Types of Aging Services Available

There is a wide range of services and housing options available for older persons. The brief descriptions will assist you in determining what degree of care or type of service you or your loved ones need.

Senior Housing/Independent Living  
You may want to think about senior housing if you want to live on your own, but don't want to have all the chores that go along with having a home. It's also a great option for people who want to live in a community with other seniors.

Depending on the community you choose, you can rent an apartment either at the market rate or if your income level applies, a lower rate. They are often specially designed with things like railings in bathrooms or power outlets higher up on the wall. They may also offer a 24-hour emergency call service if residents need help right away. Some places may also offer different kinds of services to the people who live there like meals, transportation, social activities and other programs. Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers


Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are multilevel continuums that bring various levels of care together, often on one campus, so that residents can stay in the same community as their needs change. CCRCs offer their residents a contract that generally secures living accommodations and services. There are three common types of contracts: 1) unlimited nursing care for little or no substantial increase in the usual monthly payments; 2) specified amount of nursing care beyond which the resident is responsible for payment; 3) residents pay full daily rates for all long term nursing care required. Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers


Assisted Living Residences combine apartment-like living with a variety of support services including meals, assistance with personal care, housekeeping, laundry, social and recreational programs, oversight of residents’ self administration of medication, 24-hour security, and on-site staff to respond to emergencies. In Massachusetts, Assisted Living Residences are regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.  Most assisted living residences are paid for privately, while some accept payment for eligible residents through Medicaid’s Group Adult Foster Care program. Some long-term care insurance policies also pay for assisted living.  Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers


Rest Homes / Residential Care Facilities provide housing, meals, 24-hour supervision, social and recreational programs, administration of medications, and personal care to individuals who do not routinely require nursing or medical care. In Massachusetts, residential care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Public Health. Public assistance through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) is available at some residential care facilities for individuals who cannot afford to pay for their care privately. In addition, some long-term care insurance policies may pay for residential care. Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers.


Nursing homes, Nursing homes offer round-the-clock care if someone is too sick to live on their own, or if they need to recover after having an illness or operation. Some people stay for a short time in a nursing home and then go home. Other people may be sicker and need more care for longer. Some nursing homes have special units for residents with dementia or Alzheimer ’s disease. In Massachusetts nursing homes are licensed by the Department of Public Health. Some residents or their families pay for nursing home care out of their own private funds or with private long-term care insurance. Others, who have limited finances or who “spend-down” their finances on their care become eligible for Medicaid. Medicare covers some nursing home care in limited circumstances following a hospitalization. Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers.


Home and Community Based Services
Like most people, you probably want to stay in your home for as long as possible. But you may also need help and support to stay there. That's where Home and Community-based services (HCBS) can help you. HCBS providers can offer everything from help with the chores to health care services, or even just someone to call and check in on you. Also, if you are taking care of a family member or friend, these services can give you the help and support that you need as well.

While there are many different services available, not every community has them. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs or your local Aging Service Access Point can provide you with more information. 

• Adult Day Care: Provides a variety of health, social and related support services in a safe setting during the day. Some day care programs are designed especially for people with Alzheimer's disease.
• Care Managers: Helps people figure out what services are needed and what services. Together, managers and their clients come up with a care plan that best fits an individual's lifestyle and arranges the services.
• Congregate Meal Programs: Offer free or low-cost meals in group settings (often in a senior center or senior housing).
• Financial Counseling Programs: Help an individual balance a checkbook, file taxes and pay bills. They also help with Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance forms.
• Friendly Visiting: Provides volunteers who will come to visit and talk in a person's home.
• Home Health Care Services: Includes part-time nursing services, personal care, help with chores, medical supplies or equipment and different kinds of therapies (physical, occupational, and speech) to help a person recover from an illness or surgery.
• Homemaker or Chore Services: Helps with different chores around the house, such as cleaning, preparing meals or doing laundry. They also help with harder tasks such as washing floors, windows and walls and shoveling snow.
• Hospice Care: Provides comfort, nursing care and other services, such as grief counseling, to people who are dying (and their families). Hospice care is provided in your home, in a nursing facility or in a free-standing hospice.
• Home-Delivered Meals: Bring meals in to individuals if they cannot prepare them on their own.
• Personal Care Services: Provide help with things like bathing and dressing.
• Respite Care: Gives families a break from caring for older people who are unable to care for themselves. Respite care can take place in the older person's or caregiver's home.
• Transportation Services: Helps people get to and from shopping centers, doctor's appointments, senior centers and other places.

Search for Not-for-Profit Aging Service Providers.