Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts is a MassHealth-funded program that allows eligible people age 16 or older who need daily assistance to receive care at home from a qualified family member or friend. Mass Care Link helps families understand adult foster care eligibility, complete the MassHealth enrollment process, coordinate nursing and care management services, and receive ongoing caregiver support. Approved caregivers may receive a monthly payment based on the member’s assessed needs and MassHealth authorization. Learn more about how much family caregivers get paid in Massachusetts.
Benefits of Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts
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 May Qualify for Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts?
Eligibility is determined through the application and assessment process and requires MassHealth approval. Generally, the person receiving care must be age 16 or older, live in Massachusetts, have eligible MassHealth coverage, live with an approved caregiver, and need daily physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one activity of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, or transferring. The caregiver must be age 18 or older, live in the same home, be able to provide the required care, and complete required screening and health documentation. A spouse or court-appointed legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver. A parent cannot be paid through the program to care for their child under age 18.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts
Can I get paid to care for my parent in Massachusetts?
Possibly. An adult child may be approved as the caregiver when the family meets MassHealth requirements, lives with the person receiving care, and provides qualifying daily assistance. Eligibility and payment require assessment and MassHealth approval.
Does the caregiver need to live with the person receiving care?
Yes. The caregiver and the person receiving care must live in the same qualified setting. They may already live together, or one may move into the other’s home before services begin.
What MassHealth coverage is required?
The person receiving care generally needs an eligible MassHealth coverage type, such as MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth. Mass Care Link can help verify coverage during intake.
What daily care needs may qualify?
The person must need daily physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one activity of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, or transferring.
Can a spouse or legal guardian become the paid caregiver?
No. A spouse or court-appointed legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver under Massachusetts Adult Foster Care regulations.
Can a parent get paid to care for an adult child?
A parent may be considered as the caregiver for a child who is age 18 or older when all other program requirements are met. A parent cannot be paid through the program to care for a child under age 18.
How much can a family caregiver receive?
Caregivers may receive up to $1,520 per month, based on the member’s needs and MassHealth approval. The actual amount is determined through the assessment and authorization process.
How do I apply through Mass Care Link?
Start by contacting Mass Care Link or completing the online pre-qualification process. Our intake team will review MassHealth coverage, the living arrangement, care needs, and caregiver relationship, then guide the family through the next steps.
Explore More Caregiver Resources
Learn more about caregiver roles and responsibilities, choosing a home care provider, Adult Foster Care for adults with autism, and common MassHealth questions. Families can also review our guides to caregiver payments in Massachusetts and caring for a disabled adult child.