Personal care that comes to you, where you already live
For members in approved senior and supportive housing, Group Adult Foster Care brings dependable daily assistance and registered-nurse oversight right to the apartment, so independence and support can live side by side.
Support built for supportive housing
Group Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth program designed for people who live in approved senior or supportive housing but need a hand with the daily tasks that keep life comfortable and safe. Rather than moving to a higher level of care, the care comes to them.
Agency-employed direct care workers visit on a set schedule to help with bathing, dressing, mobility, and other personal care, while a registered nurse designs the plan, checks in regularly, and coordinates with the housing community. It’s a way to stay independent in a place that already feels like home.
How GAFC differs from Adult Foster Care
Both programs deliver nurse-led personal care. The difference comes down to where your loved one lives and who provides the day-to-day help.
Adult Foster Care (AFC)
- MassHealth members age 16 or older
- Delivered in the member's or caregiver's private home
- The member and paid caregiver must live together; a spouse or legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver
- The caregiver receives a stipend, training, and nurse oversight
Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC)
- Adults age 22 or older, with MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth
- Delivered in approved senior or supportive housing
- Personal care is provided by agency-employed direct care workers, not a live-in family caregiver
- Care arrives on a set schedule, with registered-nurse oversight
Who qualifies for GAFC
GAFC follows clear MassHealth guidelines tied to age, coverage, housing, and daily care needs. We check every requirement with you first. Final approval is not guaranteed and depends on MassHealth and health-plan verification.
- Age 22 or older
GAFC serves adults age 22 or older. (AFC is a separate program available to MassHealth members age 16 or older.)
- MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth
Qualifying coverage may include MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth. Coverage and clinical eligibility are subject to MassHealth and health-plan verification.
- Lives in approved GAFC housing
The residence is a senior or supportive housing site approved to provide Group Adult Foster Care.
- Needs help with daily activities
There is a documented need for physical assistance, cueing, or supervision with at least one activity of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or mobility.
- Cleared by a nurse assessment
A registered nurse evaluates the level of need and builds a plan of care to match it.
- Physician sign-off
A physician confirms medical status and that GAFC is an appropriate level of support.
Independence and support, side by side
Independence, with a safety net
Members keep their own apartment and routine while help is close at hand for the moments they need it.
Scheduled, dependable care
Trained, agency-employed direct care workers arrive on a reliable schedule for personal care, so no one is left waiting or worrying.
Registered-nurse oversight
A nurse builds the plan, reassesses regularly, and coordinates with the housing community and physicians.
No cost to eligible members
For members who qualify through MassHealth, GAFC services are provided at no cost.
What families ask about GAFC
See if GAFC is right for your loved one
Tell us where your loved one lives and what help they need. We'll check whether the community is approved, confirm MassHealth eligibility, and explain next steps.
No cost to explore · No obligation · MassHealth-covered care