Shared Living adults live with trained paid caregivers who provide daily care. Caregivers
may be family members (except legally responsible relatives), or non-family members.
The program is for adults who need daily help with personal care but want to live in a family setting rather than in a
nursing home or other facility. The caregiver provides meals, companionship, personal care assistance, and 24-hour
supervision. MassHealth compensates the caregiver for providing care to MassHealth members who would otherwise
need institutional care.
Participant's Eligibility
- Has MassHealth (Standard or CommonHealth)
- Age 16 or older
- Must be unable to live alone due to a medical, physical, cognitive or mental condition
- Needs daily physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking, or eating
- Does not require full-time skilled nursing care
- Is under the care of a physician
- Must be willing to live with their caregiver
- Caregiver cannot be a spouse, a parent of a minor child, or a legally responsible guardian (but can be a friend or other familiy
member)
Caregiver Responsibilities
- Must be approved by the program (interview, references, CORI check)
- Provide 24-hour supervision and physical assistance necessary for the participant's well-being
- Comply with the participant's Plan for Care written by the Shared Living Registered Nurse and Case Manager following their assessment
- Assist with arranging and transporting the participant to health-related appointments
- Provide 3 nutritionally balanced meals and snacks each day
- Keep records and report changes in participant's condition to the Shared Living team
- Maintain a safe, clean home with adequate heat and in good repair
Participant's Benefits
Participant can live in the caregiver's home, or the caregiver can move into the participant's home. Participant will be treated
like a member of the caregiver's family and the caregiver will:
- Prepare meals and snacks
- Assist participant with personal care
- Provide behavior interventions as needed
- Do shopping, laundry, and housekeeping
- Provide transportation to medical appointments and social visits
- Maintain a clean safe living space
- Keep a caregiver log
Boston Senior Home Care's Support
- Careful screening and training of your caregiver family
- Case management and service coordination
- Periodic visits by case managers and registered nurses to monitor medical conditions, evaluate caregiver services, and offer support and training
- 24-hour coverage for emergencies
Caregiver's Benefits
- Up to $1500 per month for caregiver services ($18,000 per year), depending on the level of care needed
- Support and training
- Home visits by case managers and registered nurses
- Respite care (up to 14 days per year)
Enrollment
To enroll or to make a referral, call Boston ElderINFO at 617-292-6211 and ask about Shared Living (AFC). Also, referrals can be made
online using our Referral Form.