AARP Hearing Center
November is National Family Caregivers Month; a time to recognize and honor the incredible dedication of those who care for loved ones every day.
Across Massachusetts, family caregivers are the unsung heroes helping older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and others live independently in their homes, where they want to be. Whether it’s managing medications, preparing meals, assisting with bathing and dressing, handling finances, running errands, or providing transportation, caregivers are there through it all.
We understand that caregiving can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. You’re not alone. In fact, there are 780,000 family caregivers in Massachusetts providing 73 million hours of care each year. That's contribution valued at $15 billion in unpaid labor.
At AARP Massachusetts, we see you. We know the stress that comes with caregiving, and we believe in commonsense solutions that save time, reduce costs, and offer meaningful support. Whether you're just starting your caregiving journey or have been walking this path for years, we offer a variety of resources to help you every step of the way.
Care with Confidence: Foundation of Caregiving
Tuesday November 4 From 12:00 PM-1:00 PMET
Stepping into the role of caregiver often brings new responsibilities, challenges and changes in daily life. This session will explore the evolving role of the caregiver and the impact it can have on health and well-being. Participants will learn strategies for building a reliable support team, managing stress and maintaining balance while providing compassionate care. Walk away with tools and resources to strengthen your foundation as a caregiver and care with greater confidence.
Click Here To Register
Fall Prevention Webinar
Thursday, November 6 From 12:00 -1:00 PM
Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older—but many are preventable. Join AARP and Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Injury Prevention and Outreach Program for a free educational webinar focused on practical steps to reduce your risk. Learn how evidence-based strategies, community resources, and ongoing research can help you stay active, independent, and safe at home and in your community.
Click Here to Register
Honoring Choices
Thursday, November 6 From 12:00 PM -1:00 PM
Empower yourself by creating a personal care plan, which helps you take control of your health care decisions and work in partnership with medical providers to get the care you want today and in the future. You’ll learn about the health care proxy document, which includes appointing a trusted person to be your health care agent, who has the legal power to talk with your doctors and make decisions if you're unable to, even for a short period of time. We’ll also discuss the personal directive (living will), which you can use to write down your instructions for care and share with your doctors.
Click Here to Register
Care with Confidence: Communicating Effectively with Dementia Care
Tuesday, November 11 From 6:00 PM -7:00 PM
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to communication. We’ve teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association for this session designed to teach how dementia affects communication. We’ll offer practical tips for connecting more effectively with your loved one. You’ll also hear about strategies for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals, helping to reduce frustration and foster greater understanding.
Click Here to Register
Care with Confidence: Responding to Behavior
Tuesday, November 18 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Dementia can bring changes in behavior that may be confusing or difficult for both the individual and their caregivers. This session explores common behavior changes and how they are often a form of communication. Participants will learn nonmedical approaches for responding with patience and understanding, as well as how to recognize when additional help may be needed. Gain practical strategies that can reduce stress, strengthen connections, and support more confident caregiving.
Click Here to Register
Caregiver Sandwich Club
Wednesday, November 19 at 12:15- 12:45 PM | Online
Every day, 780,000 people in Massachusetts act as a caregiver for an older loved one. Many are part of the "sandwich" generation and are also taking care of kids at home too. If that's you, join the caregiver sandwich club and talk about what a day in your life is like; meet people in similar situations, and find resources that can help!
Click Here to Register
Care with Confidence: Support Services
Tuesday, November 25 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Planning for the future is an essential part of caregiving. This session helps caregivers prepare for important care decisions and transitions by exploring available care and support options. Participants will learn about respite care, residential care, and end-of-life care—along with guidance on when and how to consider each. Gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices that honor your loved one’s needs and your own well-being.
Click Here to Register
AARP Massachusetts testified in favor of a bill that will help the 780,000 caregivers in Massachusetts with a $1500 tax credit, work place protection, respite vouchers and allowing spouses to be paid as a caregiver among other provisions. Learn more about the bill and how you can help- click here
Making Cents of Caregiving
Essential information caregivers need to manage the costs and complexities of caregiving - information on creating a health care plan, choosing a power of attorney and budgeting for housing and transportation costs, for example. We review AARP’s Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers and explore how to incorporate the tips into your caregiving.
Caregiving Series: Making Cents of Caregiving Costs
Family and friends are the backbones of America's care system, providing the bulk of care for older people in the U.S. as they strive to live independently. If you are not currently a family caregiver, at some point in your life you either will be a caregiver or need a caregiver.
AARP Caregiving Resource Center at www.aarp.org/caregiving
For Massachusetts specific caregiving resources click here
To help advocate for caregivers, send us an email ma@aarp.org
About AARP Massachusetts
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.