Elder Care

Aging Life Care Managers® (ALCMs) formerly called Geriatric care managers (GCM’s) are typically licensed nurses or social workers who specialize in geriatrics, the health and care of elderly people. These professionals assist families with the planning and coordination of care for their elderly relatives, including those with physical and/or mental impairments. ALCMs help their clients to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible, while reducing the burden on family members, by:

• Making home visits to evaluate needs and suggest services
• Formulating short- and long-term care plans
• Coordinating care personnel and medical services
• Addressing emotional concerns
• Evaluating and identifying potential alternate living arrangements, if needed
• Providing caregiver coaching, as well as support and stress relief

Aging Life Care Managers® can also assist younger patients with end-of-life planning and coordination.

To identify an Aging Life Care Manager® in your area, click here:

Assisted Living communities provide seniors with care and social engagement in a residential setting. They are geared toward elders whose health or well-being requires a higher level of support, which is determined through a health assessment by the community according to state regulations.

Assisted living services typically include medication management and assistance with such tasks as dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Most often housekeeping, meals, laundry and transportation services, as well as social programs and activities, are included.  Trained staff are generally available around the clock to ensure safety and constant support.

Assisted living facilities also often offer short-term “respite care” to support seniors who are recovering from a hospital visit or are in need of hospice care outside of the home.

To identify an assisted living facility in your area, click here:

Massachusetts Senior Care Association
Facility search | Mass Senior Care (maseniorcare.org)

Medicare.gov
Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits
VA Aid and Attendance is a monthly pension benefit that provides tax-free payments to Veterans who served during wartime. In addition to being available for Veterans, single surviving spouses and dependent children are also eligible for this benefit. In order to qualify for this pension, the Veteran or their surviving family need to meet means-tested income and asset thresholds.

National Veterans Foundation (NVF)
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Eligibility Criteria – Housebound Rating (nvf.org)

If you need help with a new application for Veteran’s services or have general questions about veterans benefits, you may call your Veterans Services Officer for your town.  This person’s contact info is listed on your town’s website or you can contact your town hall.

For questions regarding pending benefit applications or other issues, you may contact State Senator Ed Markey’s office:

Innocent Wozufia, Congressional Aid
Innocent_wozufia@markey.senate.gov

General Casework Mailbox
ma_casework@markey.senate.gov

Councils on aging & senior centers provide support services to elders, along with their families and caregivers in their communities. These local agencies serve as advocates for elders and offer them services and activities such as:

• Outreach
• Transportation
• Meals
• Loaning of equipment such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs
• Health screenings
• Health insurance counseling
• Socialization
• Fitness, wellness and recreation activities
• Education

To identify aging/senior centers in your area, click here:

A visiting nurse association (VNA) provides home healthcare and hospice services through a network of nurses, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare associates for patients who are at home recovering from an illness or injury or are living with a disability or chronic condition.