As we get older, it’s normal to require more help and support. At CCA, we want to help our members age well and stay independent. The good news is no matter where you live, there are agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping older adults in the community.

Each state has an agency dedicated to providing seniors with the support they need to live independently and thrive as they age. These agencies offer services that help seniors stay connected and live their best lives. Services include in-home support, nutrition assistance, adult day centers, legal advice, adult protective services, transportation, housing, and more.

Other programs offer financial assistance to low-income households to help with utility bills. For those caring for a loved one, there are special programs to support caregivers.

Food insecurity is a common concern among seniors. By working with community agencies, you can ensure your loved one’s nutritional needs are met.

In addition, a variety of in-home services are available to help seniors remain happy and independent. Services include home health visits, 24-hour crisis lines, and even companion programs.

We’ve put together this guide for our members in Massachusetts so you can have easy access to the services that will help you stay well and independent.

Community Resources in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs Programs and Services (EOEA) is dedicated to ensuring older adults and their caregivers in the state have the resources they need to live and thrive in the community of their choice. Call 617-727-7750 to connect to a local elder service agency. Toll-free: 800-243-4636.

Senior Housing Resources

Elder housing includes supportive housing, shared living in congregate settings, continuing care communities, and more so older residents can age in the community. Massachusetts Councils on Aging & Senior Centers provide support services to elders, families, and caregivers in the community, including outreach, transportation, meals, health screenings, socialization, and fitness and wellness activities. Call 413-527-6425 or connect to your local council here. For Massachusetts senior aging resources, click here.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

• Nutrition Program: Through the Executive Office of Elderly Affairs, the Nutrition Program provides at least one balanced meal to older adults every day, either at congregate meal sites or through home delivery. People aged 60 or older and their spouses are eligible to receive nutrition services, with no income limit. Call 617-727-7750 or find the nutrition program nearest you at this website.
• Massachusetts Meals on Wheels: Visit the Meals on Wheels website here, call 617-628-2601 (x3172), or send an email here.
• Regional Food Banks: Numerous food banks offer food pantries, community meal programs, and other food assistance. Contact your nearest food bank:
  • Eastern Mass: Greater Boston Food Bank: 617-427-5200
  • Central Mass: Worcester County Food Bank: 508-842-3663
  • Western Mass Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: 413-247-9738
  • Northeastern Mass: Merrimack Valley Food Bank: 978-454-7272
  • Project Bread Food Source Hotline: This hotline helps you locate and understand the programs available to you. Assistance is available in 180 languages. Call 800-645-8333 for more information.

Healthcare

• Health Insurance Counseling: The SHINE Program provides free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to all Massachusetts residents with Medicare. Call MassOptions at 800-243-4636, or TTY/ASCll 800-439-2370.
• Prescription Drug Assistance: Prescription Advantage provides prescription drug coverage for Massachusetts residents aged 65 and older or those with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines. Call 800-243-4636, or TTY 877-610-0241.
• Health Insurance: MassHealth provides health benefits and helps pay for coverage for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities living in Massachusetts who meet eligibility guidelines. MassHealth Customer Service can be reached at 800-841-2900 or 877-623-6765. TTY: 800-497-4648.

Family Caregiver Support Program

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program may be able to help you if you are caring for an older family member, or if you are a grandparent caring for a young grandchild. Find out more by calling 800-243-4636 or clicking here.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

For those age 55 or older and unemployed, the SCSEP can help you learn new skills to find a job. Contact the EOEA at 617-727-7750 or click here.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias 

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900, or click here for more information.

Advocacy Services 

This service offers a way for consumers to voice their complaints and have concerns addressed so they can live with dignity and respect. Call 617-727-7750 (MassRelay/TTY: 711) or click here.

Legal Help for Elders 

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston provides free legal information and referral services to Massachusetts residents who are 60 years old or older. Call 800-342-5297 or click here.

Disaster Relief and Recovery Centers

To reach the FEMA Helpline, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 711). Video Relay Service is also available.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Disaster Recovery Unit coordinates the delivery of three disaster assistance programs: FEMA Public Assistance (PA), FEMA Individual Assistance (IA), and Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Programs. Visit this website for more information.

Help with Utility Bills

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact one of these organizations.

• The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income individuals and families with the cost of heating their homes during the winter season. Call the Cold Relief Heatline at 800-632-8175 or click here.
• The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities offers housing energy programs to help pay a portion of heating bills, heating system repair and replacement services, and home energy saving services. Call 617-573-1100 (TTY: 617-573-1140), or click here.
• The Mass Association for Community Action agencies throughout the state offer energy assistance programs. Call 617-357-6086 or email [email protected].
• The Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund offers one-time grants for eligible consumers. For more information, call 800-334-3047 (or 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413), or click here.

In-Home Care Support Programs

Home care services are available to help older adults, those with disabilities, or individuals with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease successfully age in place. Services are based on individual needs. Call 800-243-4636 or click here.

Transportation

Massachusetts offers services ranging from public transportation to special services for those who need a ride for health appointments. Call 617-847-3427 or click here.

Elder Abuse Reporting

Elder abuse reports can be filed 24 hours a day either online or by phone to the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

Mental Health and Substance Use Assistance

• Crisis: Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide.
• The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Adult Services focuses on community-based support for treatment. Click here for a list of resources
• Helpline: The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline offers 24/7 support for residents trying to access mental health and substance use services. Get free help 24/7 by calling or texting 833-773-2445. Visit this website for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

• For City of Boston volunteer opportunities for older adults, call 617-635-4366 or visit this website.
• For RSVP Volunteers of Central Massachusetts, call 508-755-2340 or visit this website.
• United Way has opportunities around the world. Find contact information for your local United Way here.