Advocacy
AARP
Contains information about caregiving, Alzheimer's Disease, Medicare, and Nursing Homes. Provides the consumer with information about different aging benefits, aging services, and
options for care.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legislative Directory
Offer a fast and easy way for Massachusetts residents to identify their elected officials.
LGBT Aging Project
Advocates for changes in laws and policieson behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered seniors. Provides training and assistance to service providers throughout the state. Offers a framework for seniors, their friends and family who want to speak out for themselves.
Mass Home Care
A network of 30 non-profit Age Info Centers which cover every city and town in Massachusetts. Mass Home Care advocates for community care.
Massachusetts Senior Action Council (MSAC)
MSAC is a statewide, democratically-run membership organization open to people of all ages. It promotes the rights, well being, and dignity of all people, particularly vulnerable senior citizens.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Offer updated information on national legislation impacting Older Americans.
National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
Includes information on Ombudsman programs, Government and Policy, family involvement and citizen's groups. Also features printer friendly Fact Sheets on topics ranging from Resident's Rights to Assessment and Care Planning to Long Term Care Insurance information.
National Association for Home Care & Hospice
National trade association representing home care agencies, hospices and home care aide organizations.
Aging Resources
Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts
Contains specific information about Alzheimer's Disease including information about the disease, caregiving, resources, diagnosis, research, advocacy, and medications.
Alzheimer Disease Research Center
Association of Private Geriatric Care Managers
The Eldercare Locator
A nationwide toll-free service and web site, which helps older adults and their caregivers find local services for seniors. The U.S. Administration on Aging makes a part of their service available on-line so that consumers can easily link to services in their state.
ElderWeb
A research site for professionals and family members looking for information on eldercare. Includes links to information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues, as well as policy, research, and statistics.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
A state agency that contracts with Springwell and 26 other Aging Services Access Points who operate government subsidized programs that include home care and caregiver support, nutrition programs, protective services, health and wellness services, housing options, SHINE counseling or counseling services for elders with limited English proficiency.
National Institutes on Aging
Statewide Eldercare Information
online resource of elder services, programs, and information.
The U.S. Administration on Aging
This site is designed for older people, caregivers, and professionals in the field of aging. It has a wealth of information about aging services across the U.S., with links to local and state resources.
Senior Drivers
This site includes quizzes and links about driver safety.
West Suburban Alzheimer's Partnership
Springwell is co-chair of this regional partnership, working with healthcare facilities, community organizations, and families to support the needs of individuals affected by Alzheimer's Disease.
The Partnership created : A Guide To Alzheimer's Services
Caregiver Resources
A Caregiver Blog
A blog operated by the New York Times that focuses on caregiver issues.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
The U.S. Administration on Aging Caregiver Resource Page
Links to caregiver sites including government, non-profit and commercial sites. Information and articles on topics useful to caregivers.
Disability Resources
Mass. Rehabilitation Commission
MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services, and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs.
Assistive Technology / Able Data
Database on assistive technology sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the U.S. Department of Education. Information on 19,000 available products.
Assistive Technology / Axistive
Assistive Technology / Brainfingers
Hands free computer access solutions
Assistive Technology / Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program(MassEDP)
Promotes easy access to innovative, well-designed telephones and accessories that accommodate one's lifestyle or unique requirements
Assistive Technology / Exchange
Free Assistive Technology Equipment exchange program
Assistive Technology / MassMatch
MassMATCH is the Commonwealth’s initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology (AT) in Consumer’s Hands. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, MassMATCH is currently creating new AT programs and working to coordinate AT services throughout the Commonwealth. MassMATCH is one of 56 state-level AT initiatives in the United States.
Assistive Technology / Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership
Monitored by Boston Children's Hospital and administered by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Increases access to assistive technology and home modification. Includes, resources, funding sources, legal rights & advocacy, free services for senior's with low vision, disability training and events, equipment loans.
Developmentally Disabled / ARC
Contains informational materials on mental retardation, aging issues, family supports. Links to local ARC chapters which have information on independent living skills training, job search, health care and supports for family members.
Disabled / Independent Living Centers by State
Disabled / Boston Center for Independent Living
provides services to individuals with disabilities
Disabled / MetroWest Center for Independent Living
provides services to individuals with disabilities
Disabled / New England Index of Disabilities
Free, disability-specific information for people with disabilities residing in Massachusetts.
Disabled / Disability Link Barn
Disabled / Easter Seals
Provides services to children and adults living with autism and other disabilities or special needs and their families.
Visually Impaired / Greater Boston Aide to the Blind
GBAB is the only agency is Massachusetts devoted exclusively to the personal support and rehabilitation of adults age 50 and over who are visually impaired. Clients from all over eastern and central Massachusetts are served through center-based, community and in-home programs. The goal of all programs is to help clients remain independent safe and comfortable in their own homes and communities.
Visually Impaired / MAB Community Services
Formerly the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, MAB provides services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Visually Impaired / National Federation of the Blind
Hearing Impaired / Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Serves as the principal agency representing the Commonwealth's 560,000 Deaf, late deafened, and hard of hearing people within state government.
Hearing Impaired / New England Homes for the Deaf (NEHD)
Provides communication, accessible housing, health care, social support and recreational activities for Deaf and Deaf-Blind people.
Veterans / Paralyzed Veterans of America
Devoted to illnesses which leave people wheelchair bound, particularly spinal chord injuries and M.S. Menus for disability rights, health care, sports and recreation, publications and architecture are included. Assistance with the processing of VA claims.
Government Benefits
Benefits Checkup
A screening tool for state and federal benefits. A free service sponsored by the National Councils on Aging. Data entering a person's information will give you an overview of benefits they may be eligible for.
Food Stamps
Provides information and applications to help people who meet the rules for food stamps receive them.
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
Social Security Administration
Explains retirement and disability benefit information.
Veterans Administration
Health Information
AMA doctor finder
Arthritis Foundation MA Chapter
Healthfinder
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Contains a health library on diseases and conditions, prevention, wellness, health news, doctors, dentists, hospitals, long term care, public clinics, health insurance, prescriptions, Medicare and Medicaid. Information is also available in Spanish.
Hoarding / Helping Hoarders
Massachusetts Division of Insurance's Consumer Service
Contains Massachusetts Health Information, including Medigap and Medicare RX plans.
MassHealth
In Massachusetts , Medicaid (Title XIX) and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (Title XXI) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth pays for health care for certain low- and medium-income people living in Massachusetts.
MassMedLine
Provides Massachusetts residents with information, on various insurance programs, programs sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, private organizations providing discounts on medications, clinical information from licensed pharmacists, and outreach programs.
MassPRO
Provides information about the flu and a list of public flu clinics by town.
Massachusetts Poison Control Center
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
Medicare Rights Center
The largest independent source of Medicare information and assistance in the United States . Helps older adults and people with disabilities get high-quality, affordable health care.
Medline Plus
Service of National Library of Medicine
The Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care
This organization provides an on-line guide to end of life resources.
The National Institute on Health
Contains downloadable publications and fact sheets, the latest news on research findings, journal articles, national opportunities for participation in clinical research trials, and funding opportunities.
SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
The SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Program provides health insurance counseling services to elderly and disabled adults. SHINE counselors are trained to handle complex questions about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations, public benefits with health care components, Medicaid, free hospital care, prescription drug assistance programs, drug discount cards, and long-term health insurance.
WebMD
Contains information on diseases and conditions. Visitors can keep an ongoing health record. Perform online searches for doctors, clinics, insurance, medical tests, health and wellness programs and nutrition. Contains 80 message boards and 20 chat rooms.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Legal and Financial Resources
Massachusetts Bar Association
A resource for professionals and consumers, this organization provides a wealth of legal information.
Attorney General of MASS Consumer Reports of Scams and Schemes
Do not call Do not call / mail / email registries
Legal Services for Older Adults and Elder Law
This links directly to the Administration on Aging Elder Law information page.
Mail Fraud Schemes
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
A non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others who work with older clients and their families. Information, education, networking and assistance for those who must deal with the specialized issues involved with legal services to the elderly and disabled.
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Professional association of Fee-Only financial planners. This site allows users to identify NAPFA members across the country.
SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
Provides health insurance counseling services to elderly and disabled adults.
Long Term Care Resources
Personal Care Attendant / Craigs List Boston
Personal Care Attendant / Yahoo Groups Boston PCA
Personal Care Attendant / Rewarding Work
Personal Care Attendant / PCA Workforce Council
Assisted Living / Massachusetts Assisted Living Facilities Association (MASSALFA)
A non-profit association devoted to supporting the establishment and operation of quality assisted living residences in Massachusetts that provide appropriate supportive housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
This site contains the Division of Health Care Quality's nursing home survey information, to allow consumers to help evaluate the quality of care provided by the state's Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes.
Mass Long Term Care
information about continuum of long term care services and facilities in Massachusetts
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
Medicare Advocacy Project
assists both elderly and individuals with disabilities who may have been unfairly denied Medicare.
MassPro
Resource for Medicare Beneficiaries
Massachusetts Resources
Some of Springwell’s contracts with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs are to provide services to residents of the 8 town service area of Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Weston, and Wellesely Massachusetts. Below are links to the Councils on Aging for these 8 towns:
Belmont Council on Aging
Brookline Council on Aging
Needham Council on Aging
Newton Council on Aging
Waltham Council on Aging
Watertown Council on Aging
Wellesley Council on Aging
Weston Council on Aging
