A Special Farewell to AFCNS’s Longest-Serving Caregiver
Founded in 2001, Adult Family Care of the North Shore (AFCNS) supports eligible adults who need assistance with activities of daily living and the caregivers who provide that support in a home setting.
AFCNS is bidding a fond farewell to Cheryl, its longest-serving caregiver, as she begins a new chapter after 24 years with the organization.
In 2002, Cheryl and her husband, Neil, opened their Groveland home to two women with disabilities. Although the women were not related to Cheryl or to one another, they shared a home and built a life together. Cheryl provided assistance with daily activities while creating a welcoming household centered on consistency, home cooking and a sense of belonging.
For all those years Cheryl received a significant monthly payment, tax-free, for each woman, regular visits from AFCNS nurses and care managers, and access to 24/7 on-call support. Both women attended weekday day programs with transportation provided, giving them opportunities to participate in activities, build relationships and remain connected to the community.
Cheryl and AFCNS also worked with other community organizations and programs, including PACE, Sarah’s Place and Grotonwood Camp, to coordinate additional care, activities and experiences for the women.
How Adult Family Care Works
Adult Family Care is a MassHealth program that supports adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses who need help with at least one activity of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, toileting or eating. The individual lives with a qualified caregiver, who may be a family member, friend or non-related caregiver.
Eligible caregivers may receive tax-free payments of up to $1,700 per client per month, along with ongoing guidance and support from AFCNS nurses and care managers. The person receiving care must have MassHealth Standard or an equivalent health plan and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
The program may support an adult child caring for an aging parent with dementia, for example, or a person with a physical disability who lives with a non-related friend or caregiver. These arrangements allow individuals to receive needed assistance in a home environment while their caregivers have access to professional support and resources.
Recognizing 24 Years of Service as a Caregiver
Cheryl’s 24 years with AFCNS demonstrate how long Adult Family Care relationships can last. Her household also shows how caregivers, AFCNS staff, day programs and other community organizations can work together to support individuals over time.
AFCNS thanks Cheryl for her many years of service and wishes her well in retirement.
