Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Foster Care (AFC) is a MassHealth program where a trained caregiver lives with a member and provides daily support and supervision. Fortcom’s care team (nurse and care manager) visits regularly to provide oversight and support.

Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) is similar support for members who do not need a live-in caregiver. A direct care aide visits and checks in regularly, and Fortcom’s team provides nursing oversight and care management.

ADLs are basic self-care tasks (like bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and transferring). IADLs are household tasks that support independent living (like meal prep, laundry, shopping, housekeeping, and medication management).

Home Health Care provides short-term clinical services at home for individuals recovering from illness, injury, surgery, or hospitalization. Services may include skilled nursing, therapy, health monitoring, and medical social work under a physician-directed care plan.

Skilled and critical nursing services involve licensed nurses providing medical care at home for individuals with complex or ongoing health conditions that require clinical oversight and monitoring.

Individuals may qualify for AFC if they are enrolled in MassHealth Standard, need daily assistance with activities of daily living, and live with a qualified caregiver.

Some Home Health Care services may be covered through MassHealth when they are medically necessary and ordered by a physician. Eligibility depends on the individual’s health needs and coverage plan.

Yes. In many cases, a family member or trusted individual may serve as the caregiver if they meet program and training requirements.

Certain services, including Home Health Care and skilled nursing, may require a physician referral or medical documentation before care can begin.

Yes. Fortcom’s programs are designed to help individuals receive care safely in the comfort of their own home whenever appropriate.

Depending on the program, care may involve nurses, caregivers, care managers, home health aides, therapists, and medical social workers working together to support the member’s needs.

Caregivers receive a monthly tax-free stipend. The amount depends on the member’s care needs and is calculated using a daily rate.

Caregivers receive a monthly tax-free stipend. The amount depends on the member’s care needs and is calculated using a daily rate.

Visit schedules depend on the individual’s program and needs. Nurses, care managers, aides, or clinicians may visit regularly to provide oversight, treatment, and support.

Home Health Care may include skilled nursing, medication support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, and condition monitoring.

Yes. Fortcom provides education, oversight, and ongoing support to help caregivers understand responsibilities and provide safe, appropriate care.

Fortcom’s team evaluates each member’s needs, monitors condition changes, and helps coordinate services that support a safer home environment and daily routine.

Caregivers and clinicians communicate changes to the care team so services, treatments, or physician recommendations can be adjusted when needed.

The program has rules that allow certain paid days for vacations and hospital stays. Let Fortcom know in advance (or as soon as possible) so the team can document it properly and help you stay compliant.

Yes. Care managers and medical social workers may help connect members and families with community resources, services, and additional support when appropriate.

Care plans are reviewed regularly and updated based on the member’s health status, physician recommendations, and changing care needs.

Adult Foster Care focuses on long-term daily support and supervision provided by a caregiver, while Home Health Care provides short-term clinical services ordered by a physician.

AFC requires a live-in caregiver who provides daily assistance, while GAFC supports individuals who live more independently and receive scheduled visits from direct care aides.

No. Home Health Care involves medically necessary clinical services provided under a physician’s direction, while private-duty caregiving typically focuses on non-medical assistance.

Skilled nursing is appropriate when someone requires medical treatments, clinical monitoring, or ongoing nursing oversight that non-medical caregivers cannot provide.

In some situations, individuals may qualify for multiple services depending on their medical needs, eligibility requirements, and physician recommendations.