What is the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) Program?

Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) program is a MassHealth program. This program was designed to have Home Care professionals work with a patient’s primary care physician to establish a plan of care that is approved by their primary care physician and MassHealth. The plan of care is developed to help members with the following:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:

  • Dressing or undressing
  • Bathing, grooming and toileting
  • Medications reminders
  • Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as:
    • Shopping
    • Laundry
    • Meal Preparation
    • Housekeeping

What’s the cost?

FREE to participants in MassHealth and many other health and insurance policies.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) services if you:

  • are a senior 65 or older
  • are an adult 22 years old with a disability
  • are an individual who requires daily assistance with multiple personal care tasks
  • reside in housing that participates in GAFC
  • have a permanent or chronic disability that impairs your ability to perform ADLs and IADLs without physical assistance
  • 
need physical assistance with two or more ADLs (see list above)
  • are prescribed personal care services by your physician or nurse
  • receive GAFC services which are deemed medically necessary by MassHealth
  • receive MassHealth coverage from either the MassHealth or MassHealth Standard Program

What services will I get?

As a TotalCare member you will be eligible to receive the following services:

  • Nurse Monitoring
  • Medication Assistance
  • Companion Care
  • Personal Care Assistance
  • House Cleaning and Laundry
  • Meal Preparation
  • Case Management
  • And other services

I receive other services in my home. Can I still get GAFC services?

Yes, in most instances, however it is important that you inform your Nurse or Case Manager of any other services in your home, so they can help you determine how these will coordinate with your Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) services.

What are my responsibilities?

As a TotalCare member, you are responsible for:

  • Following the guideline of the GAFC program
  • Informing TotalCare if your personal care needs change
  • Contacting TotalCare know if you move, change your phone number, or change your doctor.

What are TotalCare’s responsibilities?

As your GAFC provider, TotalCare is responsible for:

  • Assessing the members’ eligibility for the GAFC program.
  • Evaluating the type and amount of services you need.
  • Requesting MassHealth approval for GAFC services.
  • Working with you and your family  to establish service needs and outlining the responsibilities for both you and TotalCare.
  • Periodically meeting with you and/or your family to review your plan of care.
  • Conducting re-evaluations as needed, and submitting them to your primary care physician and to MassHealth for approval.

What if I have problems with a TotalCare staff member or caregiver?

Our members’ feedback is important to TotalCare’s ability to provide quality care. TotalCare has a process for addressing all complaints or concerns. Your Nurse or Case manager will explain the process to you and make every effort to help you resolve your complaint or concern.

What if I have a problem with a decision regarding my services?

Our members’ feedback is important to TotalCare’s ability to provide quality care. TotalCare has a process addressing all complaints or concerns. Your Nurse or Case manager will explain the process to you and make every effort to help you resolve your complaint or concern.

What if I need more information?

If you have additional questions about GAFC, the cost, eligibility requirements, services  or scheduling appointments you can contact us by phone at (617) 315-4377 to schedule an in-home visit with our staff.