Massachusetts "Enhanced Adult Foster Care" Program

Caregiver Homes – an approved Adult Foster Care Program in the state of Massachusetts - is now accepting referrals for the new (December, 2006) Enhanced Adult Foster Care Program. Caregiver Homes is working with the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs and Office of Medicaid, on this groundbreaking and exciting program!

The program pays family - or non-family - caregivers to care for an elder or adult disabled family member, over the age of 16, at home. NOTE: spouses, parents and legal guardians of the elder or disabled adult are not eligible to be paid caregivers in this program

This new program offers the advantage of postponing – or avoiding – nursing home placements! Clients (the elder or disabled adult) can live with family members, and are often happier and more independent as residents of the community.

Eligibility Requirements

• The client must meet financial eligibility for MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)
• Client needs assistance with three ADL’s (activities of daily living) such as bathing, dressing and eating, or, assistance with two ADL’s and the need for management of behaviors such as wandering, resistance to care and being verbally abusive.
• The caregiver will provide 24-hour supervision, assistance with daily activities and other personal care services as needed.

How it Works - Steps to become a Caregiver

All caregiver applicants:

• Start with a telephone interview with our placement coordinator - plan on 15-30 minutes;
• Complete an application;
• Agree to allow references checks, including a criminal background check (CORI)
• have a personal interview in your home;
• Allow the recruiter to perform a home assessment to make certain the environment is safe and sound for the elder;
• Must sign a Caregiver Agreement.

If you are accepted to be a Caregiver Homes caregiver, the following will occur:

• Matching - Any elder or disabled adult that will be staying in your home is carefully assessed by a nurse and social worker, and a comprehensive plan of care is developed for you to follow.
• Placement - If you are a non-family caregiver, you and the elder will have an opportunity to meet and spend time together. Family members of the elder may also be involved. The elder (or family) may request a weekend visit prior to making a full commitment to the placement. You will be oriented and trained to carry out the plan of care.
• Support - The care management team, a nurse and social worker - provides you with ongoing supervision and support. This includes regular telephone conversations and home visits. You will record daily notes about the participant’s wellbeing. You will receive general continuing education and specific training as needed to stay current with the changing needs of the participant. Note: All caregivers are required to take occasional time off from caregiving. Respite care for the participant is arranged during this time.