Benefits of Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts for Families
Adult Foster Care helps eligible Massachusetts residents receive daily assistance in a qualified home setting instead of moving into institutional care. The program combines support from a live-in caregiver with professional nursing oversight, care management, training, and ongoing guidance.
1. Remaining at Home
Many people prefer to remain in a familiar home where they can maintain routines, relationships, and community connections. Adult Foster Care supports eligible members in a shared household with a qualified caregiver who understands their daily needs.
2. Care From Someone the Member Knows
A qualified family member, friend, or other approved adult may serve as the caregiver. The caregiver must meet program requirements, live with the member, complete required screening and training, and be able to provide the approved assistance. Spouses and court-appointed legal guardians cannot be paid caregivers.
3. Personalized Daily Assistance
The member’s plan of care reflects their assessed needs. Assistance may include hands-on help or cueing and supervision with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, transferring, and other approved daily needs.
4. Nursing Oversight
The provider’s nursing team helps evaluate needs, supports the care plan, monitors relevant changes, and provides caregiver education. Adult Foster Care is not a replacement for emergency or specialty medical care, but nursing oversight gives families an additional professional resource.
5. Care Management and Coordination
Care managers support the member and caregiver, help coordinate program requirements, participate in home visits, and provide guidance when circumstances change. This ongoing relationship can make the caregiving experience more organized and less isolating.
6. Caregiver Training and Support
Caregivers receive training related to the member’s condition, safety, care plan, documentation, and program responsibilities. They also have access to the provider team for appropriate questions and guidance.
7. Financial Support for an Approved Caregiver
Through Mass Care Link, an approved caregiver may receive up to $1,520 per month, based on need and MassHealth approval. Payment is not automatic and is determined through the assessment and authorization process. Learn more about family caregiver payments in Massachusetts.
8. Support for Family Continuity
When appropriate and safe, home-based care can help families remain together while recognizing the caregiver’s substantial daily responsibilities. Members can continue participating in household and community life with individualized support.
Who May Qualify?
The potential member must generally be age 16 or older, live in Massachusetts, have an eligible MassHealth coverage type, live with a qualified caregiver, and need daily physical assistance or cueing and supervision with at least one activity of daily living. Eligibility requires assessment and MassHealth authorization.
Review the complete Adult Foster Care eligibility requirements.
Take the Next Step
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.