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How to Get Paid and Receive Support for Caring for a Family Member in Massachusetts

In many families, taking care of mom, dad, or grandparents is simply something we do without thinking twice.

According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, 63 million people in the United States care for a family member or friend.

That is nearly 1 in 4 adults, 45% more than ten years ago. Latino people represent 16% of those caregivers.

In Massachusetts, AARP estimates that 1.39 million family caregivers provide nearly 920 million hours of care each year.

If that work were paid, it would be worth about $22 billion.

On average, a caregiver spends 27 hours per week on this responsibility, and 1 in 4 spends 40 hours or more—the equivalent of a full-time job.

That effort comes at a cost:

  • Nearly 1 in 5 caregivers say their health is fair or poor because of the demands of caregiving.
  • According to AARP, nearly 7 in 10 Latino caregivers also work outside the home, about 36 hours per week on average.
  • Lower-income caregivers spend about $9,000 a year out of pocket on caregiving, nearly half of what they earn.

In addition, many caregivers see caregiving as simply something the family does and do not seek outside help.

However, Massachusetts has programs that support care at home and may even provide financial support to the family member who provides the care.

Loneliness Also Affects Health

As we get older, we spend more time alone.

According to data from the American Time Use Survey, compiled by Our World in Data, people over age 80 spend nearly eight hours a day alone.

Loneliness is more than sadness.

In 2023, the nation’s top public health authority, the U.S. Surgeon General, published a report warning that a lack of social connection increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression.

Spending time with older loved ones is also a way of caring for their health.

5 Signs Your Loved One Needs More Support

There is no exact formula. Pay attention if you notice any of these situations:

1. They are becoming isolated. They turn down invitations, no longer enjoy their hobbies, or tell you they feel lonely.

2. They are struggling with their daily routine. Cooking, running errands, bathing, or keeping track of appointments has become exhausting for them.

3. They are missing appointments or activities. They are no longer driving safely or depend on others for transportation.

4. There has been a major change. For example, a recent hospitalization, the loss of a spouse or partner, a new diagnosis, or reduced mobility.

5. You, the caregiver, are exhausted. If you feel like you are always “on call,” have no time for work or rest, or are becoming frustrated and running out of energy, that is also a sign. As a caregiver, you need support too.

If You Are the Caregiver: Massachusetts May Be Able to Help

This is one of the lesser-known options in our community.

If you live with a family member or friend who needs daily assistance, you may be able to receive a monthly payment and professional support for the care you are already providing.

This is possible through MassHealth’s Adult Foster Care program.

The program allows a family member or friend who lives with the person receiving care to be recognized as their primary caregiver and receive support for that work.

Who may qualify? In general, the person receiving care:

  • Is 18 or older.
  • Is your family member or friend (a spouse or legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver).
  • Lives with you, either in your home or in your loved one’s home.
  • Has MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth.
  • Needs help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

What does the caregiver receive?

  • Financial support: Up to $1,500 per month to help with caregiving costs.
  • A care coach: An assigned person who gets to know your family and provides guidance. Teams include nurses, social workers, and dementia and behavioral health specialists.
  • A personalized care plan that can be adjusted as needs change.
  • Emotional support, so you do not have to carry everything on your own.

Careforth: Support for Family Caregivers in Massachusetts

Careforth is an organization that supports family caregivers in nine states across the country, including Massachusetts.

It has helped tens of thousands of families receive guidance and financial support for the care they provide at home.

Its family caregiving program is accredited by NCQA, a national organization that evaluates the quality of health care services.

In Massachusetts, Careforth helps families access MassHealth’s Adult Foster Care program.

Its team reviews whether you and your loved one qualify, helps you through the enrollment process, and, once approved, assigns you a coach to provide ongoing support.

Visit the Careforth table at My Health Fair to learn more about the program and get your questions answered: myhealthfair.com

If you are not sure whether your loved one is eligible for MassHealth, call anyway. Checking eligibility is exactly the first step.

Other Options: Companionship and Help at Home

If your loved one lives alone or mainly needs companionship, companion care is another option.

This is a non-medical service: someone visits regularly to talk, accompany the person to appointments, share meals, and help maintain a daily routine. It does not include physical assistance with bathing or dressing.

In Massachusetts, the Home Care Program includes companion services, home-delivered meals, and help with household tasks for adults age 60 and older.

The cost depends on income. To apply, contact your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) through MassOptions: 1-844-422-6277.

How to Talk About It With Your Loved One

It is common to hear, “I don’t need help.”

These ideas may help:

  • Listen first. Ask what concerns them and avoid judging.
  • Talk about what is being added. Focus on the support being added to their life, rather than what they can no longer do on their own.
  • Respect their independence. Your loved one should continue to make decisions about their own care.
  • Take it one step at a time. Gradual changes are often easier to accept.

Family Meeting: Get on the Same Page

Before making changes, sit down as a family and decide:

  • Who will be the primary caregiver.
  • What responsibilities each person will have.
  • How news and concerns will be shared.
  • How often you will meet to review how things are going.

When one person carries everything, burnout can come quickly.

Sharing responsibilities protects both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Program

  • Do my loved one and I meet the requirements?
  • How long does the enrollment process take?
  • What type of support will I receive and how often?
  • What happens if my loved one’s needs change?

When Medical Care Is Needed

Talk with your loved one’s doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Frequent falls.
  • Changes in memory or confusion.
  • Serious difficulty moving around.
  • Any situation that puts their safety at risk at home.

Planning ahead gives you more options and greater peace of mind.

Caring Also Means Asking for Help

Caring for a loved one is an act of love, but it can also take a toll.

Asking for support does not mean you are failing your family. It is a way to care for them better—and to take care of yourself, too.

Resources in Massachusetts

  • Careforth (Adult Foster Care): Visit their table at myhealthfair.com · 866-302-5960 · join.careforth.com/es/ma
  • MassOptions (guidance for older adults and caregivers): 1-844-422-6277 · massoptions.org
  • Find your local ASAP: mass.gov/info-details/find-your-regional-aging-services-access-point-asap
  • Home Care Program: mass.gov/info-details/home-care-program

Sources

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