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CAREGIVER RESOURCES

 
Caregivers don’t have to go it alone. There’s a wealth of resources available to support those caring for seniors. VNA Care’s staff links both patients and their families to community organizations that promote seniors’ independence and caregivers’ well-being. The following are among their most frequently recommended resources.
 

ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS

Adult day care centers, adult day health centers, and social day care groups offer supervision, care, and socialization for seniors outside the home. In general, adult day care and adult day health centers are geared to seniors who have health concerns and need to be monitored. Some caregivers like to use these programs for respite and may bring their loved one for a day or two each week. Working caregivers may choose to have a loved one attend on a daily basis. Some centers offer handicapped accessible transportation to and from the site. Social day care groups are focused more on socialization and recreational activities. (Locate a center or group in Massachusetts at MassOptions.)
 

AGING SERVICE ACCESS POINTS

Aging service access points are private, nonprofit agencies that provide a wide range of supportive services for seniors age 60 and older. Services may include information and referrals to community resources, home care, and case management. (Locate an aging service access point in Eastern or Central Massachusetts.)
 

COUNCILS ON AGING

Councils on aging offer services that promote seniors’ quality of life and help them continue living as independently as possible in their own homes. Exact programs vary by town. Some operate senior centers and offer meals, recreational activities, exercise programs, and transportation. (Locate a council on aging in Eastern or Central Massachusetts.)
 

DISEASE-SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS

Disease-specific organizations frequently offer support groups and information about a disease that can make a caregiver’s role easier. Some organizations may also have volunteers available to provide assistance. Examples of these groups include the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Arthritis Foundation, American Stroke Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and National Parkinson Foundation.
 

ETHNIC AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Ethnic and faith-based organizations can be another source of assistance. Among those with programs geared at supporting seniors are the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Catholic Charities (Boston and Worcester), and Jewish Family and Children’s Services.
 

FAMILY CAREGIVER ORGANIZATIONS

There are now many websites geared specifically to supporting family caregivers. Among these are:
  • Caregiver Action Network offers tips and tools for caregivers and links to additional resources.
  • MassOptions is a statewide, government website that offers an online search tool to help users locate aging and disability services in Massachusetts.
  • Lotsa Helping Hands gives caregivers an easy and free way to coordinate help from family, friends, neighbors, and others. The site includes a group calendar for scheduling tasks such as meal delivery and rides.
 

HOME-BASED CARE

VNA Care offers a wide range of services to help people cope with illness or injury while continuing to live at home: 
  • Home health care can help seniors avoid stays in health care facilities, improve their mobility after a fall, and manage a variety of diseases including diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Palliative care offers pain and symptom management and other services to improve the quality of life for people undergoing treatment for cancer, pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, and other chronic or life-limiting conditions.
  • Hospice provides physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual support to help terminally ill patients and their loved ones focus on life.
  • VNA Care's private duty team provides a wide array of supportive services that allow many people to remain independent, comfortable, and safe at home. Often paid for privately or through long-term care insurance, private duty services can be used in conjunction with skilled home health, palliative, and hospice care or as a standalone service.
 
VNA Care's Referral Center staff can make recommendations based on your individual situation. Contact the Referral Center at (800) 521-5539 or info@vnacarenetwork.org. Our private duty services can be reached directly at 508-366-1766.
 

MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs offers information about services and community programs; one-on-one needs assessment; training, support, and counseling; respite programs for temporary help; and supplemental services, such as home modifications and transportation. There are no income eligibility requirements. To access the program, find your local family caregiver support specialist.
 

MEALS ON WHEELS

Meals on Wheels offers home delivered meals to seniors. To find a program, contact the council on aging or aging service access point that serves the town where your loved one lives.