Family caregiving is both meaningful and demanding. Many families ask: “What support is available for family caregivers?” In Massachusetts, there are several programs that empower families to care for loved ones at home while receiving structured support, oversight, and guidance.
A Better Life Homecare (ABL) helps caregivers navigate eligibility, program enrollment, and best practices for safe, consistent care.
Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program
Through the AFC Program, a family member or loved one can provide non-medical care and 24-hour supervision while receiving tax-free compensation. Care is provided in a shared home environment — either the caregiver moves in with the client or vice versa.
Client Eligibility:
- Massachusetts resident
- 16 years or older
- Requires assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation
Caregiver Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Can be a family relative or friend
- Cannot be a spouse or legal guardian
- Must reside in the same home as the client
Why This Matters:
The AFC Program recognizes caregiving as real work, providing financial support, guidance, and structured oversight to maintain safety and dignity at home.
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) Program
The PCA Program provides direct support to clients with daily activities while being supervised by case managers.
Services Include:
- ADLs: Bathing, feeding, ambulation, toileting, medication reminders
- IADLs: Meal preparation, shopping, laundry, housekeeping
- Transportation coordination
- Physical assessment and wellness nursing visits
- Multidisciplinary case management services
- Skilled nursing referrals and social integration support
How It Works:
- PCAs follow the client’s individualized care plan.
- Case managers supervise PCA work, ensure the care plan is followed, and maintain communication with the client’s healthcare providers.
- Case managers also connect clients with community resources to improve overall quality of life.
Value:
The PCA Program allows family caregivers to share responsibilities, ensuring clients receive professional, consistent support while remaining at home.
Group Adult Foster Care
This program expands support for clients needing structured supervision and multidisciplinary care.
Services Include:
- Medication reminders (PCAs do not administer medication but provide timely reminders)
- Multidisciplinary case management, including:
- Nurse for medical needs
- Case worker for social services
- Nurse supervision to monitor medical care
Value:
Group AFC provides clients with comprehensive support while allowing family caregivers to participate confidently, knowing professional oversight is always in place.
Skilled Nursing Services
For clients with higher medical needs, Skilled Nursing Services provide in-home medical care and therapy.
Services Include:
- Medication management
- Psychiatric nursing
- Coumadin administration
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Care from Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Value:
Skilled Nursing ensures that medical, therapeutic, and psychiatric needs are met in the comfort of home, complementing family caregiving and improving safety and independence.
Why This Matters for Family Caregivers
Massachusetts offers multiple programs to make family caregiving structured, supported, and sustainable. With AFC, PCA, Group AFC, and Skilled Nursing, caregivers can:
- Receive guidance and oversight
- Share responsibilities with trained professionals
- Ensure loved ones receive consistent, safe, and dignified care
- Access tax-free financial support when participating in programs
Family caregiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming, these programs allow families to provide meaningful care while maintaining balance, health, and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Massachusetts demonstrates that family caregiving can be supported, structured, and sustainable. Programs like AFC, PCA, Group Adult Foster Care, and Skilled Nursing equip caregivers to provide safe, consistent, and dignified care at home.
A Better Life Homecare guides families through program eligibility, provide professional oversight, and connect caregivers with the resources they need to reduce stress and ensure long-term success. For families asking, “What support is available for family caregivers?”, Massachusetts offers practical, reliable solutions.
