We offer comprehensive in-home support and community-based services as well as choices that empower elders and support their independence. The core Agency Programs are listed below, and are intended to support the elder and family members when the preferred choice is to remain at home.
- Information and Referral
- Home Care Programs and Case Management
- Clinical Assessment and Eligibility
- Community Choices
- Caregiver Advice and Support Program
- Nutrition Program
- Supportive Housing
- Protective Services
- Money Management Assistance
- Comprehensive Screening and Service Model
- Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Community Programs
Information and Referral:
Information specialists offer free advice and referrals from our extensive database of local, state and national resources.
Home Care Programs and Case Management:
A range of programs for eligible elders designed to provide assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, shopping, laundry, etc.) for those who wish to remain in their own homes. These programs include an in-home assessment, care management, the development of a care plan, and delivery of authorized services. An assigned Case Manager coordinates services.
Clinical Assessment and Eligibility
Registered Nurses assess the health needs of consumers for nursing home placement, waiver programs, adult day health, personal emergency response systems, and the need for personal care, and/or home health aid services.
Community Choices:
The Choices Program is a program intended to give Mass Health-eligible elders with limited financial means a choice and option to remain living at home instead of entering a nursing home. The program is designed to keep elders at “imminent risk” of nursing home care out of an institution. Eligible elders are offered the choice of staying at home with a higher level of care through an individualized service plan and a package of in-home supportive services.
Caregiver Advice and Support Program:
This program empowers families to care for elder relatives and offers resources for those caring for a frail elder. Services include information, education, caregiver support, assistive technologies, a personal consultation on short-term care management of the elder, long-term planning for decision-making and referral to seminars on caregiving issues.
Nutrition Program:
Home Delivered Meals are meals delivered to qualified homebound elders. For elders who are independent and prefer socialization with others, congregate meals are offered at specific sites. These meals provide a hot nutritious lunch with milk, bread and a dessert. Call the nutrition office at 617-884-2500 to find a congregate site near you.
Supportive Housing:
This program is designed as an assisted living-type facility that focuses on allowing elders to age in place. Residents have access to personal care, and other supportive services around the clock every day. All residents are eligible for the meal program, special events, and access to emergency personal care at any time in certain public housing sites.
Protective Services:
Protective Services are services designed to eliminate or alleviate the abuse of an elder. Case Workers work with family and community agencies to provide medical , mental health, legal and social services. Services may include counseling, safety planning, family intervention, homemaker aide services, transportation, housing and legal assistance. To prevent elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and self neglect, report it with a confidential call to 1-800-922-2275.
Money Management Assistance:
The Money Management Program helps elders maintain independence and avoid financial exploitation. Trained volunteers under the elder’s guidance provide personalized money management services that include assistance with bill paying, budgeting, balancing the checking account, and banking tasks. A volunteer may even serve as a Representative Payee. A homebound elder with limited income who has few family supports, or who may be physically or mentally impaired, may be eligible for this service.
Comprehensive Screening and Service Model:
This initiative proactively assists nursing home residents return to the community. The program offers community alternatives for independent living for eligible individuals residing in a nursing home. It is intended to improve communication and coordination between nursing homes and educate residents on available community options.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program:
Trained certified volunteers visit nursing facilities and rest homes to assist with resolving problems, concerns and complaints, and address residents’ rights or any issue or concern affecting their lives as a resident in a long-term care facility. Ombudsmen also offer advice and referrals to elders or caregivers seeking information regarding nursing home placement.
Community Programs:
As an Area Agency on Agency, the organization is mandated to plan and
initiate community programming that benefits elders. We are affiliated with
the local Councils on Aging and support them in cultural, recreational,
educational and social activities. We also make referrals to the Fuel
Assistance Program.
We provide funds for legal assistance for elders in legal matters with the
exception of criminal cases or estate planning. The Agency assists elders
with special needs, including elders with mental health issues, and deaf and
blind elders, etc.
Our Area Plan also provides funds for wellness programming in the community.
