AARP Eye Center
Family Caregiver Resources for Massachusetts
En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (800-243-4636)
Connects caregivers with specialists who can help build a support plan and offer advice about caring for a loved one.
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program (833-344-7365)
Allows family caregivers to take paid time off work for family or medical reasons. The PFML law is funded through employer and employee contributions, and is different from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act and from any benefits your employer might already offer.
Mass Options (800-243-4636)
Connects older residents, people with disabilities and their caregivers and loved ones with information and services to help meet their specified needs.
Finances
Department of Transitional Assistance Senior Assistance Office (833-712-8027)
Helps low-income residents through a host of services including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, workplace training and more.
Massachusetts Business Roundtable Caregiving Coalition (617-728-0881)
Provides tools and resources for employers to support the caregivers in their workforces.
Legal
Health Law Advocates (617-338-5241; 855-218-2519)
Provides free legal representation and information to low-income residents who are having difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. Particularly helps those who are most at risk because of race, gender, disability, age or geographic location.
Massachusetts Chapter of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (617-566-5640)
Helps older residents and people with disabilities understand their legal options and connect with qualified attorneys.
Health
Health Care For All Helpline (800-272-4232 | 617-350-7279)
Free multilingual phone service connects callers with information about their health care options.
Massachusetts Health Connector (877-623-7773)
State marketplace for health and dental insurance; assists people who recently lost employer-provided insurance.
Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program (800-892-0890)
Provides information to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, family members and caregivers related to health care options and instances of medical errors, fraud and abuse.
Housing and Care Facilities
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (617-742-0820)
Promotes diverse community development and advocates for affordable housing options to help low- and middle-income families and individuals.
Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts (617-482-8830)
Provides information about home care options.
Housing Navigator MA (617-742-0820)
Online listing and search tool for accessible and affordable rental homes.
LeadingAge Massachusetts (617-244-2999)
Provides information about the continuum of care including nursing homes, assisted living, senior housing and home- and community- based services.
Mass Home Care
Connects residents with home- and community-based services.
MyMassHome
Online listing and search tool for accessible and affordable homeownership opportunities.
Information and Services
Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire (800-272-3900)
Provides information and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Mass Mobility
Offers transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, commuters and other eligible residents who lack access to transportation.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (800-243-4636 | 617-727-7750)
Provides information and services to older residents, people with disabilities and their loved ones. The office also maintains an elder abuse hotline open 24/7 and can connect residents to local elder service resources. Elder Abuse Hotline 800-922-2275
End of Life
Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts (781-255-7077)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources including a Find a Hospice tool and Palliative Care Directory.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Provides information on end-of-life care, including a downloadable brochure available in multiple languages.