Massachusetts MassOptions, ASAP, ADRC, and 211 Resource Navigation

What it offers

MassOptions is a service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence that connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Massachusetts with supports, including help finding supports, housing, food support, insurance assistance, caregiver supports, personal care, health care, social support, and transportation. MassOptions says users can complete an online form and be connected with local trusted community organizations, and lists the MassOptions call center at 1-800-243-4636. Mass.gov says the Executive Office of Aging & Independence supports aging adults through a network of regional nonprofit and municipal agencies and partners with providers, caregivers, and older adults in Massachusetts. Mass.gov says 24 regional Aging Services Access Points are contracted with the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and provide programs and services for adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers, including home care, nutrition, family caregiver support, and free information and resources. The Massachusetts aging services network says ASAPs coordinate in-home assessments, care plan development, home care services, caregiver support, and free information and referral services. The Massachusetts ADRC model builds on Aging Services Access Points, Area Agencies on Aging, and Independent Living Centers; ADRC staff provide information, counseling, and assistance to help individuals and caregivers make decisions about long-term services and supports and access public and private programs. United Way 211 caregiver resources say caregivers needing respite, extra resources, or someone to talk to can contact 211 to connect with a local specialist.

Questions that decide eligibility

GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:

1. 01

   Does the person receiving care live in Massachusetts?

   Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.

2. 02

   Does your relationship to the person — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?

3. 03

   Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?

4. 04

   Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?

5. 05

   Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.

   Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.

6. 06

   What documents do you need from us to start an application?

7. 07

   Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?