Adult Family Care Program – Faqs

What is Adult Family Care?

The Adult Family Care Program (AFC) provides an affordable residential alternative to individuals in the community who, due to disability or age, cannot live independently. The program offers a cost-effective option to placement in a long-term facility and keeps individuals living in the community in privately-owned homes. AFC is licensed by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services.

What services are provided?

Each home provides supportive services which includes 24-hour individualized care. The scope of services typically includes the following: Meal preparation, assistance with personal care and daily living, (i.e. bathing, dressing, eating, toileting), laundry and housekeeping, health promotion and maintenance, medication management, and transportation services to physician appointments.

Who may receive these services?

The individual must be a NJ resident, 21 years of age or older and may be frail, elderly, or physically disabled, have a medical condition or require a regimen of therapy that can be adequately provided by the caregiver in the home. The client should not be a danger to self or others and agrees to comply with the written agreement regarding client’s responsibilities and financial obligations.

How much does it cost?

The cost of AFC includes a fee for room, meals, services and operational expenses. The cost is determined individually and is based on consumer’s income, assets and expenses. Medicaid funding may be available for clients who meet Medicaid’s financial eligibility guidelines.

Who provides these services?

The caregivers are NJ residents with a caring attitude who are certified as an RN, LPN, Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide, or have completed a certified training program. They are carefully screened which includes a criminal background check, references and a medical clearance. Their homes must meet safety standards established by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

What is the role of the sponsor agency (SCUCS) in AFC?

The staff of AFC recruit and assess clients and caregivers, develop individualized Care Plans, determine financial responsibilities of the client, recruit caregivers and assess their homes, “match make” the client and caregiver, and provide care management services by performing ongoing assessments of the client’s health status and Care Plan implementation and maintaining client records.

How does it work?

A professional staff of nurses and social workers evaluate each individual for the program. When a client is accepted into the program, the client is matched with a compatible caregiver. Ongoing care management is provided by the AFC professional staff to ensure a high quality of care. An individualized Care Plan is developed with the participation of the client, doctor, family and the AFC staff. An agreement is signed by the client or representative, the caregiver and an AFC staff member that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Call AFC at (856) 456-1121 Extension 126 for further information.

September 18, 2014 Inquirer article