Adult Family Care (AFC)
A Medicaid/MassHealth funded program, Adult Family Care pays family and non-family caregivers for their care of eligible adults with physical, cognitive, or medical disabilities.
AFC is a residential option for individuals who cannot safely live alone, but don’t require the level of support that is typical of group residences.
Adult Family Care, also known as Adult Foster Care, operates from the premise that individuals thrive and grow to meet their maximum potential for independent, fulfilled lives when they have strong, ongoing personal relationships, access to community activities and individualized care that matches their unique needs and capabilities.
In 2007, regulations changed so that individuals who qualify for the Adult Family Care program may remain at home with their family members who provide, in the privacy and comfort of their home, everyday care and support.
Other AFC adults may choose to move into the home of a host family.
“I like living in a home with a family, I was living in a nursing home and this is much better. I can eat when I want to, I have more freedom to do the things I like and have become a part of my community.”
“AFC is a wonderful program, I work in long term care and I see just how this program enhances the lives of the participants and caregivers. AFC has been a valuable addition to my life, my family, and Bill’s life.”
Bill’s caregiver
FAQ for Caregivers and Individuals
What are the basics?
A Medicaid/MassHealth funded program, Adult Family Care pays family and non-family caregivers for their care of eligible adults with physical, cognitive, or medical disabilities.
Individuals aged 16 or over are eligible to apply for Adult Family Care if they have or are eligible for MassHealth and have a medical, physical, or cognitive disability. They must require daily physical assistance, prompting or supervision to successfully complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Caregivers receive a monthly, tax-exempt stipend in addition to a room-and-board payment from the individual’s benefits.
Hours of Operation: Offices open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; member services available 24/7
Locations: Offices at 220 Brookdale Dr., Springfield, MA 01104; 75 South Church Street, Suite 402, Pittsfield, MA 01301
Referral Sources: Referrals come from public agencies, physicians, nursing homes, and private parties.
What do individuals need for eligibility?
For individuals to be considered, they must
- be at least 16 years of age
- be covered by MassHealth Standard or MassHealth CommonHealth
- have a medical or cognitive disability that requires daily supervision or physical assistance with at least one of the following:
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Ambulating
- Transferring
- Eating
- Dressing
A nurse and social worker completes a detailed inquiry and assessment of the individual’s needs and capabilities. A physician completes a Patient Summary and makes a recommendation for Adult Family Care. A third-party administrator determines eligibility.
What do caregivers need for eligibility?
Approved caregivers may be parents who are not legal guardians of their child who is over 18. Other family members (siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.) and friends of the family may also be approved through Pathlight’s home-study process as caregivers. When needed, the agency will provide and train a caregiver, who will care for the individual.
Spouses and parents who are legal guardians cannot receive payment through Adult Family Care. If their child is over 18 and the parents are co-guardians, one parent can receive the stipend if the other relinquishes guardianship or another person becomes the guardian.
In order to explore caregiving, you must:
- own or rent a home
- be willing and able to give the time necessary to care for the individual
- be willing and able to provide the medical care and physical assistance required to care for the individual
- successfully complete a review process:
- home visit
- pass a CORI and drug test
- multiple meetings with the individual requiring care
- agree to monthly visits by a nurse and/or caseworker
- complete orientation training, CPR, and First Aid Certification
Caregivers may:
- be single or married
- be employed elsewhere
How do I apply?
- A referral is made to Pathlight by private parties or from public agencies, physicians, or nursing homes. Family and non-family can self-refer by filling out the interest form below or calling 413-731-4533.
- A registered nurse and case manager meet with the applying individual for an assessment
- When criteria is met, a Primary Care Physician (PCP) approves the recommendations
- It takes approximately eight weeks from intake to placement
What happens after I apply?
- When an individual is approved, a Pathlight employee will review all AFC policies and procedures
- If necessary, a host family will be identified
- The individual and host family will have several meetings, including an overnight visit
- If all agree, a start date is selected
What happens after approval?
- A Pathlight nurse will make weekly visits for the first four weeks following placement
- Thereafter, a Pathlight nurse or case manager will visit monthly (or as needed) to facilitate the transition
- The nurse will monitor medical needs and the case manager will monitor psycho-social needs on a regular basis
How does AFC provide for me?
Successful care providers understand the individual’s viewpoint, are highly motivated to make a difference in their life, and have the flexibility to adapt as the living situation evolves, as families do.
Whether you're a host family or the individual’s biological family, you have an ability to set boundaries; provide structure; be open, honest, and stable; function easily as part of a team; be involved in their community; and adapt flexibly as everyone’s needs and abilities change with personal growth.
Before you begin providing services, you receive six weeks of training. This training helps you to understand the history of developmental and other disabilities, your role in establishing a successful relationship, and the importance of community integration and working as a team.
In addition to a tax exempt annual stipend, the Pathlight team is there to support you.
Want to Find out More? Contact Us.
If you’d like to find out more about either Adult Family Care or Shared Living, please call 413-731-4533 or email info@pathlightgroup.org