Family Caregivers & Outreach

The staff at the Council on Aging can assist older adults maintain their independence in the community, locate resources and answer questions. Our outreach worker can be an excellent resource for those who are trying to find local assistance for spouses and/or parents. The staff is here to provide help and information whether you live nearby or in a different state.

Please feel free to call the office at 508-651-7858.

Caregiving and Community Resources

Springwell

Springwell is a private, non-profit organization that has been creating, managing, and coordinating a wide range of services for more than 45 years. Originally founded in 1977 as West Suburban Elder Services to serve eight greater Boston and MetroWest communities, they updated their name to Springwell in 2002  to reflect their commitment to serving the broader needs of our communities’ seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

In July of 2022, Springwell merged with BayPath Elder Services, maintaining the name and identity as Springwell, increasing organizational capacity and expanding their core service area to encompass an additional fourteen communities in MetroWest. In helping thousands of people over the years, they have amassed a wealth of knowledge and insight about the many public and private resources available to the people we serve.

Their mission is to provide comprehensive services to older adults, individuals with disabilities and those who provide care, guided by a commitment to an individual’s right to live independently in the community. This mission is a reflection of Springwell’s core commitment to the dignity and self-determination of those who we serve.

Springwell provides diverse services in a variety of settings and communities. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs has appointed Springwell as the Aging Services Access Point, Area Agency on Aging for the residents of Ashland, Belmont, Brookline, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, and Weston.

They serve any older adult or individual with a disability or chronic illness, as well as their families, regardless of financial situation or level of need. Their reputation for excellence is why many thousands of individuals and families turn to us each year for support.

For more information, contact Springwell 307 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 205 Waltham, MA 02452
PHONE 617-926-4100   ~  FAX 617-926-9897  ~  TTY 617-923-1562
GENERAL EMAIL [email protected]

Caregivers can also find resources by clicking here.

Additionally, Springwell offers other programs and services for the elderly:

Whether you need in-home services to help you live independently, help caring for a loved one, or assistance in meeting the community support needs of your patients, Springwell can help. Can’t find what you are looking for? Call and speak to one of their Information and Consultation Specialists. They are there to help.

Nursing Home Ombudsman: Help with resolving concerns of nursing facilities residents, working closely with all area facilities, and coordinating a team of Ombudsman Volunteers. Contact Springwell for this program.

Elder Protective Services: Springwell’s Protective Services Program is designed to help eliminate or alleviate the abuse or neglect of a senior. Once an allegation is received, a Springwell Protective Services worker investigates the allegation and provides crisis intervention and short term case management if appropriate. Caseworkers work in conjunction with community agencies providing health, mental health, legal, and social services. Support offered may include, but is not limited to: counseling, safety planning, family intervention, homemaker/health aide services, transportation, housing, legal assistance, and advocacy.

Home Care: Case management. In-home services, including homemaking, home-delivered meals, shopping, personal care, transportation and adult day programs. A monthly co-payment from the client is based on a sliding scale, according to income. Enhanced services are available for those who are eligible. Contact the Sherborn Council on Aging for more information.

Respite Care: Short-term Respite Care is designed to relieve the caregiver of some responsibilities. Respite Care is available for those age 60 or older or anyone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Case management. In-home services including, homemaking, home-delivered meals, shopping, personal care, transportation, in-home companionship and adult day programs. A monthly co-payment from the client is based on a sliding scale, according to income. Call the Sherborn COA at (508)651-7858.

Geriatric Care Management: Private Pay for a professional Geriatric Care Manager to provide in-home assessments, coordination of services, and ongoing monitoring of needs and services. Contact the Sherborn COA for a list of providers.

Family Caregiver Handbook

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology offer an online version of their publication The Family Caregiver Handbook. The handbook assists family and friends of Massachusetts elders in finding information and assessing services. Each section addresses questions that caregivers need to ask and answer as they design elder care plans and make elder care choices. The handbook has a Glossary section which defines unfamiliar terms, and a Directory by city and town to help with finding services nearby.

Click here for brochure.