Adult Foster Care
AFC helps people stay safely at home with the help of a live-in caregiver
What Is Adult Foster Care?
Adult foster care (AFC) is a member-based MassHealth program for people who need help with everyday tasks and routines. Instead of moving into a care facility, the person needing care (member) can remain at home with support from a caregiver who lives with them.
The caregiver helps with things like bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals, moving around safely, and other daily needs. At Fortcom Health Services, we provide ongoing support and oversight to help members receive safe, reliable care and to help caregivers succeed in their role.
Who Can Benefit from AFC?
Adult foster care may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Are age 16 or older
- Have MassHealth Standard
- Live with a caregiver or plan to live with one
- Need help with daily activities because of a medical, physical, developmental, cognitive, or behavioral health condition
- Want to remain in a home environment rather than move to a facility
What Does an AFC Caregiver Do?
An AFC caregiver provides daily assistance and supervision for the member while living in the same home.
Depending on the member's needs, a caregiver may help with:
- Bathing, grooming, and personal care
- Dressing
- Meal preparation
- Mobility and transfers
- Medication reminders
- Transportation to appointments
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Household routines
- Companionship
- Safety supervision
Because the caregiver lives with the member, they are able to provide consistent support throughout the day rather than only during scheduled visits.
How Is AFC Different from Other Care Programs?
AFC is unique because the caregiver lives in the same home as the person receiving care. In group adult foster care (GAFC), direct care aides do not live with the members they support.
Home health care is designed for people who need help from nurses, therapists, or home health aides who visit the home for scheduled appointments. Critical skilled nursing is intended for people with more complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing care and medical treatment.
Unlike these services, AFC focuses on everyday support from a caregiver who lives with the member and helps them throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our services, coverage, and how to begin.
Yes. One of the main requirements of Adult Foster Care is that the caregiver and member live in the same home.
In many cases, yes. Family members often serve as caregivers if they meet program requirements and can provide the necessary support.
Qualified caregivers receive a monthly tax-free payment through the AFC program.
AFC is not a skilled nursing program. It focuses on helping members with daily living activities and providing support and supervision at home.
Contact our team at Fortcom Health Services to discuss the individual's needs, living situation, and MassHealth coverage. Our team can help determine if they’re eligible and explain the next steps.
How to Get Started
We support MassHealth-eligible members who need help remaining independent at home, including elderly patients, individuals recovering from illness or surgery, and those living with disabilities.
Our process is simple and straightforward:
1. Prepare Basic Care Information
Before reaching out, please gather details about care needs, living situation, and support requirements.
2. Complete an Assessment
A care manager will meet with members to complete a full assessment and determine eligibility.
3. Receive a Personalized Care Plan
If the member is eligible, our team will create a care plan for their needs and level of support.
Complete Our Quick Form to Find a Caregiver
Our team will review your information and reach out to help you take the next step.
Refer Someone You Care About
If you would like to refer a person or know someone who could use our services, please let us know and we will contact them soon.
