Adult Foster Care Member vs. Caregiver: Understanding the Roles
Adult Foster Care brings together two distinct roles: the member, who receives approved daily support, and the caregiver, who provides that support in the shared home. Understanding the difference helps families evaluate eligibility and prepare for the application process.
Who Is the Adult Foster Care Member?
The member is the person receiving services. Under Massachusetts requirements, the potential member must generally be age 16 or older, live in Massachusetts, have an eligible MassHealth coverage type, and need daily physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one activity of daily living.
Activities of daily living may include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, or transferring. Eligibility is based on the person’s individual condition and functional needs, not simply a diagnosis. Learn more about how to qualify for Adult Foster Care.
Who Is the Caregiver?
The caregiver is the qualified adult who lives with the member and provides the approved daily assistance. A caregiver may be a family member, friend, or another qualified person, subject to program restrictions, screening, training, and provider approval.
- Must generally be age 18 or older
- Must live in the same qualified home as the member
- Must be able and willing to provide the required care
- Must complete required screening, references, health documentation, and training
- Cannot be the member’s spouse or court-appointed legal guardian
- Cannot be paid through the program to care for their own child under age 18
What Does the Caregiver Do?
The caregiver follows the member’s plan of care and assists with the approved daily needs. Depending on the individual, this may include hands-on help, cueing, supervision, safety monitoring, meal support, mobility assistance, personal care, and communication with the Adult Foster Care team.
The caregiver also participates in training, home visits, care-plan updates, and required documentation. The caregiver should promptly report meaningful changes in the member’s condition or living arrangement to the provider.
What Support Does the Provider Supply?
- Nursing oversight
- Care management
- Caregiver training and education
- Development and monitoring of the plan of care
- Guidance about program documentation and responsibilities
- Ongoing communication with the member and caregiver
Can the Caregiver Receive Payment?
Possibly. Through Mass Care Link, an approved caregiver may receive up to $1,520 per month, based on need and MassHealth approval. The amount is determined through assessment and authorization and is not guaranteed. Review how caregiver payments work.
Member and Caregiver Requirements Work Together
A household can move forward only when both sides of the arrangement meet program requirements. A person may have substantial care needs but still require an eligible caregiver and qualified living setting. Likewise, a willing caregiver cannot be approved unless the potential member meets the coverage, clinical, and authorization requirements.
Take the Next Step
Complete the Mass Care Link prequalification questions or call 866-880-8889. Our intake team can review the member, caregiver, coverage, living arrangement, and daily care needs.
This article provides general educational information. Eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, and authorization depend on current requirements and individual circumstances.