Caregiver Supports

Caring for a loved one or friend who is aging, or living with a disability or an illness, is rewarding but can also be challenging. There are over 844,000 family caregivers living in the Commonwealth, many of whom provide essential help with daily activities for these they care for (e.g., bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, transportation). Below are examples of caregiver resources available throughout the state that can help with a variety of services and supports, including food and nutrition, in-home care, financial assistance, transportation, respite and self-care services and much more.

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (MFCSP)

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (MFCSP) provided through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs offers one-on-one consultation with a family caregiver specialist to meet the caregiver’s individual circumstances and needs. Additional caregiver programs can be found on the state’s topic page for family caregiving.

How we help Caregivers?

Caregivers receive or are linked to the following services:

• One-on-one counseling to assist with decision making, assessing options and solving problems
• In-home services
• Respite
• Nutrition services
• Transportation services
• Caregiver training
• Support groups
• Financial counseling including linkages to Community Mainstream Program and Food Stamp eligibility
• Legal referrals

What is the Program Income Eligibility?

There is no financial eligibility.

Caregivers, organizations and employers are provided the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution towards FCSP Services and are informed that their donation helps extend the program’s resources.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Association 

Local support group information and education 617-868-6718

24/7 helpline: 800-272-3900

Caregiver Supports are services and resources that are available for caregivers including training, respite, and caregivers support programs.

Caregiver Trainings 

The Healthy Living Center of Excellence (HLCE) represents a unique collaboration of community-based organizations, aging service providers, health care systems, governmental agencies, and healthcare payors. The HLCE strives to promote the independence of older adults by empowering them and their families to take more active roles in their care by offering quality, proven interventions addressing issues, including trainings.

HLCE offers various classes and trainings for family caregivers, including Powerful Tools and Savvy Caregiver.

Family Supports

Family Supports help a family to care for a relative at home. Family Supports are available to families of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

General Support, Advocacy & Resources

AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP offers information on health insurance and other benefits, health, caregiving and job resources. Some services require membership fees.

Family Caregiver Alliance

The Family Caregiver Alliance offers information, support and resources such as caregiver education, tips and facts sheets on caregiving issues and strategies for family caregivers in Massachusetts and nationwide caring for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.  Call 800-445-8106.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Massachusetts 

The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) of Massachusetts fosters unity among grandparents and grandchildren. The Commission’s primary purpose is to serve as a resource to the Commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising grandchildren.

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)

The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a national organization that is working to help people caring for loved ones of all ages by providing education through instructional videos, peer support through family caregiver forums, tips and toolbox for caregiving. Call 855-227-3640 for their Caregiver Help Desk.

Memory Cafés in Massachusetts

A memory café is a welcoming place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking and for their family and friends. Memory cafés meet at a variety of places including coffeehouses, museums, or community organizations.

Each memory café is different. Some cafés invite guest artists, some offer education about memory changes, and some are just for relaxing and chatting. But all cafés share one goal: to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Cafés are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through, to forget about limitations and instead focus on strengths, to enjoy other’s company, and to explore something new.

A full list of memory cafés in Massachusetts is available on JF&CS’ website.

Respite Services

Respite Services can provide individuals with disabilities or their caregivers with an opportunity for rest and relaxation or the opportunity to attend to their own personal needs. Respite may be offered inside or outside of the home and is available through a variety of programs and agencies including: the Department of Developmental Services; the Department of Mental Health;the Department of Public Health; Executive Office of Elder Affairs; and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.