Frequently Asked Questions

• Caregiver and the individual being cared for must live together
• Caregiver must be 18 years of age or older
• Caregiver screening includes personal references, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), physician clearance, interviews and home inspection.
• Caregiver must have the ability and time to provide necessary care
• Caregiver must provide references
• Caregiver must have current physical and TB test
• Caregiver can be a member or non-family member of the person they are caring for
• Caregiver cannot be a spouse or related legal guardian

Currently spouses and related legal guardians are not allowed to be paid caregivers.

Timing can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 8 weeks if application requirements are fulfilled.

The matching process is a totally voluntary process and includes the client’s family or agency. Factors taken into consideration when matching clients and caregivers include personalities, physical needs, smoking, pets, stairs, location and more. The process may involve meetings as well as overnight stays. Anyone may decline a placement or client for any reason.

Caregivers and their homes are screened carefully according to Massachusetts state regulations including criminal records, interviews, medical clearance, references and home inspections.

• MassHealth Standard
• MassHealth Commonhealth
• Commonwealth Care Alliance
• United HealthCare
• Element Care
• Tufts
• Fallon
• Senior Whole Health
• Wellsense

(Please call our office for further information on insurance related questions.)

Our team of seasoned nurses and care managers will work with you to create and maintain individualized care plans and conduct regular visits to clients’ homes. Our trained staff is available 24/7 to problem-solve and offer assistance. We also aid in identifying resources for clients including programs and services that help them remain safe, healthy and a part of the community.  

Adult Foster Care is a Mass Health home-based program that follows MassHealth regulations. Everything that is required to complete the intake process is mandated by MassHealth. This checklist is to help you organize the documents needed when applying for AFC. Your preparation can make a big difference in making this process as smooth and timely as possible.

To have ready at the scheduled intake visit:

1. A copy of the client’s annual physical or wellness visit. Must be within 12 months.
2. A photo ID of the client and caregiver for proof of identification and to complete the background check.

What to expect at this intake visit:

The office and intake team will go over additional information that is needed with the interested caregiver and family.

The following checklist will help you gather the required documents and prepare your home when applying for AFC services. Your preparation can make a big difference in making this process as smooth and timely as possible. The AFCNS intake team will assist you through the entire application process to make it as smooth as possible

• Intake RN will complete an assessment to determine the client’s level of care.
• The intake case manager will complete a caregiver and home assessment following MassHealth Regulations
• List of all household members

Home inspection which includes:

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• First aid kit 
• Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
• All steps both interior and exterior that have 3 or more risers must have at least one railing;
• The caregiver applicant must have had a physical exam within the last 12 months. AFC staff will provide a form for your PCP complete to send to the AFC office.
• CORI checks for all household members over the age of 18. This must be done in person and a pictureID is required.
• Three personal references, either email or mailing address