How to Prepare to Become a Family Caregiver in Massachusetts

Updated on: August 27th, 2019 • Resource: Adult Foster Care, Caregivers, Elderly Home Care, Home Health Care, Mental Health

Becoming a family caregiver involves more than agreeing to help. A strong start requires understanding the person’s daily needs, organizing health information, preparing the home, building a backup plan, and learning what professional support may be available.

New family caregiver preparing to care for a loved one at home

Understand the Person’s Daily Needs

Begin by identifying where assistance is needed throughout a typical day. Consider bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, transferring, medication routines, appointments, communication, supervision, and safety. Document what the person can do independently and where hands-on help or cueing is necessary.

Organize Important Information

Current medical conditions and diagnoses
Medication list and prescribing providers
Primary care and specialist contact information
Insurance cards and MassHealth coverage information
Emergency contacts
Allergies, dietary needs, mobility equipment, and communication preferences

Keep information secure and share it only with appropriate individuals and providers involved in the person’s care.

Prepare the Home for Safety

Walk through the home with the person’s needs in mind. Remove trip hazards, improve lighting, keep frequently used items accessible, check bathroom safety, and confirm that mobility equipment can be used properly. A formal program may require a qualified-setting assessment before services begin.

Create a Reliable Daily Routine

A predictable routine can make caregiving easier for both people. Include meals, personal care, medications, rest, activities, appointments, and time for the caregiver’s own needs. The routine should remain flexible enough to respond to changes in health or behavior.

Identify Backup Support

Caregivers need a plan for illness, appointments, emergencies, and time away. Identify trusted people who may be able to assist, understand the limits of their role, and keep emergency information current. Do not wait for a crisis to determine who can help.

Learn the Difference Between Family Help and a Formal Program

Providing care at home does not automatically enroll a family in Adult Foster Care or create eligibility for caregiver payment. A formal program requires coverage verification, assessment, an eligible living arrangement and caregiver relationship, provider approval, and MassHealth authorization.

Could Adult Foster Care Apply?

Adult Foster Care may be an option when a person age 16 or older has eligible MassHealth coverage, lives with a qualified caregiver, and needs daily physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one activity of daily living. A spouse or court-appointed legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver, and a parent cannot be paid through the program to care for a child under age 18.

Review how to qualify for Adult Foster Care and what an Adult Foster Care caregiver does.

Ask for Support Early

Family caregivers do not have to organize everything alone. Healthcare providers, local community resources, and appropriate home-care programs may help families understand needs and available services.

Take the Next Step

If you already live with and provide daily care for a loved one, complete Mass Care Link’s quick prequalification questions or call 866-880-8889.

This article provides general educational information. Eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, and authorization depend on current requirements and individual circumstances.