Boston Senior Home Care Expands Caregiving
Programs and Supports for Kinship Families
BOSTON (December 16, 2024) – Boston Senior Home Care, a trusted provider of home- and community-based services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in the city of Boston, has expanded its services by continuing the operations of the KINnections program, a hub for information and resources for kinship caregivers, which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who step in to raise children in their family. Boston Senior Home Care has assumed management of the KINnections program following the strategic decision of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) to transition the program name after 25 successful years.
“Boston Senior Home Care is honored to continue the important work of the KINnections program,” said Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Senior Home Care. “When family members open their hearts and homes to children in need, they deserve all the support we can give. Through our Caregiver Solutions and KINnections programs, we stand beside kinship caregivers every step of the way, helping them nurture the precious bonds that make a family strong.”
As Boston Senior Home Care assumes leadership of the KINnections program, the need for kinship caregiver support continues to grow. According to data from grandfamilies.org, in Massachusetts, more than 114,000 children live in homes where a relative is the head of household. Family members often step in as caregivers due to circumstances including parental substance use, incarceration, and mental health challenges.
Through its Caregiver Solutions Program, Boston Senior Home Care is operating the KINnections program support groups, which are offered through virtual and in-person modalities. These groups provide flexible options for caregivers to connect with peers. Participants can share experiences and resources, find emotional support, and build community with others in similar situations.
“Caregiving enriches lives across all generations, from supporting older adults and people with disabilities to nurturing children within extended families. By welcoming the KINnections program to our services, we’re expanding our ability to meet the diverse needs of kinship families,” said Alicia Gomez, Chief Operations Officer of Boston Senior Home Care. “Our goal is to empower them with the tools, support, and resources they need to continue providing exceptional care while prioritizing their own wellbeing.”
In addition to support groups, the KINnections program also provides:
- Comprehensive Resources and Assistance – Information on critical services, such as housing, food, transportation, legal aid, and health care
- Respite Care Supports – Programs to support caregiver respite, including access to community-based after-school programs and camps
- Caregiver Education Programs – Tailored resources on topics like child development, mental health, and positive parenting strategies
Program support through care captains, resource sharing, and connections will remain the same under Boston Senior Home Care’s management.
“MSPCC is pleased that the important work of KINnections will be in the capable and caring hands of Boston Senior Home Care. Caregivers in the Boston area will be well served by this wonderful and effective organization,” said Nancy Allen-Scannell, Executive Director of MSPCC.
To learn more about the Boston Senior Home Care KINnections program, visit bshcinfo.org.
About Boston Senior Home Care and KINnections:
About Boston Senior Home Care: Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) is a private, nonprofit human services agency based in Boston. Since 1974, it has been dedicated to making a difference by connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities with social services and resources to live independently. BSHC also provides support and guidance to caregivers by helping them care for their loved ones while focusing on their self-care needs. For more information, visit bshcinfo.org.
About KINnections: The KINnections Program connects grandparents and relatives raising children to a variety of resources, information & activities in their community that support and strengthen families. KINnections provides a comprehensive array of support services. Since 1974, it has been dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with social services and resources to live safely and independently in their homes and communities.
About the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC): MSPCC’s comprehensive array of programs and services includes child abuse prevention and intervention programs, mental health treatment, and adoptive and foster care support. Services are provided both in the home and through community-based locations across the state of Massachusetts. In addition, MSPCC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families and advocating for laws on their behalf. See more at www.mspcc.org.