Programs & Services

SeniorConnection Central Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program Planning www.SeniorConnection Connection for Caregivers The Caregivers' Guide The Guide to Elder Services SeniorConnection Newsletter Elder and Caregiver Needs Report Older American Act Grants Advocacy SHINE Member Site Volunteer/Intern Opportunities

• SeniorConnection Information & Referral (or I&R) Specialists guide individuals through the aging and caregiver networks. These Specialists provide free, unbiased information about programs, benefits and opportunities available for Central Massachusetts seniors and their caregivers. Available Monday through Friday between 8:30AM- 4:30PM.

• Central Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program which provides information, assistance, training, and specialized support to caregivers of seniors. A collaboration with Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc, Montachusett Home Care Corp., and Tri-Valley Elder Services, Inc.

• Planning Where research is conducted on elder and caregiver needs in Central Massachusetts. Based on this research, funds under the Older Americans Act are allocated to programs meeting the identified needs.

• SeniorConnection.org is our comprehensive website that encompasses a wealth of information, including access to The Guide to Elder Services database of more than 1,700 agencies, programs and services, where one can do their own personalized search for different types of resources in specific geographic areas.

• Connection for Caregivers Website is an enhancement to the SeniorConnection website, where membership offers FREE support services to those individuals caring for elders, also known as caregivers. The virtual support group meets on-line on the fourth Tuesday of every month, facilitated by a licensed social worker. FREE access to the 24 hours a day and seven days a week peer support chatroom, online live classes, videos, monthly articles by community leaders featured in our Four Corners page.

• The Caregivers' Guide is a collaborated effort between The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc, Montachusett Home Care Corp., and Tri-Valley Elder Services, Inc., The Caregivers' Guide explains the avenues of support to be used for the benefit of family members as care providers. Education and support are intended to enable readers to better maintain their own emotional and physical well being while meeting the needs of an elder. Programs are better explained to help caregiver and elder alike understand the often-complex array of services.

• The Guide to Elder Services is a database of more than 1,700 agencies, programs and services, where one can do their own personalized search for different types of resources in specific geographic areas.

• SeniorConnection Newsletter is Published 3-4 times per year bringing to your home or office the news and announcements from around the region.

• Elder and Caregiver Needs Reports is the most recent and up-to-date reports on the needs of seniors and caregivers, with important demographic information on elders in Central Massachusetts.

• The Older Americans Act Grants are funds granted under Title III of the Older Americans Act for supportive services, nutrition programs, health promotion/disease prevention, medication management and caregiver resources.

• Advocacy promotes training, education and information to area citizens and policy makers.

• SHINE Member Site is a free confidential information to Medicare beneficiaries about health insurance options.

• Volunteer/Intern Opportunities - Share your time and expertise on behalf of seniors and caregivers in our agency's work.