Senior Agencies
In Massachusetts, the following agencies offer help to seniors age 60 or older and their families, friends, and caregivers:
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Aging Services Access Points
Description:
Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are one-stop entry points for all of the services and benefits available to seniors in Massachusetts. These agencies provide information, applications, direct services, and referrals.
ASAPs manage the state-based Massachusetts Home Care Program, and work with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), established under the federal Older Americans Act, to make sure that seniors have access to all essential services. In Massachusetts, many senior agencies are combined ASAPs/AAAs.
Services:
ASAPs offer these services for seniors and caregivers:
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Information and referrals for senior services, including home care services, housing options, public benefits, legal assistance, hospice care, the ombudsman program, health insurance, senior companions, and adult day care
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Elder care advisors
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Protective services, to prevent the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of seniors by their caregivers
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Elder-at-risk services, to protect seniors who may need help to live safely and independently at home
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Case management for eligible seniors, including:
- needs assessment
- screening and eligibility determination for institutional or community-based long-term care
- development of a service plan
- help with applications for public benefits
- coordination and purchase of needed services
- monitoring and reassessment of needs
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Caregiver support
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Nutrition services
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Online resources; printed booklets and fact sheets; lending libraries
Some services are given to all seniors free of charge. Other services are only available to seniors who meet program eligibility requirements.
Contact Information:
To find the ASAP that serves your area:
Councils on Aging / Senior Centers
Description:
Councils on Aging (COAs) are local volunteer organizations that offer information and direct services to seniors, their caregivers, and other people with aging issues. COAs are part of the local government, and work with other senior agencies and city/town departments to provide social, recreational, health, safety, and educational programs for seniors in their communities.
Most COAs operate Senior Centers for area residents age 60 or older. Senior Centers range in size from small part-time centers to large modern facilities with game rooms, exercise equipment, and a full schedule of programs. COAs rely on volunteers, and allow seniors to be actively involved in the planning and operation of senior center activities.
Services:
Most Councils on Aging offer these services:
- information and referrals
- outreach
- help with applications for public benefits
- SHINE health insurance counseling
- exercise and fitness programs
- home-delivered and congregate meals
- transportation
- health screenings and clinics
- volunteer opportunities
- senior center
Some COAs also offer:
- computer training
- arts and crafts
- continuing education programs
- day trips
- tax assistance
- friendly visiting and telephone reassurance
- movies and live entertainment
- book groups
- food shopping assistance
- peer support groups
- supportive day care
- legal assistance
- errands and handyman service
- cards, billiards, and other games
- senior newsletter
Services and programs vary by location. Some programs are free; others ask for a donation or charge a fee.
Contact Information:
There are several ways to learn more about Council on Aging services in your community.
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Visit your city or town's web site and look on the menu for Senior Center, Council on Aging, Community Center, or Senior Services. Most city/town web sites have a separate page listing Council on Aging / Senior Center programs and activities. This page usually appears under City Departments or Town Departments, but is sometimes listed under Health and Human Services, Culture and Recreation, or Elder Affairs.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association maintains a list of city/town web sites:
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You can also find the address and phone number of your local Council on Aging on the Massachusetts Elder Affairs web site:
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You may also call the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs AgeInfo line:
1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636)
800AgeInfo
Description:
800-AGE-INFO is a web site as well as a phone number where seniors and their families can get information about programs and services for the elderly in Massachusetts. It is a joint project of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Mass Home Care Association.
800AgeInfo allows you to search for services online, or to speak to a resource specialist by calling the 800AgeInfo toll-free number. 800AgeInfo includes information about thousands of Massachusetts programs, and provides contact information, a description of services, eligibility requirements, fees if any, towns served, and notes.
800AgeInfo is an information and referral resource only. It does not provide any direct services for seniors.
Services:
800AgeInfo offers these online and telephone services:
- online search tool to find senior services by category or by region
- online search tool to find your local age info center
- e-mail contact with AgeInfo resource specialist
- links library to connect to other Internet sites about protective services, Alzheimer's resources, housing options, food and nutrition, home care, Prescription Advantage, nursing homes, transportation, and other services for seniors
- toll-free telephone number for information about Prescription Advantage, health insurance options (SHINE counselor), or senior services in your local area
Contact Information:
Web site for 800AgeInfo:
Toll-free telephone number: 1-800-Age-Info (1-800-243-4636)
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