Members of the Incompass Adult Family Care (AFC) team joined caregivers, providers, advocates, and legislators from across Massachusetts on June 3 for Adult Foster Care Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care (MCAFC), the annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the value of Adult Foster Care services and advocate for policies that support family caregivers. The day also serves as a reminder of the important role community-based care plays in helping older adults and individuals with disabilities remain in the homes and communities they know and love.
Throughout the day, Incompass staff met with state legislators and their representatives to discuss the importance of Adult Family Care services and advocate for policies that strengthen support for caregivers and the individuals they serve. Conversations focused on proposed legislation related to AFC program guidelines, including eligibility requirements for caregivers.
Among those meetings were discussions with Representative Tara Hong and Representative Jim Arciero, where Incompass staff shared insights about the impact of Adult Family Care services and the importance of ensuring individuals have access to community-based supports that allow them to remain in their homes.
The Adult Family Care program enables eligible adults with disabilities or chronic medical conditions to receive personalized care in a family home setting. By supporting caregivers and creating alternatives to institutional care, AFC helps individuals remain connected to their families, neighborhoods, and communities while receiving the support they need.
Incompass staff also shared informational materials with legislative leaders and encouraged continued dialogue around the future of Adult Family Care services in Massachusetts. According to the team, this year’s event saw increased participation compared to previous years, reflecting growing awareness of the program and the important role family caregivers play across the Commonwealth.
“We see a lot of people who want to be involved and provide care from their own homes,” said Shola Ojudun, Adult Family Care Program Manager at Incompass. “Events like this help us share the value of Adult Family Care and advocate for policies that create more opportunities for caregivers while helping individuals remain in the communities, they know best.”
While AFC Awareness Day is held annually, advocacy efforts continue throughout the year. Incompass remains committed to working alongside caregivers, providers, and policymakers to strengthen community-based services and expand opportunities for individuals to live and thrive in their communities.
