Adult Foster Care: Myth vs Fact
Are you considering taking care of a loved one at home? Are you curious about the Adult Foster Care program in Massachusetts and what benefits it can offer? Adult Foster Care (AFC) in Massachusetts is a state-funded program enabling seniors and adults with disabilities to receive care in a home setting, rather than a nursing facility. Common myths include that AFC is for low-income individuals only, requires nursing experience, or involves strangers, when it actually provides paid support for families and caregivers.
Below we outline:
- Common myths about Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts and the realities behind them
- Key facts about Adult Foster Care and resources where you can learn more
Common Myths About Massachusetts Adult Foster Care (AFC)
Myth: Adult Foster Care is related to the Massachusetts foster care program.
Reality: Adult foster care allows you to take care of a loved one or friend while living in the same home with support from Mass Heath. AFC provides a residential, home-like environment focusing on independence, privacy, and community living, rather than the 24/7 clinical supervision of a nursing home. Foster Care is a program through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families that provides safe, temporary homes for children if their parents or relatives are unable to provide the care they need..
Myth: Adult foster care is only for the elderly.
Reality: While many participants are older adults who can no longer care for themselves at home, the program is also open to teenagers over 16 years old with a cognitive or physical disability that causes them to require care.
Myth: Massachusetts Adult Foster Care is another name for full-time, third party residential care.
Reality: While the term adult foster care may have different meanings in other states, in Massachusetts it refers to a specific Mass Health program that allows some members who have difficulty caring for themselves to receive help from a friend or family member who lives with them (not a parent or spouse). AFC has many benefits over residential care facilities, such as the freedom to live at home, access to personalized care, and lower cost.
Myth: You have to be a stranger and a trained medical professional to be a caregiver.
Reality: To be a caregiver under the Massachusetts Adult Foster Care program, you must be a friend or family member (but not a spouse or legal guardian) of the person receiving care. Medical medical training is not required to be a caregiver in the Adult Foster Care program. Your care recipient will receive regular visits from a nurse and as caregiver, you will receive training and ongoing support from Mass Care Link.
Myth: It’s hard to apply and qualify for Adult Foster Care.
Reality: To qualify to receive care through the Massachusetts Adult Foster Care program, the recipient must:
- be a Massachusetts resident
- have MassHealth
- be at least 16 years old
- need help with at least least one activity of daily living (ADL)
- be unable to live alone due to their medical or mental condition
- have a friend or family member who can take care of them
- live with the caregiver or be willing to move in with the caregiver (not a spouse or legal guardian)
While the application process may seem overwhelming, it actually consists of just three parts: a medical examination, a home assessment, and the application paperwork. If you need help with any of these steps, Mass Care Link is here to assist you.
Myth: The participant must already live with the caregiver when applying for Adult Foster Care.
Reality: The program is flexible. In some cases, the caregiver moves in with the participant, but in others, the participant moves in with the caregiver, or they already live together.
Myth: Only people with very low income can qualify for adult foster care.
Reality: The eligibility requirement is based on the need for daily assistance with tasks and being on MassHealth, not exclusively on low income.
Myth: Adult Foster Care is too expensive.
Reality: The program is funded by MassHealth (Medicaid), making it a cost-effective alternative to, or delay of, expensive nursing home placement. Caregivers who qualify for Adult Foster Care even receive a monthly payment to help cover the expenses of taking care of their loved one at home. Mass Care Link can help caregivers access their monthly payment.
Key Facts About Massachusetts Adult Foster Care
- Caregiver Payment: Caregivers receive a stipend. Learn more about caregiver payments.
- Eligibility: Participants must be 16 or older, have MassHealth, and require daily physical assistance (ADLs). Find out if you qualify.
- Support Services: The program includes care management by nurses and care managers. See how Mass Care Link can support you through your AFC journey.
Do you care for a loved one at home? Mass Care Link can help you receive payment, support, training and more. Contact us today to get started.