Aging Services Access Point (ASAP)
The 24 regional ASAPs throughout the Commonwealth coordinate services such as in-home assessments, care plan development, home care services, caregiver support, and provide free information and referral services. ASAPs are private, non-profit agencies contracted by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence to deliver services to residents.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
AAAs are state-designated agencies that exist to address the needs and concerns of aging individuals at the regional and local levels. By coordinating and offering services designed to promote independent living, AAAs make it possible for people to choose which options help them age in community.
Councils on Aging (COA) and Senior Centers
Councils on Aging and Senior Centers are municipal agencies that oversee the programming, services, and centers that support older adults in their community. These centers provide local outreach, social and health services, advocacy, information, and assistance for older adults, their families, and caregivers. Often supported by a volunteer network, centers may offer meals, transportation, health screenings, socialization, wellness activities, and life-long learning.
MassOptions
MassOptions is a free phone and online chat service that helps aging adults, individuals living with disabilities, and their caregivers connect with quality services, agencies, and organizations. People can call 1-800-243-4636 to connect with trained specialists (in 100+ languages) who can provide information on which ASAP, AAA, or Adult Community Center can best fit individuals’ needs.
Assisted Living Residences
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) offer a combination of housing, meals, and personal care services to adults for a monthly fee. ALRs are not the same as licensed nursing facilities—they do not provide medical or nursing services and are not designed for people who need serious medical care on an ongoing basis. Instead, ALRs are intended for adults who can live independently but may need some help with activities like housekeeping, meals, bathing, dressing and/or medication assistance, and would like to live in a home-like environment.
The cost of assisted living varies greatly. The base monthly fee for an ALR in Massachusetts is typically between $3,500 and $7,000, but may vary based on:
- The type and number of services you need (in general, the more care needs you
have, the higher the fee) - The size, design, age, and amenities of the residence
- The size of the apartment you choose
- The location of the residence
Most assisted living residents pay privately. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older adults and individuals who have a disability, does not cover Assisted Living. Individuals with long term care insurance policies should ask their insurance carrier if they qualify for coverage of any ALR services.
Supportive Housing
Supportive Housing: Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services for older adults and people with disabilities. Supportive housing coordinators are on-site to help residents access community resources, arrange meals, plan social activities, and manage issues that arise in housing to foster stability and a sense of community. To be eligible for supportive housing, you must meet a minimum age requirement (either 60+ or 62+, depending on the type of housing), or have a documented disability. Residents must also meet financial eligibility guidelines and pass any necessary housing authority screenings (e.g., criminal records, housing history, etc.).
Congregate Housing
Congregate housing is a shared living arrangement that combines housing and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Congregate housing coordinators are on-site to help residents access community resources, manage issues that arise from shared living, and plan social activities. To be eligible for congregate housing you must be:
- Age 60+ or 62+, depending on the type of housing; or have a documented
disability - You must meet any financial eligibility guidelines and pass any housing
agency screening criteria (e.g., criminal records, housing history, etc.) - Be able to take part in a shared living environment
- Be capable of living independently, i.e. not need 24-hour care
- Be medically stable and oriented to person, place, and time
- Not exhibit behaviors which would be a disturbance to other residents
Senior Nutrition Program
The Senior Nutrition Program services include nourishing meals, screening, education, and counseling to help aging people eat well. Meals are served at congregate meal sites, or through home-delivered meals to people 60+ who are homebound.
Home Care Program
The Home Care Program, including the Frail Elder Waiver, provides care management and in-home support services to help aging adults, people with disabilities, and people with early on-set Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia successfully age in place in Massachusetts. Services are available based on assessed needs and may include nursing care, physical therapy, support with activities of daily living, or help with household chores.
Ombudsman Services
Ombudsman services offer a way for people living in Nursing Homes, Rest Homes, or Assisted Living Residences to voice their complaints and have concerns addressed so they can live with dignity and respect. An Ombudsman is an advocate independent from the Executive Office of Aging & Independence.
Adult Protective Services
The Adult Protective Services program allows anyone to call or report online when they know about, or are a victim of, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, caregiver neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect for people who are 60+ and live in Massachusetts. Called “mandated reporters,” certain medical and other professionals are required to report elder abuse if they encounter it as part of their job.
Money Management Program
The Money Management Program assists adults age 60+ who meet clinical eligibility criteria and have difficulty managing personal household budgets, paying bills, keeping track of banking records, intervening with creditors, and handling other issues related to personal finances.
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
SHINE provides no-cost health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to people with Medicare and others.
Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers of adults 55+ or people with disabilities to create a plan of care, share tips and resources, and provide support. People can call 1-800-243-4636 and ask to speak with a Caregiver Specialist, who are based out of ASAPs.
Information & Resources
Information & Resources (I&R), sometimes known as Information and Referral, provides specialists who are trained in assisting aging adults and adults living with disabilities. These trained staff guide callers through the many aging and disability resources available and to obtain the most relevant and current information. This service can be accessed through MassOptions or email: information.resources@mass.gov
Options Counseling
Options Counseling is a free service that can help aging adults, adults of any age with a disability, and their family members or caregivers make decisions on supportive services if they don’t know where to turn.
Community Transition Liaison Program (CTLP)
The Community Transition Liaison Program is available to all nursing facility residents who are 22+, regardless of insurance type, who are interested in living in the community. The team will provide help with discharge plans, connect residents to state programs and local community support, and will help the resident advocate and work to resolve concerns related to transitioning to the community.
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Massachusetts supports aging adults by providing statewide services, support, and pathways for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Prescription Advantage
Prescription Advantage is a state-sponsored prescription drug program for aging adults and people with disabilities that provides financial help to lower prescription drug costs.
Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program provided by MassHealth (also known as MassHealth Buy-In), helps with Medicare costs including premiums, prescription drugs, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Behavioral Health Services
The Executive Office of Aging & Independence funds behavioral health services and programs for adults aged 60+ and their caregivers who need mental health and/or substance use support. Programs are available throughout Massachusetts and vary slightly based on the specific needs of each community.
Services include:
Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Populations
Through this program, behavioral health clinicians provide in-depth assessments and develop care plans that may include individualized counseling, care coordination to community resources, and referrals. This behavioral health program comes right to the consumer and works with the older adults for six to nine months, or as needed. Clinicians can meet the older adult in their home, or at a location that is comfortable for the consumer, such as a local park.
Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Senior)
Healthy IDEAS is designed as a practical intervention to detect and reduce signs and symptoms of depression in older adults. The program aims to empower at-risk older adults through involvement in meaningful activities. Healthy IDEAS is available to older adults enrolled in the Massachusetts Home Care Program.
Certified Older Adult Peer Specialists (COAPS)
Peer Specialists trained on topics including the aging process, suicide, substance use, dementia, physical illness, mental health, and aging in community, provide support, either in-person or remotely, for older adults with mental health challenges. COAPS is available to older adults enrolled in the Massachusetts Home Care Program. The program can also be offered virtually.
Advocacy & Navigating Care in the Home with Ongoing Risks (ANCHOR)
Providing time-intensive, rigorous care management for older adults, with or without a behavioral health diagnosis, who are at risk of institutionalization or homelessness due to the inability to accept or retain services. ANCHOR is available to older adults enrolled in the Massachusetts Home Care Program.
Additionally, the following supports are available to Massachusetts residents of all ages:
Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs)
There are 31 CBHCs across Massachusetts that offer a wide range of mental health and substance use treatment programs. 24/7 in-person crisis support is immediate, confidential, and available for all MassHealth members and MA residents, regardless of insurance status.
988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help with a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, as well as any other kind of emotional distress. The service is also available for anyone worried about a friend or family member who may need crisis support.
Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)
BHHL connects individuals and families across Massachusetts to a full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care.