2025 Resources for Caregivers
As the number of caregivers increases, more programs and services are being established to support them. It can be difficult to keep track of them all. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the most comprehensive programs and resources to help caregivers find what they need in 2025.
Check out each section to view resources specific to that type of caregiver. Or, if you’re not sure where to start, submit this online form to contact our Caregiver Solutions Program and explore options with a professional caregiver advisor.
Caregiver Supports
Not sure where to start when it comes to caregiving? No matter where you are on your caregiving journey, Boston Senior Home Care’s caregiver advisors are here to listen to you and brainstorm solutions to whatever challenges you may face.
We help all types of caregivers, including those caring for an older adult, a person with a disability, a grandchild and more. To get in touch, contact us at 617-292-6211.
Adult Family Care, also called Adult Foster Care, offers support for people who need daily help at home due to illness or disability, and for the caregivers who make that possible. Through this program, approved caregivers, often family members or close friends, provide in-home assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meals. In return, they receive a monthly tax-free stipend, training and ongoing support from a nurse and case manager.
Program benefits include:
- Referrals to adult day health programs and respite care
- Education for caregivers on topics including falls prevention, mental health assessments, social engagement strategies, and dementia and memory loss
- Referrals to behavioral health specialists for mental health and substance use
- Regularly scheduled visits with AFC staff to ensure member and caregiver safety, comfortability, and success through program enrollment
Eligibility: To qualify, care recipients must be at least 16 years old, live in the same home as the caregiver, need help with ADLs, and be enrolled in MassHealth (Standard or CommonHealth). Caregivers must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a spouse or legal guardian.
To learn more about Adult Family Care, get in touch with us through our referral form.
For Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
The Alzheimer’s Association provides support to those living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, as well as their caregivers, through advocacy, research, and education. They provide care consultation, support groups, education programs, and programs and services for people living with early-stage memory loss.
To contact the Alzheimer’s Association of MA and NH, call 800-272-3900. For care outside of these states, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s chapter search to locate a chapter near you.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe dementia, you may be eligible for support through the federal government’s program, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE). GUIDE offers comprehensive care coordination, care management, caregiver education and support, and respite services at no additional cost for those enrolled in Medicare.
To learn more about GUIDE, contact Care Dimensions at 888-283-1722, or visit www.caredimensions.org/DementiaGUIDE.
A Memory Café is a place to talk with other people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking. The goal is to help guests feel comfortable and know they are not alone. The City of Boston Age Strong Commission hosts two Memory Cafés per month, located in Codman Square and Jamaica Plain. For more information, contact Corinne White at 617-635-3745 or [email protected].
For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kinship Caregivers
Boston Senior Home Care’s KINnections program serves as a hub for information and resources for kinship caregivers. We share caregiver resources and information, respite care supports, and caregiver educational programs to reassure and support kinship caregivers.
Additionally, the KINnections program offers two support groups: one virtual, and one in-person. These support groups share experiences, swap resources, and form lasting bonds with fellow caregivers. Email [email protected] to learn more or sign up.
This government agency connects grandparents with legal and financial resources to help with custody, needs representation, and the care costs that come with raising a grandchild. Visit https://massgrg.com/ to view their statewide support library and tip sheets.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway hosts a library of information and fact sheets on navigating the child welfare system, state laws on care and adoption, reunification, background checks and kinship and guardian support services. Visit their library catalog to browse their resources.
Caring for a child can come with increased costs for food and groceries. Grandparents entering retirement may have difficulties making ends meet on a fixed income. The Project Bread FoodSource Hotline provides SNAP eligibility screenings and application assistance, as well as information on food pantries, community meals, and other low-cost food programs.
To contact Project Bread, call 1-800-645-8333. The hotline is open Monday – Friday from 8 am – 7 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm. Interpretation assistance is provided in over 180 languages.
For Individuals with Disabilities
UCEDD is a network of American universities united in promoting independence, productivity, and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. Your local UCEDD can provide accurate and up-to-date information on disability resources near you and connect you to specific programs for your family’s needs.
There are two UCEDDs in Massachusetts:
- UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion, promoting employment for people with disabilities.
- Harvard Medical School’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, providing services to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as their families.
There are 68 UCEDDs across the United States, with at least one per state. To view a full list of UCEDDs, visit their website here.
Managing money can be an incredible challenge for caregivers of a loved one receiving government benefits. PLAN of MA & RI offers trustworthy fiduciary and trustee services for caregivers of individuals with disabilities, ensuring your loved one will always have high-quality care by helping to manage money while balancing benefits.
To learn more about how PLAN of MA & RI can help you preserve assets, visit https://www.planofma-ri.org or call directly at 617-244-5552 (MA) or 401-234-8444 (RI).
For Older Adults
Boston ElderINFO is an all-in-one information and referral hub for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Speak directly with a trained specialist who will provide guidance and referrals to programs for a wide variety of topics, such as:
- Home care
- Community resources
- Supports for caregivers
- LGBTQ resources for older adults and caregivers
Visit https://elderinfo.org/ or call 617-292-6211 to speak with a specialist and have all your questions answered.
For individuals aging in Greater Boston, the Age Strong Commission provides meaningful programs, resources, and connections to help older adults age with joy and support.
Age Strong advocates can assist with housing, transportation, food, utilities, taxes, recreation, and more. To learn more and contact your neighborhood Age Strong Advocate, visit the Age Strong webpage.
For Medicare eligible adults and their caregivers, free health insurance information and assistance is available through the Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE) Program. SHINE counselors work with participants to explore Medicare plan options and save money on insurance and prescription drug costs.
Contact a local SHINE counselor by calling MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636, or by visiting their staff directory to locate an in-person provider near you.