State Receives $490,000 in Funding to Support Family Caregivers

BOSTON — While recognizing November as Family Caregiver Month, the Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced that Massachusetts is set to receive $490,000 in grant funding from the Administration for Community Living to support family caregivers.

The award will be used over a two-year period to develop statewide activities that implement the goals, recommendations, and actions outlined in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

“There are nearly 1 million family caregivers in Massachusetts who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. Being a family caregiver is often considered a full-time job in itself and frequently leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Massachusetts is dedicated to supporting family caregivers, and this funding will allow us to create new, innovative policies to increase support for caregivers and reduce burnout.”

The funding will be used to develop policy aimed at increasing the well-being and reducing the stress of family caregivers by identifying priorities for caregivers and barriers to accessing services. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will also develop and distribute a guide to resources for information and referral specialists for caregivers.

“Family caregivers play a critical role in the home- and community-based services system by helping thousands of older people and individuals with disabilities and special needs to live and thrive in the communities of their choice,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “We are proud to announce Massachusetts is one of four states selected to lead implementation of the national strategy to support family caregivers.”

To honor the contributions family caregivers make to their communities, Healey signed a proclamation declaring November as Family Caregiver Month.

“Family caregivers should be celebrated every day, but especially throughout Family Caregiver Month. Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said. “We recognize and thank Massachusetts’ family caregivers for their around-the-clock dedication, scheduling, and hands-on care supports.”

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will lead the grant funding implementation and partner with the Department of Developmental Services to focus on breaking down silos at the state level and engaging diverse populations that have been historically underserved and underresourced.

“We have been actively engaging with our communities to learn how the Commonwealth can be more age- and dementia-friendly. A consistent theme is around caregiving and how we can do more to support family caregivers,” said Robin Lipson, acting secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. “Residents are calling out for more support for family caregivers, and we heard them. This grant will enable us to continue investing in our vital caregiving supports.”

Other grantees include the California Department of Aging, Maryland Department of Aging, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.