What is a Caregiver
Caregivers are dependable, compassionate people who provide care and a stable home environment for adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Caregivers can be a family member or someone who is looking to increase their income by taking care of our clients and their personal care needs.
Our caregivers are supported by AFCNS’ professional staff and are given training regarding the personal care needs of their clients. AFCNS placements are entirely voluntary and we carefully and selectively match clients with caregivers to ensure compatibility.
Caregivers must provide:
- A stable home setting (owned or rented) that is clean and in good shape
- Daily meals and snacks
- A private bedroom with a window and door for each client
- A private or shared bathroom
Caregivers may work outside the home if their schedule allows for proper client attention and care.
Respite Care
If you’re interested in becoming a caregiver but don’t have the flexibility to do it full-time, we could use your help too. We are always in need of temporary, or respite, caregivers. These individuals step in to allow the full-time caregiver to take personal days or vacation. During respite days, the alternative caregiver is taking care of the client and must complete the care log.
Paid respite care may be as short as one day or as long as two weeks. By serving as a respite caregiver, you’re able to give back to your community and provide temporary relief to a client’s full-time caregiver.
Each of our clients has 14 days of paid respite per year, during which time both the primary caregiver and the alternative caregiver are paid. It is considered paid vacation for the primary caregiver.
At the start of each new year, the 14 days are available again and any unused respite days from the previous year are no longer available. Respite days may be used all at once or split into smaller time periods throughout the course of the year.
If you are interested in serving as a full-time or a respite caregiver, please fill out our caregiver application form and someone from our staff will reach out to you.
Testimonial
"I lost my job and was looking for something more satisfying.
My friend told me that I could be a Caregiver for a disabled or
chronically ill adult, and through MassHealth receive monthly compensation.
It was exactly the type of fulfilling job I was looking for.
I am now a caregiver, or as I call it, a second father to Ron and Arthur.
Thanks to AFCNS, my family and heart have grown!"
~ Winston, Caregiver to Ron and Arthur
Financial Solutions
Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth-funded program that provides a tax-free, monthly stipend to the caregiver. Caregivers can receive up to $1,500 per month plus room and board, per client, depending on the level of care. Many of our clients already live with a family member who could qualify as a caregiver and be eligible for a monthly payment.
How to Become a Caregiver
If you would like to learn more about being an AFCNS caregiver or to find out if you qualify as a caregiver for a family member already in your care, please call us at 978-281-2612 or fill out our caregiver application form and we will be in touch shortly.
Caregiver Training and Log
If you are already an AFCNS caregiver, please login here to review our current training materials.
Submitting a Grievance/Incident Report
If you would like to fill out a Grievance/Incident Report, please click on this link and fill out the form. Caregiver Grievance/Incident Report