The AFC (Adult Family Care) Program is a MassHealth funded program that enables a person who needs assistance with daily care to live in the community in a supportive family environment. The caregiver may choose to move into the home of the person needing assistance or he/she may move into the caregiver’s home. This home may be a house, a condominium, or an apartment and may be owned or rented by either party. The home must have a private bedroom available for the person needing care and must be accessible to his or her needs. Our team of professionals, including a Registered Nurse and a Care Manager, will visit on a monthly basis to ensure that the caregiver has the tools and resources necessary to successfully care for and meet the needs of the individual requiring assistance. The AFC program prevents or delays nursing home placement while improving care for the individual and his/her quality of life.
Click here to download Adult Family Care brochure.
Eligibility
People over the age of 16 with a variety of limitations may be eligible for the AFC program. The following criteria must be met in order to qualify:
- Be MassHealth eligible (Standard or CommonHealth)
- Have a medical, physical, or cognitive condition that requires either hands-on or verbal daily assistance or supervision to complete one or more of the following activities: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, ambulating, or eating.
Who can be an AFC caregiver?
Almost anyone, including family members or friends, who is willing to share a home with the person needing services can be an AFC caregiver. The only exclusions are those who are legally responsible for the individual such as a court appointed guardian or a spouse. The caregiver must be at least 18 years old, not abuse alcohol or drugs, be a responsible person able to make mature and accurate judgments, and be available to provide the care needed for the individual.
What are the responsibilities of a caregiver?
- Provide 24-hour supervision and care as needed by the individual
- Assist as needed with dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, mobility, laundry, shopping, housekeeping, meal preparation, etc.
- Provide meals
- Monitor and report any changes in the individual’s condition
- Complete care logs
- Assist with medical appointments including scheduling and transportation
- Ensure that the home remains safe and accessible to the needs of the individual
What are the rewards of being an AFC caregiver?
- After completing the initial screening process, the caregiver is eligible to receive a tax-free stipend including two weeks of paid vacation annually.
- Caregiving can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life; making a difference in someone’s life every day and lessening the internal pain of a person in need.
- Caregiving changes your perspective on life, making you realize exactly what is important.
- You will gain new skills and learn more about yourself in the process.
Why Choose UCP?
- UCP has been providing supports to individuals with a variety of disabilities for over 60 years.
- We have a great deal of experience working with people whose disabilities stem from a variety of sources, not only cerebral palsy.
- UCP staff takes pride in being efficient, reliable, compassionate, and resourceful and have worked successfully with a diverse population.
- Our goal is to raise disability awareness and to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
How to Become Involved in AFC
If you or someone you know would like more information on either becoming a caregiver or becoming an AFC member, contact Vice President of Program Services, Carla Guenette, at cguenette@ucpboston.org. Our staff will be happy to further discuss the program and help you decide if the AFC Program is right for you.
Click here to download Adult Family Care brochure.