Caregiver Training and Ongoing Support
At CLASS, we believe that confident caregivers create stronger homes. That is why every family enrolled in Adult Family Care receives hands-on training tailored to the specific needs of their loved one. Care managers can walk you through how to safely assist with mobility, manage medications, prepare special diets, and recognize early signs of health changes. Training sessions are offered in your home, at your convenience, in the language that works best for your family.
Beyond the basics, we host small-group workshops throughout the year on topics families tell us matter most. Recent sessions have covered dementia-friendly communication, wound care basics, and using adaptive equipment. Each workshop includes time for questions and practice, so you leave feeling ready, not overwhelmed. If you ever need a refresher or a new skill because your loved one’s condition changes, just call your care manager — additional training can be arranged.
Respite Care: Time to Recharge
Caring for a family member is a labor of love, but even the most dedicated caregivers need a break. Adult Family Care includes access to respite services, which give you time to rest, run errands, attend medical appointments, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon. Respite can be arranged for a few hours, a full day, or even an overnight stay, depending on your loved one’s needs and your plan of care.
Your care manager will help you identify trusted respite providers — including trained AFC staff and vetted community partners — who understand your loved one’s routines, preferences, and medical requirements. Many caregivers tell us that regular respite helps them return to their role with more patience and energy. Remember: taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is part of taking good care of your family.
Navigating MassHealth Paperwork with Confidence
One of the biggest worries families share with us is the paperwork. MassHealth applications, annual redeterminations, and physician forms can feel intimidating. Your dedicated AFC care manager sits with you through every step. We help you gather the right documents, explain each form in plain language, and double-check everything before it is mailed. If MassHealth requests additional information, we respond quickly and keep you informed.
Each year, before your loved one’s eligibility renewal date, we send reminders and schedule a home visit to complete the required paperwork together. Our team also tracks any changes to MassHealth rules, so you never have to research policy updates on your own. Families often tell us this hands-on guidance is the reason they chose CLASS — and why they stay with us year after year.
- Help with the initial AFC application and physician forms
- Annual redetermination support, completed in your home
- Ongoing monitoring of MassHealth rule changes
- Help understanding the paperwork in the language that works best for you
Peer Support: Learning from Other AFC Families
Living with a disability or caring for an aging parent can sometimes feel isolating. CLASS hosts monthly caregiver support groups where you can meet other families who understand your daily joys and challenges. These gatherings are relaxed and welcoming — no formal presentations, just conversation, coffee, and shared practical advice. Topics range from dealing with difficult behaviors to finding local accessible activities for your loved one.
In addition to support groups, we connect new caregivers with experienced AFC families through a voluntary peer mentoring program. A mentor can show you how they organized their home, balanced caregiving with work, or handled a tough hospital stay. You are never alone on this path. Your care manager can help you join a group or match you with a mentor whenever you feel ready.
by Amaris | August 29, 2019 | Arc, Human Services, Inclusion, Performance Art | 0 Comments
What an incredible few months it’s been! As I sat down to pen my first “Message from the CEO” as the CEO of LifeLinks CLASS, I found myself simultaneously reflecting and looking forward. Reflecting on the journey that led us to merge two agencies with more than 100...
