A client perspective: 21 years with Adult Foster Care

GLOUCESTER, Mass., May 31, 2022 – Adult Foster Care of the North Shore (AFCNS) is proud to celebrate the 21st anniversary of one of its clients, the Fushpanski family.

Stan and Georgette Fushpanski began fostering children shortly after their own two daughters left home. In 1989 they took in a girl by the name of Lucille (Lucy). After taking Lucy in as one of their own for over a decade, the Fushpanskis came across an article in their local paper about a new organization based out of Gloucester, Adult Foster Care of the North Shore. They met with Founder and Program Director Cynthia Bjorlie, MD in 2001 and have been a part of AFCNS’ family ever since. As part of their client status with Adult Foster Care, the Fushpanskis receive a monthly stipend, an assigned care manager and nurse practitioner who visit them monthly and two weeks of respite care to support them in their role as caregivers.

“Lucy has been with us for 32 years now. We’ve spent 21 of those years as clients of Adult Foster Care of the North Shore,” said Georgette. “Every client is different and has different needs. Some require more help than others, and AFCNS is there to provide that help.”

As a MassHealth-funded program, AFCNS provides a wide range of solutions for its clients and their caregivers. These include family, health and social support programs and over-the-phone counseling that is available 24/7. Eligible caregivers also receive a MassHealth-funded stipend through the program.