Essential Document Checklist

Emergencies can happen at any time. To be ready for anything, it’s important to make sure that your essential documents are valid and unexpired. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important documents to keep on hand.

1. Passport

Possibly the most important document to keep updated is your passport, which proves your rightful citizenship and allows you to travel internationally. Passports are valid for 10 years for adults 16 years and older. Children 15 years or younger grow rapidly, so they’ll need to renew every 5 years.

Passport applications can take a few weeks to process – it’s wise to check your expiration dates now before summer vacation starts! To apply for or renew a passport, visit USAGov, the official guide to government information and services.

2. Driver’s License/State ID

Next up is your driver’s license or state ID, which declares you a legal resident of the state you live in.

Beginning May 7th, United States residents aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter certain federal spaces. To check if your ID card or driver’s license is REAL ID certified, look for a star in the upper-right corner.

(Picture courtesy of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

Check out the Commonwealth’s guide to getting, renewing, or replacing a REAL ID in Massachusetts.

A social security card provides access to a wealth of resources and programs. Most agencies only require a social security number, but it’s always good to have your physical card on hand in case of emergencies.

Be careful! The Social Security Administration discourages laminating your social security card. Laminating it prevents the detection of security features on the card, which may cause processing delays.

If your social security card is lost or damaged, you can apply to receive a new one through the Social Security Administration’s website here.

For those receiving social security benefits through direct deposit, the Social Security Administration has updated its policy on identity verification when changing direct deposit information. To learn more, visit the Social Security Administration’s FAQs.

4. End of Life Documents

It can be hard to talk about end-of-life care with an older adult. But making these plans ahead of time makes all the difference in emergencies, and ensures that your loved one’s wishes will always be honored.

The National Council on Aging has an excellent, comprehensive list of steps for end-of-life planning. Here are some of the most important documents you’ll want to prepare together with your loved one:

A will for estate planning
A power of attorney for finances
A power of attorney for healthcare
A living will
An advanced directive

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) offers discounted or pro-bono services for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families and individuals. Learn more and contact GBLS through their website here.

An older Asian couple smiling while going over their finances.

Caregiving is a labor of love, but it can also bring financial strain. Don’t worry – there are plenty of organizations and programs dedicated to supporting caregivers like you. Here are four resources you could explore for financial support for caregiving.

1. Adult Family Care (AFC)

Adult Family Care (AFC), also called Adult Foster Care, is a state-funded program helping older adults and people with disabilities receive personalized care while remaining in their place of choice. Through MassHealth, a caregiver receives a stipend of up to $1,500 per month to help cover the cost of care services. The caregiver also receives a wealth of information and support, such as case management, caregiver training, and referrals to care programs.

To participate in the AFC program, care recipients must be at least 16 years old and eligible to receive MassHealth (Standard or CommonHealth). Although caregivers are often family members, an AFC program caregiver cannot be a spouse or legal guardian.

If you’re a caregiver for a close friend or family member, you may qualify for the AFC program. To learn more about eligibility for AFC, contact Boston Senior Home Care by clicking the button below.

2. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Workplaces understand that employees are more focused at work when they’re happy, healthy, and financially stable. That’s why some employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides counseling and resources to help employees with personal matters – at no cost.

For working caregivers, EAPs can be an invaluable and easily-accessible resource for all types of caregiver-related matters such as:

Anxiety and stress
Financial planning
Legal counseling
Family counseling
Dependent care services
Substance use
Work-life balance

Not all employers have an EAP, and the specific supports offered by an EAP varies by the workplace. Reach out to your employer or HR department to see what supports your EAP can offer you.

3. SNAP Benefits

Though grocery costs may be rising, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help offset the strain and provide more access to healthy foods. Formerly called food stamps, SNAP provides monthly funds through an EBT card that can be used to buy food. Plus, SNAP also provides access to free nutrition education classes, Path to Work education and training opportunities, and connections to other kinds of help such as utility discounts and free school meals.

To learn more, visit the Commonwealth’s webpage for SNAP benefits, or click here to take the program’s 10-second SNAP screening questionnaire.

4. FMLA/PFML for Caregivers

In Massachusetts, employees are entitled to protected leave and temporary wage replacement during family emergencies. The Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML) and federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) together ensure that a working caregiver can take up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year in qualifying family events, such as:

A family member’s unexpected health emergency or worsening health condition
Bonding with a new child, adopted or otherwise
Managing affairs for an active-duty family member’s deployment

To learn more about your family leave rights as a caregiver, visit the Commonwealth’s page for Paid Family and Medical Leave in Massachusetts.

An older woman staring shocked at her credit card while on the phone.

Scams are always evolving, but at their core, they all share some common features. Here’s five critical tips to help you identify a scam and stop it in its tracks.

1. Check the Caller ID

Phones have come a long way since the days of switchboards and landlines. Today, caller ID on smartphones shows you whether an incoming call is a friend, trusted organization, or a “Scam Likely.” Taking a brief moment to check a caller’s ID can save you the confusion and hassle of talking with a scammer.

If you’re caring for an older adult who receives many “Scam Likely” calls, check with your phone provider to automatically block scam calls.

While social media is a great way to reconnect with old friends and meet new people, it can also attract scammers with fake identities. These accounts will attempt to quickly build a connection with their target, and may nurture the relationship for months before eventually asking for money.

A person online might be a scammer if they:

Can’t meet in person
Quickly ask for your phone number
Are constantly trying to talk to you
Need money urgently for an emergency

Stop these scammers in their tracks by only responding to direct messages from accounts and people you know.

3. Avoid Suspicious Links

Think twice before clicking on a link in that unexpected text or email about a missing USPS package or overdue toll fee. Messages like these are often phishing scams designed to steal your personal information. Clicking on an unknown link or attachment may put your device and data at risk.

If you’re ever asked to pay a fee, don’t click the link. Instead, visit the official website or app of the organization directly. If the charge is legitimate, it will be reflected in your account details.

4. Double-Check Jury Duty Fines

A popular scam making the rounds involves a false jury duty fine. Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or mail claiming you’ve missed jury duty and must pay a fine or face arrest. While there can be consequences for missing jury duty, rest assured that any legitimate notice will come with due process and clear instructions, not threats or demands for immediate payment.

When in doubt, hang up and contact the Massachusetts Office of Jury Commissioner at [email protected], or by phone at (800) 843-5879, to confirm the legitimacy of any jury summons.

5. Get a Second Opinion

Not sure if a phone call, email, or letter is legitimate or not? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Take a moment to ask a trusted friend or family member to double-check the message with you. Together, you can confirm the sender and the message before making an informed decision.

If you believe you or a loved one have been the victim of a scam or fraud, your local police department is there to help. Visit the City of Boston’s My Neighborhood search tool to find and contact your local police.

A woman happily shopping at a grocery store

These days, we’re all looking for ways to cut costs and stretch our dollars further. Here are practical, everyday tips to help you and your family save money and make the most of every dollar.

1. Buy in Bulk

For household items and pantry staples, buying in bulk reduces the cost per item, helping to save money in the long run. Most price tags will have a “cost per unit” or cost per weight price in the top left corner that can help you compare bulk prices.

Discount saving stores such as Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club are great for stocking up on essentials at a low price. In particular, Sam’s Club offers club membership discounts for adults 50 years and older.

Running out of closet space for stocking up? Reach out to local family or neighbors to explore buying and splitting bulk purchases. That way, everyone can save money together.

2. Seasonal Saving

Prices often drop when demand is low. So, buying items off-season can lead to big saving.

Take winter clothing, for example: the best time to buy a warm coat is in February or March, when stores are clearing out their winter stock to make space for new spring items. Investing in a high-quality winter coat or jacket during an end-of-season or clearance sale can save you time and effort come next winter.

3. Check Sale Periods

Major holidays often bring big savings, especially on large household purchases. While the most well-known sales happen around the end of the year, many other holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, or Presidents’ Day—also offer great deals. If you’re planning a major purchase, consider holding off until the next holiday sale to get the best value.

Beyond holidays, also check for special sales periods such as Amazon Prime Day in July and Massachusetts’ Tax-Free Weekend in August.

4. Insulate Windows and Doors

AC and heating bills can get expensive in the peaks of summer and winter. Window curtains and door draft blockers can reduce the draftiness of your home, keeping the AC inside and reducing your bill.

During major heat emergencies, consider visiting a free cooling center at your local Boston Center for Youth & Families (BCYF). Find local cooling resources hosted by the City of Boston here.

5. Utility Mindfulness

Water and electricity bills can make up a huge chunk of monthly expenses. Though it can be tough to save big on these bills, little everyday actions can help lower them, such as:

Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth
Turning off appliances when leaving the room
Combining laundry and dish loads with other housemates
Being mindful of peak hours for electricity

When a loved one develops Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, their body and mind may change in ways that make it difficult for them to navigate their home. Here are five simple ways you can help adapt a home that can make a big difference.

1) Brighten Up the Home

A person living with dementia may experience vision loss, which can cause confusion and frustration. Our vision also naturally worsens with age. Extra lighting helps with visibility and reduces fall risks.

You may also consider installing accessible light switches such as voice-activated lights, clapping lights, motion-activated lights, or hallway lights around the home.

2) Clear the Floors

Another dangerous risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias is the loss of balance. Keeping walkways clear, placing non-slip mats, and installing grab bars can help reduce the risk of falling for older adults.

Additionally, consider replacing carpets, rugs, and curtains with confusing or disorienting patterns. These can cause eye strain for a loved one with dementia, putting them at risk for headaches and falls. Similarly, it would be best to remove shiny and reflective surfaces that may appear wet to a person with low visibility.

3) Use Pictures

When words become harder to recall, photos can help your loved one locate items and communicate their needs and wants. For example, pictures on cabinets can help your loved one identify what’s inside.

Having photos of friends, family, and loved ones around the house can also bring a sense of comfort for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and encourage them to reach out to their network.

4) Use Contrasting Colors

For people with low visibility, objects with similar colors may appear to blur together. Using items with contrasting colors, such as a bright plate on a dark tablecloth, can empower your loved one to see and eat with confidence.

For larger items such as sinks and mirrors, a good trick is to use colorful post-it notes to mark where the object begins.

5) Create a Relaxing Outdoor Space

A safe garden, patio, or even a balcony can be a peaceful retreat for both you and your loved one. Beyond getting fresh air and sunlight, the outdoor space could also be used to raise plants or do some light exercise. Just be sure the area is safe and secure, with a gate to prevent wandering.

Want to learn more about support for people with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and their caregivers? The Alzheimer’s Association offers plenty of helpful info and tips.

Disclaimer: Boston Senior Home Care is not affiliated with any of the products, applications, or companies mentioned in this article and does not receive any financial compensation or commission from the links provided. These recommendations are shared for informational purposes only.

With each day comes new technology that can help caregivers manage the many responsibilities of caring for a loved one. But with so many options, it can be hard to cut through the noise and find the best tech tools to support your caregiving journey. To help you out, here are five apps and tech tools available for caregivers.

1) Mindfulness Apps

Caregiving can be stressful, so it’s important to pause and recharge. Mindfulness apps are a simple way to remind yourself to take a break, breathe, and stay present. Many offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and gentle stretches to help ease stress and boost emotional balance.

One free option is Mindfulness Coach, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It includes audio sessions, a learning library, and helpful tools to build a mindfulness routine at your own pace.

2) Medication Scheduling Apps

On busy days, it’s easy to lose track of when to take or give medications. While a simple alarm can help, sometimes a more detailed system is needed to stay organized.

Apps like Medisafe offer a clear overview of your medication schedule, send reminders when it’s time to take or refill a prescription, and help you plan ahead. It’s a great way to take the guesswork out of managing multiple medications for both you and your loved one.

3) Meditation and Exercise Apps

Meditation and light exercise are great ways to boost your mood and stay healthy. MindMate is an all-on-one app that includes mental exercises, workout routines, and healthy recipes to help users be mindful of their physical health. Having all of your important health metrics centralized into one app makes it easy to remember and track, which can also help people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias be more consistent with daily exercise and wellness checks.

4) Home Cameras

Caregivers who provide round-the-clock support may worry about stepping away, even for a quick errand. But constant stress can lead to burnout. Home monitoring cameras like Ring or Blink can offer peace of mind by letting you check in on your loved one remotely, anytime.

Placing cameras near key areas like the bedroom or kitchen can help you notice important routines, like how often a loved one is eating or moving around. For those at risk of wandering, an outdoor camera can also be a helpful tool, offering crucial clues in case of an emergency.

5) Online Meeting Technology

In other cases, caregivers may find it difficult to make time for appointments at far-away doctor’s offices, or to go to in-person events. Online meeting technology such as Zoom or Google Meet allow caregivers to participate in these events from the comfort and convenience of their own home, cutting down on travel time and stress while allowing for more regular check-ins.

An example of a helpful virtual resource is Boston Senior Home Care’s online caregiver support groups. At these support groups, caregivers can connect with a community of other caregivers, share valuable information and practical solutions, and learn healthy skills to reduce caregiver stress. To learn more or sign up, email [email protected].

Hoarding can show up in lots of different ways. Sometimes it starts small, like holding onto things that seem useful “just in case.” Over time, those items can build up and create safety issues, especially for older adults.

To learn more, we spoke with Toshiba Bodden, Tenant Resource Counselor at Boston Senior Home Care. Through her work with older adults in supportive housing, she’s seen many kinds of hoarding and how to gently help someone start to declutter.

What Can Cause Hoarding?

Hoarding doesn’t have a single cause—and it certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. For many people, it’s a combination of life changes, practical challenges, and emotional attachments that cause an unsafe amount of items to pile up in the home.

“A person may start with a collection of valuables. But over time, the collection can grow to an overwhelming size. When it becomes too large to manage safely, it can turn into a hoarding situation,” Toshiba explained. In her experience, people with hoarding tendencies often want to declutter, but are unsure of how to start.

According to Toshiba, here are a few common situations that can lead to clutter piling up:

Downsizing to a smaller space and feeling unsure about what to keep or give away
Joint pain or other physical limitations that make it tough to sort, lift, or organize
Forgetting what’s been stored, especially when things are tucked away in hard-to-reach spots
Mindfulness of throwing things away and a preference for passing items on to loved ones

In many cases, the items being kept hold personal meaning, such as old work tools, hobby supplies, childhood keepsakes, or gifts from loved ones. What looks like clutter might actually be a meaningful collection of memories, so it’s important to approach the situation with respect.

Why Hoarding Can Be a Problem

While it’s natural to hang on to things that feel important, too many items in the wrong places can start to cause real safety concerns.

Here are a few home safety concerns that Toshiba has encountered:

Tripping hazards such as boxes, bags, or clothes on the floor
Clutter blocking pathways and exits, which can be dangerous in emergencies
Stacks of newspapers, bins, or books that could fall over and cause injury
Piles of paper, food wrappers, or damp laundry that could attract insects, rodents, or mold

Keeping a home clean doesn’t just make it more comfortable for the resident – it also helps keep the neighborhood and community safe and pest-free.

How You Can Help

When it comes to supporting someone with clutter or hoarding tendencies, patience and empathy go a long way. Toshiba recommends starting with a simple, judgment-free conversation. Ask what the items mean, where they came from, and why they’re being kept. Often, there’s a deep story behind each item.

Sometimes, what a person needs most is a little support and encouragement. That might look like:

Having someone who can help sort through things and make decisions without pressure
Reassuring them that their items will be appreciated, especially if they hope to pass them along to someone else
Coordinating donation drop-offs or finding an organization that offers free pick-up

Patience, understanding, and teamwork can make a big difference for a person with hoarding tendencies, and help turn a tough task into a meaningful experience.

To explore resources in Massachusetts, visit MassHousing’s Hoarding Resources page.

We’ve all been there. Over time, our medicine cabinets can quietly turn into a jumble of expired pills, half-used ointments, and mini hotel shampoos we thought we’d use someday. A quick clean-out can make a big difference in helping you find what you need when you need it, and clearing space for the essentials you actually use.

1) Check Expiration Dates

Annual spring cleaning is a good time to check all of the expiration dates for the medicines and other items in your cabinet, and get rid of expired items. However, throwing medicines into the garbage can pose a risk to children, pets, and the environment.

Instead, check your local pharmacy or police department for a medication take-back program. Using these services ensures that your medication and personal information are disposed of safely and securely.

Learn more about prescription drug take-back programs in Massachusetts.

2) Throw Away Items You Don’t Use

If you haven’t used that tiny sample cream or half-empty bottle in the last year, it might be time to say goodbye. A little extra space goes a long way.

3) Restock the Essentials

Once you’ve cleaned out expired items from your cabinet, be sure to replace commonly-used household staples. It’s good practice to stock up on everyday essentials such as bandages, allergy meds, pain relievers, and cold medicine.

4) Simplify with Support

Juggling multiple prescriptions? Talk with your doctor about simplifying your routine or switching to different medicines. Many pharmacies offer refill syncing or delivery services that can cut down on chaos.

5) Organize by Necessity

Keep frequently-used items up front, and less-used items in the back. UV light-blocking containers can help protect certain medications from losing their strength over time.

Spring is the season of renewal, and the perfect time to refresh your space. Whether you’re tackling a full deep-clean or just sprucing things up, we’ve put together some simple spring-cleaning ideas to help you transition into the new season with a fresh start!

1) Dust Shelves, Appliances, Fans, and Lights

Start from the top—literally! Begin by dusting shelves, fans, light fixtures, and anything else high up. Dust will fall to the floor, which makes it easier to clean up later. A long-handled duster can make this job safer and easier. You can find them at Target, Amazon, or at your local supermarket or Dollar store.

2) Vacuum and Mop Floors

Once the dust has settled, it’s time to tackle the floors. Vacuum rugs and mop floors to give your space a fresh feel. If the work begins to feel strenuous, take breaks or adjust the handle height on your vacuum to keep things comfortable.

3) Clean Fans and Filters

For families with pollen sensitivities, devices such as air purifiers, ventilation systems, and AC filters can be a springtime staple. Before you turn on the AC or air purifier, give the filters a quick clean or swap them out. Stored fans and filters can collect dust and other surprises you don’t want in your air!

4) Clear Out Laundry Traps

Just like dryers, laundry machines have traps, too. These can get clogged with gunk over time, so giving them a thorough cleaning every few months can help keep things running smoothly and smelling fresh.

6) Check Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Spring cleaning is a good reminder to check smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and life alert systems. Swapping out batteries every six months keeps everything in tip-top shape. It’s a good opportunity to check your fire extinguisher too!

7) Clean Out the Fridge

It’s easy for food to hide (and expire) in the back of the fridge. Toss anything past its prime and wipe up spills while you’re at it. If your fridge has a foul smell, a half cup of baking soda or coffee grinds inside the fridge door will absorb odors and leave things smelling fresh.

8) Declutter Your Closet

As you swap winter coats for lighter layers, take a moment to sort through what you actually wear. Consider donating gently used items to a local clothing bin or scheduling a pick-up through Boston’s Textile Recycling Program.

Cleaning can be surprisingly physical work, so be kind to your body as you go. Remember to:

Stretch beforehand
Pace yourself
Stay hydrated
Wear closed-toed shoes, and
Be mindful of how you lift and move—your body will thank you for it!

An older adult couple celebrating Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to appreciate and share time with friends and family. If you’re a caregiver looking for ideas to enjoy a fun and memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, read on for six great Valentine’s Day activities.

1) Host a Small Gathering

A small party or gathering could be a great way to bring all of your loved ones together to commemorate the holiday. Invite your friends or family, and celebrate with a movie, brunch, or your favorite group activity.

2) Go out with your loved one

For a more low-key and intimate Valentine’s Day, consider taking your loved one out to your favorite restaurant. With just the two of you, you can better take a pause to reflect on the love that drives you to be a caregiver every day.

3) Take a self-care day

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect inwards and appreciate the hard work you do as a caregiver. If you’ve been feeling stressed recently, consider taking a self-care day to enjoy what makes you relaxed. Some examples of this could be sleeping in, going for a long walk, or booking a spa trip.

4) Enjoy some arts and crafts

Some Valentine’s arts and crafts with your loved one could be a wonderful way to spend the holiday. Consider a peaceful afternoon making some colorful paper festoons to decorate your house, baking and decorating some cookies, or enjoy some relaxing origami together.

5) Send Valentine grams

Let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them this Valentine’s Day by sending a Valentine gram. Whether a quick text message, card, or quick visit, letting your friends and family know you love and appreciate them can be a deeply touching gesture.

6) Discover local Boston Valentine’s Day activities

Looking for a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day? There are plenty of fun activities around Boston in celebration of the day of love.

Here’s a small list of activities happening around the city:

Tuesday, February 11th: Amore Concert – Love Songs Through the Ages at the North End Music & Performing Arts Center
Friday, February 14th: Paint & Sip: Paint Your Partner! at the Boston Public Market
Saturday, February 15th: Cupid & Comedy at the Marriott Quincy

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reflect inwards and love and appreciate the hard work you do as a caregiver. Whether you choose to spend the day peacefully recovering or cheerfully celebrating with loved ones, we wish you a happy and heartful Valentine’s Day!

Essential Document Checklist