Guide to Family Caregiver Support Specialist Locations and Resources in Massachusetts
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by Richard Spafford,
29 min reading time
Table of Contents
Introduction 1.1 Why This Guide Matters 1.2 Who Can Benefit from These Resources
Understanding the Family Caregiver Support Program 2.1 What Are Family Caregiver Support Specialists? 2.2 Services They Provide 2.3 How They Facilitate Funding for Ramps and Mobility Equipment
A Detailed Database of Elder Services Agencies (ASAPs/AAAs) 3.1 Agency Overview & Quick Navigation 3.2 Comprehensive Profiles - 3.2.1 BayPath Elder Services - 3.2.2 Boston Senior Home Care - 3.2.3 Bristol Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.4 Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. - 3.2.5 Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. - 3.2.6 Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. - 3.2.7 Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. - 3.2.8 Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. - 3.2.9 Greater Lynn Senior Services, Inc. - 3.2.10 Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. - 3.2.11 HESSCO Elder Services - 3.2.12 Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.13 LifePath, Inc. - 3.2.14 Minuteman Senior Services - 3.2.15 Montachusett Home Care Corporation - 3.2.16 Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.17 Old Colony Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.18 SeniorCare, Inc. - 3.2.19 Somerville/Cambridge Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.20 South Shore Elder Services, Inc. - 3.2.21 Springwell, Inc. - 3.2.22 Tri-Valley, Inc. - 3.2.23 WestMass Elder Care, Inc.
How These Agencies Help with Funding for Ramps and Mobility Equipment 4.1 Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) 4.2 Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) 4.3 Other Noteworthy Funding and Resource Programs
USA Medical Supply: A Trusted Resource for Mobility & Medical Equipment 5.1 Contact Information 5.2 Product Offerings (Ramps, Stairlifts, Lift Chairs, and More) 5.3 Insurance Claims and Pay Bill Online
Additional Tips for Caregivers 6.1 Questions to Ask a Family Caregiver Support Specialist 6.2 Using Civic & Religious Organizations for Financial Aid or Volunteer Labor 6.3 Building a Comprehensive Care Plan
Conclusion
Bibliography
1. Introduction
1.1 Why This Guide Matters
Caregiving is a demanding role—especially when mobility challenges require installing ramps, stairlifts, or other assistive devices in the home. Knowing where to find funding or support can be a game-changer. This guide compiles every key contact you might need in Massachusetts, ensuring you save time and energy by finding the right resources in one place.
1.2 Who Can Benefit from These Resources
Family Caregivers: Get connected to respite care, home-delivered meals, and guidance on installing and funding mobility equipment.
Older Adults: Find programs that promote independence and safety at home.
Individuals with Disabilities: Discover assistance with adaptive equipment and home modifications.
Healthcare Providers & Social Workers: Use this as a reference tool to direct clients to the right agency or program.
2. Understanding the Family Caregiver Support Program
2.1 What Are Family Caregiver Support Specialists?
Family Caregiver Support Specialists are professionals located at various elder service agencies (often called Aging Services Access Points or Area Agencies on Aging). They provide:
Information & Referrals: Helping caregivers and older adults find local services, funding sources for ramps, and medical equipment suppliers.
Care Coordination: Linking families to respite care, meal programs, and specialized counseling.
Navigation Assistance: Helping complete applications for state-funded loans or grants and clarifying eligibility requirements.
2.2 Services They Provide
One-On-One Counseling: Specialists assess your caregiving situation and tailor a solution that fits your needs.
Legal & Financial Guidance: Guidance on consumer rights, elder law services, and direct you to organizations that provide financial or legal aid.
Workshops & Training: Many agencies offer caregiver training on safe mobility techniques, stress management, and more.
2.3 How They Facilitate Funding for Ramps and Mobility Equipment
Grant Referrals: They can connect you to Rebuilding Together chapters, civic organizations, or local nonprofits offering small grants.
Loan Programs: Explain step-by-step how to apply to the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) or Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP).
Contractor Coordination: They often maintain databases of licensed contractors experienced in installing ramps, grab bars, and other home modifications.
3. A Detailed Database of Elder Services Agencies (ASAPs/AAAs)
3.1 Agency Overview & Quick Navigation
In Massachusetts, each region has its designated agency that focuses on helping older adults and caregivers. These agencies facilitate everything from case management to home-delivered meals and mobility assistance referrals. Below, you’ll find a thorough breakdown of each agency, its contact information, and the towns it serves.
3.2 Comprehensive Profiles
3.2.1 BayPath Elder Services
Address: 33 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752-1853
Areas Served: Attleborough, Berkley, Dighton, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, North Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Westport
Key Programs:
Community Care Services: Adult day health, home care, and transportation assistance.
Volunteer Programs: Matches volunteer labor with older adults needing small-scale home modifications like ramps and railings.
Funding Guidance: Information on state, federal, and local programs to finance home improvements.
3.2.4 Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
Address: 1646 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Areas Served: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown, Windsor
Key Programs:
Caregiver Support: Specialized training on safe mobility transfers and hoisting devices.
Protective Services: For older adults experiencing neglect or abuse.
Nutrition: Home-delivered meals and congregate meal sites.
3.2.6 Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
Areas Served: Belchertown, Chicopee, Granby, Holyoke, Ludlow, South Hadley, Ware
Key Programs:
Home Care Services: Skilled nursing and homemaker assistance.
Family Caregiver Support: Helps find ramp funding and volunteer labor for modifications.
Senior Housing Coordination: Works with local housing authorities to improve accessibility.
4. How These Agencies Help with Funding for Ramps and Mobility Equipment
4.1 Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)
Overview: Offers low- and no-interest loans to Massachusetts residents (or landlords with tenants who have disabilities) for crucial home accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, stairlifts).
Why It’s Important: Minimizes financial barriers to creating a safer living environment.
4.2 Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP)
Purpose: Provides low-interest loans for assistive technology devices and services, including mobility equipment.
Who Qualifies: Individuals who do not meet financial requirements under HMLP can apply here.
Contact: 1-800-244-2756 ext.428 or 431 | TTY: 1-800-564-9700 | www.massatloan.org
4.3 Other Noteworthy Funding and Resource Programs
Rebuilding Together: Free or low-cost home repairs and modifications for income-eligible residents.
Civic Groups: Organizations such as Elks, Rotary, Lions Clubs, and Knights of Columbus may offer small grants or volunteer labor.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Grants: For veterans with service-related disabilities, the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants may apply.
5. USA Medical Supply: A Trusted Resource for Mobility & Medical Equipment
5.1 Contact Information
Address: 1779 Riverdale Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
Ramps & Stairlifts: A variety of ramp solutions (portable, threshold, modular) and stairlift installations.
Lift Chairs: Recliners with powered lift assistance for safer transitions.
CPAP Equipment: For those who require respiratory support during sleep.
Scrubs & Medical Supplies: Large selection of medical uniforms, daily living aids, and more.
5.3 Insurance Claims and Pay Bill Online
Insurance Claim Form: The website offers direct claim form submissions.
Online Payment: Customers can conveniently pay bills online without calling or mailing checks.
Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable staff can advise on insurance coverage for durable medical equipment (DME).
6. Additional Tips for Caregivers
6.1 Questions to Ask a Family Caregiver Support Specialist
What types of loans or grants are available for ramp installation in my area?
Does my family member qualify for the Home Modification Loan Program or AT Loan Program?
Are there volunteer organizations that can help with home repairs and modifications?
How do I manage insurance paperwork for medical equipment?
6.2 Using Civic & Religious Organizations for Financial Aid or Volunteer Labor
Local Faith Communities: Churches, synagogues, and mosques often run charity initiatives.
Fraternal Organizations: Elks, Shriners, and Knights of Columbus sometimes have disability-focused funds.
Community Foundations: Seek out local philanthropic groups that issue small grants for emergency home repairs.
6.3 Building a Comprehensive Care Plan
Assessment: Work with a specialist to evaluate mobility needs, potential modifications, and budget constraints.
Schedule: Determine daily tasks, who will assist, and how modifications (like ramps) will improve day-to-day functioning.
Follow-Up: Maintain contact with agencies for continued support, especially if medical conditions change over time.
7. Conclusion
Massachusetts boasts a rich network of elder service agencies and caregiver support programs, each primed to help you navigate the world of home modifications, funding for mobility equipment, and day-to-day caregiving challenges. Whether you live in Worcester, the Berkshires, Cape Cod, or downtown Boston, there’s an agency devoted to guiding you every step of the way. By tapping into Family Caregiver Support Specialists and leveraging programs like HMLP and ATLP, you can create a safer, more accessible living environment for yourself or a loved one.
Remember: You don’t have to face caregiving alone. With the resources highlighted in this guide—from local ASAPs to dedicated suppliers like USA Medical Supply—you have a powerful toolkit to make informed decisions that enhance independence and quality of life.
By harnessing these agencies, loan programs, and additional community resources, caregivers and older adults can transform everyday obstacles into manageable solutions—ensuring safety, dignity, and independence for everyone involved.