Age Strong Commission | 617-635-4366 | This Boston-based initiative supports those aged 55 and over through Medicare counseling, application assistance for benefits and referrals for community-based resources. It publishes Boston Seniority Magazine, a monthly publication that covers age-related topics. |
Boston Senior Home Care | 617-451-6400 | Boston Senior Home Care provides free and low-cost services, including case management, in-home care and long-term support. It has support groups and educational programs for caregivers, and it connects program participants to financial assistance programs. |
Central Boston Elder Services, Inc. | 617-277-7416 | Through this nonprofit organization, seniors receive in-home personal care, computer classes and chore services. It has advisors who provide health insurance options counseling, and it fields and investigates reports of elder abuse. |
Massachusetts Home Care Program | 800-243-4636 | The Massachusetts Home Care Program helps those aged 60 and over remain independent in their homes through care management, personal care and assistive technology. It arranges home-delivered meals and provides nonemergency transportation services. |
Massachusetts Frail Elder Waiver | 800-841-2900 or 800-497-4648 (TTY) | This Home- and Community-Based Services waiver pays for personal care assistance, homemaker services and home modifications for seniors who live at home. It also pays for personal emergency response systems. |
Elderly Nutrition Program | 617-357-0226 ext. 202 | Operated by the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, this program provides hot Chinese meals for seniors. It delivers meals to local congregate meal sites and housebound seniors throughout the Boston region. |
Greater Boston Food Bank | 617-427-5200 | The Greater Boston Food Bank has a database of food distribution sites throughout the Boston region. It operates free Mobile Markets and administers the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program. |
Haley House Food Pantry | 617-236-8132 | This nonprofit organization operates the Haley House Bakery Cafe, which serves affordable, nutritious meals. Additionally, it oversees a clothing room, food pantries and a soup kitchen. |
Greater Boston Legal Services | 800-323-1234 | With over 70 legal professionals and 20 paralegals, this program provides free civil legal aid for those aged 60 and over. It helps older adults navigate issues related to consumer rights, assisted living contracts and health care benefits. |
Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program | 617-727-5944 | This loan program provides funds for accessibility improvements, helping seniors remain in their homes. Some modifications it helps seniors pay for include ramps and lifts, handrails and hard flooring, and it installs brighter lights and widens doorways for improved mobility. |
Weatherization Assistance Program | 617-348-6419 or 617-423-9215 (TTY) | The Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-qualified seniors improve their homes’ energy efficiency. It provides services such as attic and wall insulation, weather stripping, air sealing and heating system repairs. |
Easterseals Massachusetts Senior Services | 508-757-2756 | This nonprofit organization has specialists who help seniors obtain assistive technology and rehabilitation services. It operates lending libraries where individuals can get low-tech and high-tech enrichment items, computers, vehicle modifications and mobility equipment. |
Boston Social Security Office | 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY) | At the local Social Security field offices, seniors apply for Medicare, Social Security retirement and disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income, and they’re screened for Medicaid eligibility. Boston contains three field offices, with locations on Causeway Street, Malcolm X Boulevard and Freeport Street. |
Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs | 617-727-8400 | Boston seniors have access to three utility assistance programs: the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Joe-4-Oil. Through these programs, seniors get assistance with paying for their utility bills, avoiding service disruptions. |
Boston Vet Center | 800-698-2411 | The Boston Vet Center administers mental health services for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, anger and depression. It provides referral services for substance use, suicide prevention and veteran services. |
Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center | 617-232-9500 | At this medical center, qualified veterans receive primary and specialty care services, mental health support and laser therapy for vision and cancer. Additionally, it offers the region’s only radiation oncology program. |