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Individual & Community Services

Adult Family Care (AFC)

Adult Family Care (AFC), also known as Adult Foster Care, is a residential program for adults with disabilities who cannot safely live alone. Individuals in the program live with a caregiver who provides daily assistance, companionship, and supervision in a supportive home environment. This model allows individuals to maintain dignity and independence while receiving the care they need in a family setting.

Caregivers help with personal care, prepare meals, provide transportation, and ensure 24-hour supervision. In return, they receive a daily stipend funded by MassHealth. Lifeworks provides each caregiver with training and ongoing support through a dedicated case manager and registered nurse.

Lifeworks’ AFC program serves communities across Eastern Massachusetts, including the Boston MetroWest region.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for Adult Family Care, an individual must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Be unable to live alone due to a medical, physical, cognitive, or mental health condition
Require daily assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs)
Not require full-time skilled nursing care or PCA (Personal Care Attendant) services
Be eligible for MassHealth
Not have a caregiver who is their spouse or legal guardian
Be assessed and approved by a physician and meet MassHealth AFC eligibility criteria

Who Can Be a Caregiver?

Caregivers can be relatives (excluding spouses, parents of minor children, or legal guardians) or non-family members. All caregivers must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be able to provide 24-hour supervision
Complete an approval process, including an interview, reference check, and CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check

Lifeworks provides all caregivers with training and continued support to ensure they feel confident and prepared.

AFC Levels of Care

MassHealth offers two levels of Adult Family Care — Level I and Level II — based on the individual’s needs. Eligibility for each level is determined through an independent assessment.

Benefits of AFC

Individuals live in a safe, home-like setting
Caregivers receive daily stipends and professional support
Both the individual and caregiver are supported by a case manager and registered nurse
Daily supports may include meal preparation, personal care, medication reminders, transportation, and more
AFC members have access to additional programs and services through Lifeworks

”“Lifeworks’ Adult Family Care program has been an invaluable resource for our family. We receive ongoing support from case managers and nurses who genuinely care about our son’s physical and emotional wellbeing. The staff are patient and knowledgeable, taking the time to answer all our AFC-related questions and helping with other matters too. They go above and beyond to make sure our family is satisfied with the services we receive.”
— AFC caregiver, Canton, MA

”“There’s a lot to love about the AFC program, especially the access it provides to other services at Lifeworks. Before joining AFC, we weren’t aware of the many opportunities Lifeworks offers. Now, thanks to our AFC case manager, we regularly participate in activities through the Autism Support Center and Social and Recreation department. The AFC program has made a significant impact on our lives.”
— AFC caregiver, Norwood, MA

Contact Us

Lifeworks AFC staff are available to meet with you at your home or at our office.

Lifeworks
1400 Providence Highway
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-769-3298
Fax: 781-551-0045
Email: info@lifeworksarc.org
www.lifeworksarc.org
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Our offices are fully accessible.

Individual Home Supports

Empowering Independence, One Person at a Time

Lifeworks’ Individual Home Supports (IHS) program provides personalized, community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live independently. Designed to promote self-sufficiency, confidence, and inclusion, IHS helps individuals manage daily responsibilities while staying connected to their communities.

Each person is matched with a Lifeworks case manager who offers 6–12 hours of support per week, tailored to individual goals and needs. Services may include:

Health & Wellness: Medication support, medical appointment scheduling, transportation, follow-ups, and overall health management.
Financial & Benefits Support: Budgeting, banking, Representative Payee services, and assistance with managing public benefits such as Social Security, MassHealth, Medicare, SNAP (food stamps), housing, and utility assistance.
Advocacy & Rights: Promoting self-advocacy, protecting human rights, and helping individuals access legal representation when needed.
Transportation & Travel Training: Support navigating transportation options, including The MBTA RIDE, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, and public transit.
Nutrition & Daily Living: Grocery shopping, choosing healthy foods, and basic meal preparation.
Social & Community Life: Opportunities to participate in events, sports, meals out, movies, and community-based recreation.

And more—whatever it takes to help each individual maintain a safe, fulfilling, and independent life.

INTERESTED IN IHS?

Referrals for the IHS program are made through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). If you’re interested in learning more about Individual Home Supports at Lifeworks, please contact Lifeworks or your DDS Service Coordinator.

”“Having my own place and my own routine means everything to me—but I couldn’t do it without my Lifeworks case manager. She helps me stay on track, go to appointments, and stay connected to things I love.”
– IHS Participant

”“The goal of Individual Home Supports is to meet people where they are and give them the tools to live the life they choose. It’s not one-size-fits-all—it’s about real independence and real support.”
– Lifeworks IHS Case Manager

Shared Living at Lifeworks

Lifeworks’ Shared Living Program offers a unique and enriching residential option for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Through this program, individuals are carefully matched with supportive individuals or families in the community who open their homes and hearts to provide a safe, stable, and meaningful living environment.

Shared Living is more than a place to live — it’s a person-centered care model that fosters independence, growth, and connection. Individuals become part of the household, participating in everyday life, learning new skills, and building lasting relationships. For many, Shared Living provides a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive in a home that feels like their own.

A Collaborative and Thoughtful Match

At Lifeworks, we work closely with individuals, families, and providers to create matches that are built to last. The matching process is guided by each person’s interests, needs, and goals — and we take great care to ensure that everyone involved feels comfortable, supported, and heard.

Shared Living is a long-term commitment, and the relationship between the individual and the provider is the foundation for success. Lifeworks provides ongoing support, resources, and guidance every step of the way to help both individuals and providers grow together.

What Do Shared Living Providers Do?

Shared Living providers offer day-to-day companionship and personalized support. Depending on the individual’s needs, this may include:

Preparing meals
Providing transportation to appointments and activities
Supporting medication management
Assisting with personal care or mobility
Creating opportunities for community engagement and inclusion

If additional care is needed, Lifeworks helps coordinate the right supports to ensure that every individual’s needs are fully met.

Shared Living Options

Each Shared Living arrangement is unique. Options may include:

The individual moving into the provider’s home or apartment
The individual and provider renting a new living space together
The provider moving into the individual’s home

Lifeworks remains involved throughout the arrangement, offering continuous oversight and support to ensure long-term stability and success.

Are You Interested in Shared Living?

Whether you’re an individual looking for a supportive home environment or someone interested in becoming a Shared Living provider, we’d love to hear from you. Shared Living offers meaningful connections, personal growth, and the chance to make a lasting difference in someone’s life — including your own. Lifeworks will guide you through every step of the process, from initial questions to ongoing support. Contact us today to learn more about how you can be part of this rewarding experience.

ELIGIBILITY: Must pass a CORI, DPPC and drivers check, maintain a safe environment within the home, pass a house inspection using the DDS Shared Living criteria

REQUIREMENTS: Valid driver’s license, room available with a closet, flexible schedule to be available when needed for individual

CONTACT US

Lifeworks
1400 Providence Hwy.
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-769-3298
Fax: 781-551-0045
Email: ____@lifeworksarc.org

www.lifeworksarc.org

Individual & Community Services