How to Find Caregivers in Massachusetts

In order for a loved one to remain as independent as possible and in his own home, he may need more help than family, friends and neighbors are able to give. While paid caregivers are available through direct employment and agencies, locating a competent, trustworthy and empathetic caregiver can be challenging and time consuming. If a word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted source is not available, you may need to seek help in finding a suitable caregiver, from a reliable and impartial government agency or nonprofit.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a comprehensive list of the services you need. You may need to find a certified nursing assistant who can perform skilled nursing duties such as administering medications and changing catheters, or you may just need someone to do domestic chores. The more skilled the services, the more you will pay for a caregiver.

• 2

  Telephone the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 1-800-243-4636. This is the federally-funded agency that provides programs and services for seniors and their families. They will put you in contact with the Area Agency on Aging or Aging Services Access Point for your specific location in the state, which can assist you in locating reputable local service providers.

• 3

  Check the care recipient's eligibility for the Frail Elder Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. This program provides caregiver services for low-income Massachusetts disabled and senior residents. If he is aged 60 or older, certified by the state as medically eligible for nursing home care but wishes to remain at home, needs supportive services and meets income and asset limits, he may qualify. Contact the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to find your local Aging Services Access Point, to apply for this benefit.

• 4

  Contact local nonprofits to ask about caregiver resources. If your loved one is suffering from a specific condition such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer or heart disease, local chapters of organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association are a very useful source of local information.