In an effort to respond to a different kind of housing need, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor s budget maintains the Administration s commitment to ensuring the dignity and security of homeless elders by providing vital residential and counseling services. An estimated 100 homeless elders in Boston will receive the help they need to get their lives back on track during the initiative s second year of funding. While all of our community-based programs help to support families of Massachusetts elders, the Respite Program offers much needed relief to caregivers who provide daily care to frail elders. A family caregiver may need an afternoon off each week or may opt for a full week away from the daily responsibilities of caregiving. Respite care is provided to 1,800 families each month.
Services range from homemaker and personal care to short term stays in nursing facilities.
Recently, we simplified eligibility requirements for the Respite Program to make it easier for families to receive respite care. We recognize that the informal support network of families and friends plays a critical role in keeping elders in the community. Respite care helps to support and encourage the ongoing help caregivers provide to elders in Massachusetts. In addition, we are working with your colleagues on the Governor s Advisory Council on Alzheimer s Disease and Related Disorders to develop recommendations to preserve the dignity of people with Alzheimer s and related disorders and ease the terrible burden on families and caregivers. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have called for the council s 2-year extension.