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Adult Family Care

Adult Family Care (AFC) is a Program for frail elders and adults with disabilities who cannot safely live alone. AFC adults live with trained and committed caregivers who provide daily care. Care Providers may be family members (except spouses) or non-family members.

AFC Participants need daily help with personal care, but want to live in a family setting rather than in a nursing home or other facility. The Care Provider provides meals, personal care assistance, escort to medical appointments and medication monitoring. Care Providers may be individuals, couples or families.

AFC staff matches Participants with carefully screened Care Providers, and provides ongoing support and training. Care Providers are paid a tax-free monthly stipend by MassHealth. Depending upon the level of need of the participant, a Care Provider can receive up to $18,250 a year.

This stipend can be the deciding factor in caring for a loved one at home versus placing them in a skilled nursing facility. As care needs increase and more time is required to provide the care, the stipend can serve to replace income lost when a family member becomes unable to work outside the home. For new Care Providers, the AFC Program can offer a unique employment opportunity.

Participant Eligibility:

• Must be receiving MassHealth or able to pay privately
• Must be at least 16 years of age with chronic health problems and need assistance with personal care and activities of daily living
• Due to medical conditions, unable to safely live independently

Care Provider Eligibility:

• Must maintain a private home environment in good repair and large enough to accommodate both the AFC Participant(s) and all other residents of the home, or be willing to move into the home of the person needing care
• Provider must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be readily available and physically capable to provide supervision and hands-on-assistance
• Willingness to work cooperatively with Greater Springfield Senior Services in ensuring a high quality of life for the participant

AFC Staff Support:

• Thorough screening of potential Care Providers, including interviews, home assessments, reference checks, and a criminal history check
• Monitoring of the Participant’s medical needs by a GSSSI Registered Nurse
• Service coordination and advocacy
• 24-hour emergency support

For more information, contact the Adult Family Care Director, 413-781-8800.

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