Relief Available for Caregivers

When caregivers are able to access outside assistance, they often find that their quality of life is greatly improved and that the relationship with the person for whom they care is enhanced. One important resource that is often overlooked is the state’s Respite Program which is administered locally by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.

The state-funded Respite Program offers caregiver relief and is available to people of all income levels on a sliding fee scale, and offers a wealth of services such as case management, adult day programs, and assistance with personal care. Other services offered by the program include food shopping, home safety adaptations, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, meals-on-wheels, memory disorder consultation, personal emergency response systems, supervision/companionship, and transportation for medical appointments.

To qualify for the respite service, the care recipient must be 60 years or older (younger care recipients may be eligible if there is a Memory Disorder). The care recipient must need assistance with basic activities of daily living and the caregiver must be actively involved in overseeing care. Long distance caregivers may also qualify. Caregivers may be family members, friends, or partners.

To learn more about the Respite Program, please contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151