MetroWest & Greater Boston Community Partners

MetroWest & Greater Boston Partners

  • AVANCED-Comfort
  • AZA Care Management & Home Care
  • Bay Cove Human Services
  • Beacon Patient Solutions, LLC
  • Bedford Council on Aging
  • Arthur P. Bergeron, Attorney
  • Boston Cancer Support
  • Care Dimensions
  • Carleton-Willard Village
  • Christine Boutin, Attorney; Levine-Piro Law
  • ComForCare
  • Emerson Hospital
  • End With Care
  • First Parish Church of Cambridge
  • Good Shepherd Community Care
  • Grow A Strong Family, Inc.
  • Hallmark Health Visiting Nurse & Hospice
  • Hebrew Senior Life
  • Iora Primary Care
  • Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA)
  • Jewish Family & Children's Service
  • Jewish Family Service of Metrowest

  • Susan Lewin, Generations, All About Elders
  • Latino Health Insurance Program
  • Lexington Council on Aging
  • Life Care Advocates
  • Timothy R. Loff, Attorney; The Law Offices of Timothy R. Loff
  • MA Advocates for Nursing Home Reform
  • Minuteman Senior Services
  • Minute Women Home Care
  • Kathleen O'Connor Attorney, Eckel, Morgan, O'Connor, LLC
  • Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
  • Soul Food Project
  • South Boston Neighborhood House
  • Springwell
  • Tribute Home Care
  • Wellesley Village Church

ADVANCED-Comfort

Ruth Palan Lopez, PhD

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Jacques Mohr Endowed Professor Gerontological Nursing

MGH Institute of Health Professionals School of Nursing

www.advancedcomfort.org

 

ADVANCED-Comfort is a care philosophy dedicated to enhancing the comfort and quality of life of people with advanced dementia.

ADVANCED-Comfort provides caregivers and healthcare providers with information about dementia, skills in partnering and shared care planning, and the tools necessary for creating a Care Plan focused on 6 areas: what matters, meaningful activities, mealtime, mobility, medications and treatments, and make personal care comfortable. Care partners are encouraged to download the tool and gather information about the individual's care requirements and preferences. Working together with healthcare providers, they use this vital information to craft a personalized care plan. The finalized care plan is prominently displayed for all involved in caregiving to access, serving as a dynamic resource that can be regularly updated to address changing needs. Learn more here.

The ADVANCED -Comfort Care Planning Workbook helps you provide the best possible care tailored to your loved one's unique needs and preferences. Download here.

AZA Care Management & Home Care

Audrey Zabin, M. ED., LSW CMC, Founder
(617) 254-9800

www.azacaremanagement.com

“AZA Care Management and Home Care (AZA) is committed to making a meaningful difference in the quality of life for our clients,” says Audrey Zabin, founder and principal. “Our professional and compassionate Care Managers are experts at assessing the needs of elders, disabled adults and those suffering from psychiatric illness.” The Care Mangers implement comprehensive care plans that embrace the most secure and supportive environment, with respect for the dignity and independence of their clients and peace of mind for their loved-ones. Audrey Zabin, M. ED., LSW CMC, founded AZA in 1995 and has dedicated her professional career to advocacy and care for her clients. AZA also employs trains and supervises its own team of certified Home Health Aides to provide the optimum in continuity and care.

Bay Cove Human Services

Diane Clarke Delehanty, MS, LICSW,

Team Lead, Boston Care Team 1, Community Partners Program

www.baycovehumanservices.org

Bay Cove Human Services’ mission is partnering with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Diane Clarke Delehanty, MS, LICSW, Team Lead, Boston Care Team 1, Community Partners Program, hosted Health Care Planning Ambassador training for Community partner program staff.  We are delighted to support their work. Each year, Bay Cove provides individualized and compassionate services to more than 25,000 individuals and families who face the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness and/or aging, at more than 170 program sites in Metro Boston and southeastern Massachusetts. Bay Cove recognizes that they can best honor the dignity of all individuals by helping them to make their own choices as they seek independence, wellness and a better quality of life. Their Healthcare Integration Services offer two specialized, integrated care coordination programs (One Care Health Home and Community Partner Program) with the overarching objective of helping individuals with complex behavioral health and long-term support needs navigate complex healthcare and social services systems. Read more here- https://www.baycovehumanservices.org/

Beacon Patient Solutions LLC

Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA: Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)
Phone: (617) 651-2140
Email: ailene@beaconpatientsolutions.com
Website:  www.beaconpatientsolutions.com

 

Today’s healthcare system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Beacon Patient Solutions LLC can help! We are Independent Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA) working with clients in the Greater Boston Area, throughout Massachusetts, and nationwide. We help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, insurance denials, and inaccurate medical bills, making sure clients receive the care and support they deserve.  Our “allegiance” is to our client and not to any aspect of the external healthcare system (medical facility, insurance company, etc). Contact us to arrange your free 15 minute consultation.

Bedford Council on Aging

Alison Cservenschi, Director
12 Mudge Way, Bedford,
781-275-6825
www.bedfordma.gov/council-on-aging

Town of Bedford SealThe Bedford Council on Aging’s mission is to enhance the health and well being of Bedford’s 3,619 residents 60 and older. They offer programs and services that benefit active residents who have just retired and seek new opportunities or residents who have been retired many years, or those who need assistance remaining in their homes, and many others. All Bedford residents are eligible for assistance with elder service coordination for themselves, their family members, or others. Bedford COA provides a wide diversity of programs and activities that include supporting caregivers and families, daytrips for seniors, fitness classes and informational programs on health legal, financial and other issues..

Attorney Arthur P. Bergeron

Arthur P. Bergeron

Elder Law Attorney, Mirick O’Connell

abergeron@mirickoconnell.com

508 860-1470

“My passion is helping seniors and their loved ones plan for and cope with issues surrounding aging and the personal and economic hardships facing those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” says Attorney Bergeron, “Everyone should have a power of attorney, health care proxy and a plan for how they want to be treated if they become incapacitated.”  Art has been practicing law for over 40 years.  His elder law practice focuses on all aspects of lifetime and estate planning for seniors; specifically planning that incorporates protection for seniors and families in crisis who may need additional assistance to deal with dementia symptoms.  He provides free elder law clinics throughout various MetroWest communities, as well as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.  He is also the host of the television program, “Bergeron Briefs,” in which he interviews thought leaders and introduces local resources for seniors and their families.  All of Art’s elder law presentations and interviews can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/ElderLawFrankAndMary.  Mirick O’Connell is a full-service law firm, with offices in Worcester, Westborough and Boston, MA.   Attorney Bergeron can be reached at Mirick O’Connell, 1800 West Park Drive, Suite 400, Westborough, MA  01581.

 

Boston Cancer Support

Susan Chaityn Lebovits, Executive Director

617-480-9686

BostonCancerSupport.org

Boston Cancer Support logoBoston Cancer Support (BostonCancerSupport.org) is a non-profit that provides a one-stop portal of resources for patients, families and healthcare professionals such as financial aid opportunities, clinical trial information, lodging locations during treatment, support groups and more. BCS also runs two community outreach programs. The Treatment Transport program provides patients with free rides to medical treatments, and the Cancer Collaborative Workshops provide professional development for healthcare professionals.

Christine Boutin, Attorney; Levine-Piro Law

Christine Boutin, Esq.
978-637-2048

www.levinepirolaw.com

Levine-Piro Law logo“At Levine-Piro Law, we are committed to providing representation in elder law matters that is accessible and compassionate,” says Attorney Romano and Attorney Boutin. “We pride ourselves on our dedication to keeping our services efficient and affordable.” Their elder law practice, located in Maynard, focuses on estate planning and Medicaid planning as well as guardianships and conservatorships. As an Honoring Choices Community Partner, they welcome all prospective clients to call for a free ten-minute phone consultation, whether the goal is a single document, such as a Durable Power of Attorney, or a complete estate plan. Attorney Boutin is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Levine-Piro Law is located at 63 Great Road #101, Maynard, MA.

Care Dimensions

Care Dimensions is largest hospice and palliative care provider to adults and children with advanced illness in Massachusetts. As a non-profit, community-based leader in advanced illness care, Care Dimensions provides comprehensive hospice, palliative care, grief support and teaching programs in more than 95 communities in Eastern Massachusetts (North Shore, Metrowest-Boston and South Shore).  Founded in 1978 as Hospice of the North Shore, Care Dimensions cares for patients – in their homes, in long-term care and assisted living communities, in hospitals or at our two inpatient hospice facilities, the NEW Care Dimension Hospice House in Lincoln, on the Waltham line, or at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Carleton-Willard Village

Barbara A. Doyle, President and CEO
781-275-8700

www.cwvillage.org

Carleton-Willard Village logoCarleton-Willard Village is a respected and progressive leader in providing comprehensive services and support for older adults. As a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Bedford, Carleton-Willard Village offers seniors residential living units, supportive care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, the Ross-Worthen Center for Alzheimer’s Care, and an outpatient medical clinic for residents. The Carleton-Willard AT HOME program serves adults in surrounding communities who prefer to stay in their own homes as they age.  The skilled and compassionate staff at the Village helps adults to make a personal plan that reflects each individual’s values and choices, and revise and update their plans in order to receive quality care that honors their choices all through their lives.

Emerson Hospital

133 Old Road Nine Acre Corner, Concord

978-369-1400

www.emerson.hospital.org

Emerson Hospital logoEmerson Hospital, located in Concord, is a private, non-profit, acute care medical center providing services to more than 300,000 people in 25 surrounding towns. Founded in 1911, its mission is to make high-quality health care more accessible to those who live and work in their community. Emerson Hospital has over 300 primary care doctors and specialists, and collaborates with many Boston-area health care systems to bring its community the best possible care. The Care Management Team is offering the “Who’s Your Agent” Program with every inpatient to open the door to lifelong planning discussions. The staff uses the discussion materials and planning documents to help ensure their patients receive quality care that matches their values and choices. The Care Management Team is working collaboratively with Admissions, Nurses, and Physicians to roll-out the program hospital-wide. They are joined by their Patient & Family Advisory Council to help educate patients, families and the community. Emerson will also offer a “Who’s Your Agent?” outreach component to invite in adults and families from the surrounding community for a free health care planning discussion with the care management team by appointment.

End With Care

Rick Goldstone
Executive Director
End With Care
617.686.0220
https://www.endwithcare.org 

End With Care logoEnd With Care, located in Newton, is an educational resource that provides and promotes public, professional and institutional awareness regarding end-of-life issues. We collect data and present information about end-of-life resources that assist individuals, their loved ones and caregivers to better address these difficult subjects. Along with valuable end-of-life related topics and information, End With Care’s central focus is to provide a comprehensive, interactive directory of end-of-life care and service providers, organizations  serving communities throughout Massachusetts.

Consumers can access the free Directory. Click here.

Organizations and care providers can be listed in the Directory free of charge.

First Parish Church of Cambridge

Rev. Dan Smith, Senior Minister
617-547-2724

www.firstchurchcambridge.org

First Church in CambridgeFor over 375 years, First Church in Cambridge Congregational, United Church of Christ, has welcomed pilgrims and pioneers, and adults, families and children to share in a faith journey. First Gathered in 1633-1636, First Church in Cambridge is considered to be the 11th oldest congregation in New England. First Church is an open and affirming community offering Sunday morning services include enrichment and learning opportunities for children and adults, community worship in the sanctuary, and a fellowship hour in the parish hall. First Church is deeply involved in helping support the needs of people in Cambridge and the surrounding communities. They offer a Nursery School, partner with interfaith communities, provide the First Church Shelter to the poor and homeless, and much more. To learn more, contact the Parish Administrator, Kirsten Manville, 617-547-2724 or visit their website at www.firstchurchcambridge.org

Good Shepherd Community Care

Timothy Boon, President and CEO

617-969-6130
gscommunitycare.org

Good Shepherd Community CareFor over 37 years, Good Shepherd has provided compassionate hospice and palliative care to the Greater Boston community, and helped adults and families navigate the transition at the end of life. “The final stage of life can be an important time of growth and development for the individual and loved ones,” says Timothy Boon, President and CEO, Good Shepherd Community Care. “We have learned that honest communication with families and communities is a crucial component in any plan to ensure a comfortable, peaceful and meaningful end-of-life experience.” Founded as Hospice of the Good Shepherd in 1978, they were the original Massachusetts hospice. Although the name has changed to Good Shepherd Community Care to reflect the growing diversity and depth of organizational programming, they remain an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian organization. Good Shepherd provides access to skilled, comprehensive care to all people in their service area with life-limiting illnesses living in their homes, nursing homes, and in assisted living facilities, while also providing support to their families. Good Shepherd provides leadership and educational events to raise awareness and community dialogue around end-of-life issues through the Good Shepherd Institute. Additionally, they offer a Russian hospice program, Krug Zaboty, providing culturally competent end-of-life care to the Russian-speaking community, and Good Shepherd Pedi Pal Program, primarily home-based care for children age 18 and younger who have a life-limiting illness. Good Shepherd is located at 90 Wells Avenue Newton.

Grow A Strong Family, Inc.

Mara Briere, MA, President

Certified Family Life Educator

www.growastrongfamily.org

Grow A Strong Family is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the families uprooted by mental illness. Grow a Strong Family offers family life education and support services to adults and families.They provide seminars/webinars which offer family members effective tools to improve health and well-being across the lifespan. As a Community Partner, Ms. Briere will offer the Honoring Choices health care planning information, tool kits and discussion guides to adults and families.

Hallmark Health Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, Inc

Cheryl Blake, RN, Interim Director of Hospice & Palliative Care

https://www.hallmarkhealthhomecare.org/

 

Hallmark Health Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, Inc. provides adults with the highest quality home health, palliative and hospice care.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on both their physical and emotional care needs in a respectful, dignified manner. As a Community Partner, the VNA staff and Hospice & Palliative Care team will receive the Who’s Your Agent? Tool Kits to actively engage adults in planning discussions. The Honoring Choices educational materials and tools will directly support the Hospice & Palliative Care team. Select members of the team will help educate the community to provide up to date information to make a personal plan.

Hebrew Senior Life

Emily Palmer, NP, Palliative Care

www.hebrewseniorlife.org

Hebrew Senior Life (HSL) is empowering seniors to live their best life. For more than a century, HSL has provided care and services to seniors and now focused on redefining every aspect of the aging experience for the better. They are committed to preserving independence, quality of life, and dignity, by providing vibrant senior living communities, delivering a range of quality, personalized health care, conducting influential research on aging, and teaching the next generation of geriatric care professionals. HSL has a vibrant Palliative Care Program that treats the symptoms associated with a serious illness so adults can live their best life. Hebrew Senior Life welcomes patients and residents of all faiths and backgrounds. Read more about the Palliative Care Program here.

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA)

IBA Boston

Yahaira Objio, Resident Services Program Director

https://ibaboston.org/

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) is a not for profit organization whose mission is to empower individuals and families to improve their lives and achieve socio-economic mobility through high-quality affordable housing, education, financial and resident services and arts programs. IBA’s affordable housing community provides safe and healthy homes for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Boston. IBA welcomes and celebrates its culturally diverse community while also preserving and promoting its Latino culture and heritage. Honoring Choices is partnering with IBA and supporting their Resident Services Program and health and wellness programs.  Working with Yahaira Objio, Resident Services Program Director, and Lillian Carlo we will offer consumer webinars with the assistance of interpreters and provide multilingual tools to ensure every person can direct their own health care choices in a personal care plan.

Iora Primary Care

Iora Primary Care logo“We are so glad to partner with Honoring Choices,” says Nancy Cibotti, MD, Medical Director, Iora Primary Care, “to help provide our care team with health care planning tools to educate and empower our patients.” Iora Primary Care gets to know patients as true individuals and provides a unique combination of care, support, and inspiration to help each patient live their best life. Iora practices provide the type of health care that patients deserve—highly personalized, friendly and expert care, delivered by a team that is passionate about managing health in a better way. Care Teams include a doctor, a Health Coach, and, depending on a patient’s needs, a Behavioral Health Specialist. Iora Primary Care patients have 24/7 access to their care teams by phone that guarantees same or next day visits for urgent needs. As an Honoring Choices Community Partner, the Iora team in Burlington incorporates Honoring Choices health care planning information and tools. The team uses the “Who’s Your Agent?” program to help patients exercise their right to choose a Health Care Agent, and open the door to early and on-going planning discussions for person-centered care all through their lives.

Jewish Family & Children's Service

Services for Older Adults; Aging Well at Home
781 647-JFCS(5327)
https://www.jfcsboston.org/

Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) is focused on improving  people’s lives by strengthening families, improving the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, and providing a safety net for people in need.  Serving 14,000 people each year, JF&CS helps children and adults with disabilities or mental illness, new mothers and their infants, older adults living with chronic conditions, and people experiencing financial crisis, hunger, or domestic abuse. JF&CS offers comprehensive human services, delivering personalized and integrated care in Greater Boston, on the North Shore, and in Central Massachusetts, helping people of all faiths, races, and ages with the challenges of life.

  • As a Health Care Planning Ambassador, Robin Krawczyk, MSW, LICSW, Community Education and Training Specialist, offers the "What's in Your Plan?" workshops to JF&CS  staff and community presentations;
  • Sara Freedman, MSW, Associate Division Director, Individual & Family Support Programs Services for People with Disabilities, brings planning tools to adults of all abilities, 22 years old and older, through CHIA Services (Promoting Community, Housing, Access, and Independence)
  • Your Elder Experts Care Management Team helps adults have effective conversations using the “5 Things to Talk About With Your Patients & Clients" handy discussion guides.

 

Jewish Family Service of Metrowest

Malka Young, Director

Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions
508-875-3100
www.jfsmw.org

Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS) provides vital social, health and community services to alleviate suffering, enhance lives and support people in need. Over 5,000 people living in Metrowest are served by more than 300 volunteers and JFS staff.   JFS’ social, educational and supportive programs help frail older adults live better, longer. JFS’ academic achievement and pathways to college programs for low-income immigrants and first generation college students provide basic assistance, academic support, citizenship, legal programs and resettlement services.  JFS builds families through adoption.  JFS skilled care managers use “5 Things to Talk about with your Patients & Clients” to start important conversations with adults and families.

Susan Lewin and Generations, All About Elders

Susan Lewin

617-739-1639

www.allaboutelders.com

Susan Lewin & Generations photoSusan Lewin and the team at Generations, All About Elders helps families craft a plan for their loved ones to get the specialized health care services they need. As Certified Geriatric Care Managers, Susan Lewin and her partner Esther W. Rothkopf, guide adults through an abundance of eldercare options to find the right care. “We help people navigate through the unknowns and a complex system, and evaluate and select choices to keep an elder safe, healthy, and independent for as long as possible, in a cost effective way”, says Ms. Lewin. The team also helps adults and family members create a personal health care plan and connect them to appropriate services which include choosing an assisted living residence, or returning home after a medical stay. Ms. Lewin, BA, MSW, LICSW, CMC, is a Fellow in the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, a special position that honors long-term dedication and expertise. As an Honoring Choices Community Partner, she will reach out to her extensive network in her daily professional contacts and through speaking engagements, to help build a stronger continuum of care in her community.

Latino Health Insurance Program

Executive Director Milagros Abreu, MD, MPH

City of Framingham

508-875-1237

help@lhiprogram.org

 

The Latino Health Insurance Program,(LHIP) Inc, founded by Executive Director Milagros Abreu, MD, MPH, helps to reduce barriers faced by minorities when trying to access healthcare and to navigate the health care system. Their mission to offer a community based, culturally specific program for health insurance enrollment and maintenance to minority MA residents. LHIP connects clients to the appropriate health care services (including primary care, specialty care, dental care), and helps individuals to apply for S.N.A.P (food stamps), W.I.C., Fuel assistance, Emergency Income Payment Program (city of Framingham rental assistance). Additionally, LHIP promotes a more effective use of preventive services (including primary care, health screenings, prenatal care, wellness visits, and health education) while reducing medical cost.

Lexington Council on Aging

 

Melissa Interess

 

Photo of Health Care AmbassadorsThe Lexington Council on Aging serves adults 60 years of age and older and those with disabilities. They provide information and referral, senior programming, crisis intervention and service coordination, financial assistance, and both a congregate dining site and Meals on Wheels in partnership with Minuteman Senior Services. Their Senior Health Outreach Program includes nursing consultation, home visits, and nursing oversight. Their wide range of programs and services are outlined in their monthly newsletter "The Sage". Their “Senior Resource Guide” lists many helpful and vital services in the community.  https://www.lexingtonma.gov/human-services/senior-services

Life Care Advocates

 Kate Granigan, LICSW, COO

617-928-0200

www.lcadvocates.com

Life Care Advocates logoLife Care Advocates, located in Newton, promotes dignity and independence for elders and adults with disabilities, while providing peace of mind for family members. Families are often faced with difficult and at times overwhelming decisions about which care and services are best for an aging parent or a person with a disability. Life Care Advocates match their clients and families with “the right Life Care Manager who will best serve their needs.” A Life Care Manager, also known as a Geriatric Care Manager, can provide a thorough assessment of an adult’s diverse needs and assist families in developing a comprehensive plan of care. They provide a professional unbiased perspective and can help adults and families solve problems when navigating what’s best for their loved one.

Timothy R. Loff, Attorney; The Law Offices of Timothy R. Loff

Timothy R. Loff, Esq. and Clarence D. Richardson, Jr., Esq.

617-332-7021

www.lofflaw.com

Tim and Clarence photo“Our mission is to provide competent advice and solutions to difficult problems in a personal, caring and expedient way,” says Tim Loff, Law Offices of Timothy R. Loff, located in Newton. Attorney Loff and associate Attorney Clarence D. Richardson Jr., provide individuals and families with the “information necessary to make important decisions about their financial and healthcare plans,” and offer support and counsel for elders and their families. They specialize in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Healthcare Planning, Guardianship and Conservatorships, Long Term Care Planning, Probate matters and more. Attorney Loff has been in practice for over 36 years and is very involved in the community. Tim presents on legal issues for local organizations including many of the metro west area Councils on Aging, and the Waltham Police Department’s Seniors Academy for Education. As an Honoring Choices Community Partner, Attorney Loff is “happy to work with adults to complete an individual document, such as a Durable Power of Attorney, or any other care planning documents.” Attorney Loff and Attorney Richardson offer a free 30 minute consultation where you can ask questions and discuss the services you want, whether it’s completing just one planning document or working with them on estate planning and healthcare planning. Additionally, Attorney Loff has generously contributed “Insider Tips on the Durable Powers of Attorney”, a consumer friendly article to help you understand some of the most commonly asked questions about this important legal document. The Law Offices of Timothy R. Loff is located at 1087 Beacon Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA.

Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform 

Arlene Germain, Policy Director

www.manhr.org

The Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (MANHR), founded in 2000 by grassroots volunteers, is the only statewide consumer group working to improve the care, dignity and quality of life of Massachusetts nursing home residents.

MANHR strives to better the lives of nursing home residents through our goals: 1) advocate for public policies that support quality care & the best attainable quality of life; 2) empower & educate residents & their supporters; 3) promote best practices in care delivery; 4) inform members, interested parties & the general public on MA/national nursing home issues.

To support these efforts, MANHR represents nursing home residents in coalitions, committees, and statewide initiatives; is an active advocate in Department of Public Health stakeholder groups and in MA Attorney General quarterly meetings; and provides research to state officials and the media.  MANHR also continues to provide mentor services to our member family-run councils, operates an 800# helpline, and maintains a comprehensive website www.manhr.org

Minuteman Senior Services

Minuteman Senior Services logoMinuteman Senior Services is a non-profit agency and the hub of a network of support services that helps keep people independent in their own home and community. For over 40 years Minuteman Senior Services has been helping older and disabled adults age with independence and dignity, and supporting caregivers, both local and long distance, “who want to do the right thing for their loved ones and need help and advice as they balance the competing demands of family, work and self”. They offer over 20 different programs and services, including Meals on Wheels, personal care assistance, Medicare benefits counseling and care management for everyone.  Minuteman By Your Side (MBYS), is a fee based comprehensive care management service with an expanded reach serving adults 18 years of age and older. MBYS works in partnership with the family – coordinating services, supporting the emotional needs of the family, and managing the care over the short or long-term. Minuteman Senior Services has trained many of their staff as Health Care Planning Facilitators to offer in-depth health care planning discussion. You can reach Minuteman Senior Services by calling toll-free 888-222-6171.

Minute Women Home Care

Ryan McEniff, Owner & CEO

781-862-3300

www.mwhomecare.com

Since 1969 Minute Women Home Care, a privately owned family company, has been providing in-home care to seniors and disabled adults in the Boston-West suburbs area. "Our team of compassionate, professional caregivers provide customized live-in care, 24 hour care, and hourly care as well as companionship, dementia care, and end-of-life supportive care. We have over 50 years of experience helping seniors age-in-place, while providing their families with peace of mind that their loved one is happy, well cared for and safe."

Kathleen O’Connor, Attorney; Eckel, Morgan, O’Connor, LLC

Attorney Kathleen ("Kitty") M. O'Connor

978-266-0101

www.eckel-law

Attorney Kathleen O'Connor“One of my goals is to help clients become educated consumers,” says Attorney Kathleen (“Kitty”) M. O’Connor, “to gain a better understanding of their specific concerns and possible solutions, and choose what they need and how much help I can offer.” Attorney O’Connor is a partner at Eckel, Morgan, & O’Connor LLC with a principal office in Acton. Ms. O’Connor’s practice focuses on estate planning, probate administration, elder law including Medicaid and long-term care planning, guardianships, and probate litigation. “A client can choose to complete a single planning document like a Will or a Durable Power of Attorney, or may wish to work together to create a full estate plan.” Attorney O’Connor takes a holistic approach when helping adults and families as we age where “the client’s individual needs are carefully reviewed to ensure that all of the elder’s needs and goals are properly addressed.” You can contact Attorney O’Connor at (978) 266-0101, at kittyoconnor@eckel-law.com or learn more about Attorney O’Connor and the firm by visiting the website at www.eckel-law

Carolyn Romano, Attorney; Levine-Piro Law

Carolyn Romano, Esq.
978-637-2048

www.levinepirolaw.com

Levine-Piro Law logo“At Levine-Piro Law, we are committed to providing representation in elder law matters that is accessible and compassionate,” says Attorney Romano and Attorney Boutin. “We pride ourselves on our dedication to keeping our services efficient and affordable.” Their elder law practice, located in Maynard, focuses on estate planning and Medicaid planning as well as guardianships and conservatorships. As an Honoring Choices Community Partner, they welcome all prospective clients to call for a free ten-minute phone consultation, whether the goal is a single document, such as a Durable Power of Attorney, or a complete estate plan. Attorney Boutin is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Levine-Piro Law is located at 63 Great Road #101, Maynard, MA.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services

John O’Neill, Executive Director

Contact: Tiffany Bruschi-Barber, Director of Program Development

617-628-2601

eldercare.org

Somerville-Cambridge Elder ServicesSomerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is the longest running elder agency in the Boston area, providing information and services that enable older adults and younger people with disabilities to remain at home and make informed healthcare decisions. Some of the agency’s unique programs include support for seniors with pets, 24/7 home care services, a concierge caregiver support program, and their hospital-to-home transitions program.

Soul Food Project

Rev. Melissa Tustin, Director

mwtustin@gmail.com

ww.soulfoodproject.org

The Soul Food Project is a pilot program in spiritual support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities regardless of religious affiliation. We provide interfaith resources, training and consulting services to caregivers and faith communities in the Northeast Region seeking to honor the human need for meaning and connection. The Soul Food Project is funded by Minute Man Arc, through grants from CHNA-Area 15 and Emerson Hospital and by the Northeast Region of the Department of Developmental Services. Learn more at www.soulfoodproject.org

South Boston Neighborhood House

Carole H. Sullivan Director of Senior Programs and Senior Advocate

136 H. St. SB wwwSBNH.org

https://sbnh.org/

The South Boston Neighborhood House (SBNH) is the oldest continuously-operated community based non-profit in South Boston, going strong for 115 years.  As a settlement house, SBNH looks to meet the needs of the community and offer programs for everyone in South Boston: infants, children, teens, families, and seniors.  We partnered by Carole Sullivan, Director of Seniors Program,  to support their mission of reducing social isolation by offering older adults programming, up to date information, and services designed to maintain dignity, health, independence, self-confidence, social and emotional well-being. The Senior Programs staff  participated in the HCM Health Care Planning Ambassador training in order to  confidently help seniors understand their right to direct their health care decisions and make a personal health care plan. The staff is reaching out to community members to help adults start their personal plan by completing Health Care Proxy with no cost tools and documents.  Contact Ms. Sullivan for more information.

 

Springwell

Ruth Beckerman-Rodau, Chief Executive Officer

www.springwell.com

Springwell logoSpringwell is a private, non-profit organization that has been offering care coordination and in-home services since 1976 to individuals who need various degrees of support to live at home with dignity and independence. Private pay as well as government subsidized support is offered. We help people assess needs, identify supports and coordinate services. The agency also helps individuals and their family members navigate the emotional, physical and financial maze of caregiving.  Springwell works with health care providers to support their goals to improve the health and satisfaction of their patients and members while reducing costs. By focusing on the intersection of health and social issues we ensure patients receive the community supports that help meet their health care goals.

Tribute Home Care

Arona Bauer, MSW, LICSW, Executive Director

24 Cambridge Street, Charlestown

617-517-5400

www.tributehomecare.com

Tribute Home Care logo“We provide care at a time in people’s lives when meaningful and reassuring human connection couldn’t matter more,” says Arona Bauer, LICSW, Executive Director of Tribute Home Care. “The relationship that a client can build with a caregiver makes an incredible impact, and that’s especially true at the end of life.” Tribute believes that when caregivers are equipped, inspired, and embraced, their relationships with clients can be deep, even transforming. Tribute works to build a community of support and gratitude, and to celebrate the role of caregivers in improving lives and lifting spirits. “This makes all the difference in the lives of our clients,” says Ms. Bauer. Tribute’s caregivers provide help with personal care, assistance with housekeeping, companionship, assistance with medication, safety supervision, dementia care, end of life care, and live-in services. Pricing is available on the website at www.tributehomecare.com. As a Community Partner, Tribute will help increase access to health care planning information and Massachusetts planning tools. Ms. Bauer will engage clients and their families in health care planning discussions that will be incorporated in their care plans, and assist them connect to the care that honors the individual’s priorities and choices. Read more here.

Wellesley Village Church

United Church of Christ, Congregational

2 Central Street, Wellesley

781-235-1988

www.wellesleyvillagechurch.org

Welllesly Village Church“The health care planning workshop opened up and deepened the way we care for each other”, says Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Associate Pastor, Wellesley Village Church. Honoring Choices worked closely with Associate Pastor Garrigan-Byerly and The Ministry of Last Things Team (pictured here) to offer a two hour Saturday morning workshop to its church members in the Fall of 2014. The workshop was designed to help adults learn about health care planning and Massachusetts planning documents, and to share experiences in small group discussions. It was an inspirational and empowering Saturday morning as church members explored topics together to ‘make a plan’, and to help each other on their personal journey. Associate Pastor Liz Garrigan-Byerly talks about the experience in a short video here. As a Community Partner, the Village Church will build-in a health care planning program so church members can continue to access information and tools, and help each other. The church is hosting a second workshop in February 2015 for its members. Additionally, plans are underway to offer health care planning information and tools to adults and families in the greater community.