- Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Media Contact for Healey-Driscoll Administration Awarded Nearly Half a Million Dollars to Support Family Caregivers
Ellie Romano, Director of Communications
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration recognized November as Family Caregiver Month and announced that Massachusetts is set to receive $490,000 in grant funding from the Administration for Community Living to support family caregivers. The award will be used over a two-year period to develop statewide activities that implement the goals, recommendations and actions outlined in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
“There are nearly 1 million family caregivers in Massachusetts who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. Being a family caregiver is often considered a full-time job in itself, and frequently leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts is dedicated to supporting family caregivers, and this funding will allow us to create new, innovative policies to increase support for caregivers and reduce burnout.”
“Family caregivers play a critical role in the home- and community-based services system by helping thousands of older people and individuals with disabilities and special needs to live and thrive in the communities of their choice,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are proud to announce Massachusetts is one of four states selected to lead implementation of the national strategy to support family caregivers.”
The funding will be used to develop policy aimed at increasing the well-being and reducing the stress of family caregivers by identifying priorities for caregivers and barriers to accessing services. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will also develop and distribute a guide to resources for information and referral specialists for caregivers.
To honor the immense contributions family caregivers make to our communities, Governor Healey signed a proclamation declaring November as Family Caregiver Month.
“Family caregivers should be celebrated every day, but especially throughout Family Caregiver Month. Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “We recognize and thank Massachusetts’ family caregivers for their around-the-clock dedication, scheduling, and hands-on care supports.”
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will lead the grant funding implementation and partner with the Department of Developmental Services to focus on breaking down silos at the state level and engaging diverse populations that have been historically underserved and under-resourced.
“We have been actively engaging with our communities to learn how the Commonwealth can be more age- and dementia-friendly. A consistent theme is around caregiving and how we can do more to support family caregivers,” said Executive Office of Elder Affairs Acting Secretary Robin Lipson. “Residents are calling out for more support for family caregivers, and we heard them. This grant will enable us to continue investing in our vital caregiving supports.”
Other grantees include the California Department of Aging, Maryland Department of Aging, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
About EOEA: The Executive Office of Elder Affairs provides quality aging-related resources, tools, and support through a network of regional non-profit agencies and municipal agencies across the state. The Agency partners with providers, caregivers, and the 1.7 million older adults in Massachusetts to help individuals live and thrive throughout the aging process.
About ACL: ACL was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. By funding services and supports provided primarily by networks of community-based organizations, and with investments in research, education, and innovation, ACL helps make this principle a reality for millions of Americans.
This grant is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $490,000 with 75% percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $164,103 amount and 25% percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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