Adult Foster Care of the North Shore Earns 3-Year CARF Accreditation

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore (AFCNS) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) — the highest level of accreditation available. This achievement reflects AFCNS’s continued commitment to excellence in care, strong organizational leadership, and unwavering support for caregivers and individuals living with disabilities or chronic illness throughout Northeast Massachusetts.

What CARF Accreditation Means for Families

CARF is an internationally recognized, independent accrediting body that evaluates health and human service organizations based on rigorous standards of quality, safety, and person-centered care.

Receiving a three-year accreditation is a significant accomplishment. It means AFCNS has demonstrated:

• Exceptional service delivery and care coordination

• Strong clinical oversight and operational leadership

• Clear focus on dignity, independence, and quality of life

• Ongoing improvement and accountability

For families considering Adult Foster Care, this accreditation offers reassurance that AFCNS meets — and exceeds — nationally recognized best practices.

Serving Northeast Massachusetts with Compassion and Expertise

Based in Gloucester, Adult Foster Care of the North Shore serves individuals and caregivers throughout Northeast Massachusetts. The organization supports families from a wide range of communities, ensuring culturally responsive, accessible, and compassionate care.

AFCNS is led by a dedicated management team committed to the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients.

Pictured: Deanna Benjamin, Cynthia Bjorlie, Joanna Adrien, Bonnie Griffith

Their combined experience and leadership play a critical role in maintaining the high standards recognized by CARF.

What Is Adult Foster Care?

Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth-funded program that allows individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses to receive care in a safe, supportive home environment rather than in an institutional setting.

In this program:

• A qualified caregiver (often a family member or close friend) provides daily care

• The care recipient lives in the caregiver’s home

• Care includes help with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL), such as:

  • Bathing

  • Dressing

  • Walking or transferring

  • Toileting

  • Eating

To qualify, the care recipient must:

• Be 16 years of age or older

• Have MassHealth Standard or an equivalent plan

Caregivers receive monthly financial support, professional guidance, and ongoing oversight from AFCNS, ensuring both the caregiver and care recipient are supported every step of the way. Find out if you are eligible for caregiving assistance.

Real-Life Examples of Adult Foster Care

Adult Foster Care supports many different family situations, including:

• An adult child caring for an aging parent living with dementia

• A person with a disability living with and supported by a trusted friend

• A family member stepping into a caregiving role with professional backup and guidance

In each case, the goal is the same: safe, dignified care in a home setting — with the added benefit of emotional connection and stability.

A Commitment to Quality, Community, and Care

This three-year CARF accreditation reaffirms what families and caregivers already know: Adult Foster Care of the North Shore is deeply committed to providing high-quality, person-centered care.

As AFCNS continues to serve the region, this recognition strengthens its mission to empower caregivers, support individuals with complex needs, and help families remain together in the comfort of home.

Learn More or Get in Touch

Families and caregivers interested in learning more about Adult Foster Care services can contact us here.