensive than in-home personal care services.

24-HOUR CARE

By living with their caregivers, Adult Foster Care members can receive care around the clock.

Nursing Homes or Long-term Care Facilities

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Independent Living Communities

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Assisted Living or Community-based Homes

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Day Care and Day Programs

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Home Health Aid

FREEDOM TO LIVE AT HOME

PERSONALIZED CARE

LOWER COST

24-HOUR CARE

Who qualifies for financial assistance?

Are you considering becoming a caregiver or would like to apply for a monthly payment? Mass Care Link can help you determine your eligibility, complete the application process and more. Here are the requirements.

caring for a disabled child

Caregivers: Those who provide care

Adult Foster Care caregivers must meet certain requirements to be eligible to care for their family member or friend. The Adult Foster Care caregiver:

  • can be a member or non-family member of the person they are caring for
  • can NOT be a spouse, parent or guardian for the person they are caring for
  • can NOT be a parent or guardian for the child they are caring IF the child is under 18 years old
  • must be 18 years of age or older
  • must be able to pass Criminal Offender Record Information check
  • must have the ability to provide the medical care and physical assistance required to care for the potential member
  • must be able to provide references
  • must have a physical and TB test within the past 12 months

When your friend or loved one relies on you to help them get through their days and nights, you shouldn’t have to struggle to provide support. Learn how we help caregivers so they can keep helping.

mentally disabled teen care

Members: Those in need of care

To qualify for Adult Foster Care through Mass Care Link, members must also meet certain requirements. Applicants applying for home care at no cost:

  • must be a Massachusetts resident
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • must have a physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairment that leads them to require assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL): walking bathing, dressing, toileting or getting up from or down to a chair, couch, bed, toilet or bath
  • be unable to live alone due to their medical or mental condition
  • must have a friend or family member who can take care of them
  • must have MassHealth
  • must live with the caregiver or be willing to move in with the caregiver (not a spouse or legal guardian)

You deserve the freedom and comfort of living at home and being cared for by someone you know and trust.

Learn how we help adult foster care recipients, or members, like you get the care they deserve.

Questions?

Feel free to text us with questions, or visit our support center for information and insights. 

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