Joska Healthcare Adult Foster Care (AFC)

• Joska Healthcare Adult foster Care is a MASS HEALTH state-funded  program and is accredited by  the Commission on Accreditation of  Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), which demonstrates our commitment to  delivering personalized support while meeting the highest standards of  care. 
• The AFC program allows individuals with chronic illness or  disability who need assistance with personal care to remain at home in a  safe environment with continuous support, supervision and assistance  from a qualified and approved caregiver. 
• Joska AFC program caregivers provide the much needed help and  support to the members by  assisting them with activities of daily  living, such as dressing,  bathing, and meal preparation. In return,  caregivers are compensated  with a generous monthly stipend and receive  support with nursing oversight,  social  services, case management, and  emotional well being. 
• At Joska Healthcare AFC we deliver care using a multidisciplinary  care team model which include the participant, the  caregiver, a  registered nurse and a case manager. 
• We carefully develop a  plan of care that meets the participants'  medical, physical, emotional,  social and other needs under that is  reviewed and approved by the physician. 

To participate in Joska AFC program, care recipients must  be              

• At least 16 years old.
• You must be eligible for MassHealth or able to pay privately 
• Individuals with a chronic medical or psychiatric condition that  adversely affects their capabilities to accomplish daily duties like  bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, etc.

For caregivers

• The live-in caregiver must be 18+ years old
• May be a close friend  or a family member. This includes an adult child, grandchild, niece /  nephew, or sibling, but unfortunately, does not include a spouse or a  person legally responsible for the care recipient.
• Caregivers can take care of  up to three program participants residing in an adult  foster care home. 

Financial Benefits   

• Because being a live-in caregiver is such a  commitment, Joska AFC caregivers will receive a tax-free stipend to help pay for  living expens

The Home                                                                                                     

• The home in which the program participant resides must be a private  home. 
• The live-in caregiver may move into the home of the program  participant or the program participant can live in the caregiver’s home. 
• An AFC program participant cannot reside in a rest home, an assisted  living residence, or a group home. . 

• 24-Hour Supervision
• Caregiver Training – initial and continuing
• Care Management
• Companionship
• Nursing Oversight – provided by a registered nurse
• Bathing – includes grooming and personal hygiene
• Dressing / Undressing
• Eating
• Housekeeping 
• Laundry
• Meal Preparation / Clean Up
• Maintenance of Wheelchairs and Adaptive Equipment
• Medication Management – includes assistance with paperwork to receive prescribed medications
• Mobility
• Shopping for Essentials
• Toileting
• Transferring
• Transportation – to appointments.

• Monthly Financial Tax Free Stipend depending on the level of care needed 
• Professional Support Including training and home visits by Registered Nurse and Case manager 
• Respite care (up to 14 days per year) 
• As a caregiver, you are allowed to serve up to three AFC clients at a time, and no more than two who require Level II care.