Supporting Caregivers at AFC Awareness Day
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
AFCNS Participates in Adult Foster Care Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House
On June 3, AFCNS proudly joined caregivers, providers, advocates, and legislators from across the Commonwealth for Adult Foster Care (AFC) Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
Hosted annually by the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care (MCAFC), the event brings together members of the Adult Foster Care community to educate lawmakers, advocate for family caregivers, and raise awareness about the critical role community-based care plays in supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Massachusetts.
Held in the historic Nurses Hall, this year's gathering featured legislative sponsors, provider agencies, family caregivers, and advocacy organizations united by a common goal: ensuring that caregivers receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve.
Why AFC Awareness Day Matters: Supporting Caregivers
Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth-funded program that supports caregivers who live with and provide daily assistance to eligible adults who can no longer safely live alone due to a medical condition, disability, or cognitive impairment.
Each year, AFC Awareness Day provides an opportunity to educate state legislators about the impact of the program, discuss legislative priorities, and highlight the importance of continued investment in caregiver support services.
Advocates use this event to promote policies that strengthen caregiver programs, support fair funding structures, and ensure families can continue providing care in their homes and communities.
A Powerful Voice for Family Caregivers
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was hearing from AFCNS caregiver Tony Russo, who shared his personal caregiving journey and spoke about the impact Adult Foster Care has had on his family.
Stories like Tony's remind us that Adult Foster Care is about more than policies and programs. It is about real people, real families, and the daily commitment caregivers make to ensure their loved ones can remain safe, supported, and connected to their communities.
By sharing their experiences directly with legislators and fellow advocates, caregivers help bring awareness to both the challenges and rewards of providing care at home.
Supporting Community-Based Care Across Massachusetts
The mission of AFC Awareness Day aligns closely with AFCNS's commitment to helping families access the support they need while keeping loved ones where they are often happiest—at home.
Adult Foster Care provides clinical oversight, caregiver training, ongoing support, and a tax-free stipend for qualified caregivers, helping thousands of Massachusetts families continue providing care in a familiar and supportive environment.
As conversations continue around caregiver support, funding, and access to services, events like AFC Awareness Day help ensure the voices of caregivers and families remain at the center of those discussions.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care for organizing this important annual event and for their ongoing leadership in advocating for caregivers and community-based care throughout the Commonwealth.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their stories, and helped raise awareness about the value of Adult Foster Care.
A special thank you to Tony Russo for representing AFCNS and sharing his caregiving experience with attendees and legislators alike.
Together, we can continue strengthening support for caregivers and helping families thrive at home.
If you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one, or if you’d like to learn more about Adult Foster Care services, AFCNS is here to help.
