Local Resources
LOCAL COUNCILS ON AGING AND SENIOR CENTERS
As a part of municipal services, each town or city in our service area operates a local Council on Aging. Each one offers support of various kinds to seniors, often free of charge or at nominal cost for special events. They are invaluable resources for social activities, practical support, transportation assistance, and special help as needed. Here are links to key agencies in our area:
Newton Council on Aging and Newton Senior Center
NEWTON AT HOME
Newton @ Home is a local non-profit organization providing emotional, social and practical support services to its members. Part of the nationwide "village" movement, Newton @ Home uses volunteers for much of its services, including companionship, transportation, small household chores, "check-in" calls and visits, and other such assistance. As well, it has an extensive agenda of social activities throughout the year. They also make referral to vetted local businesses which provide services beyond the scope of their capability.
Telephone 617-795-2560 Website
AGING LIFE CARE PROFESSIONALS (Formerly known as Geriatric Care Managers)
Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton is a full-service private duty home care agency, but there are limits to what even we can provide. Our area is rich in professionals who provide help to individuals and families who need guidance and support for the management of seniors' living challenges. These professionals are usually either licensed social workers or nurses, and they can be engaged for either short-term help in developing a care plan, or ongoing help in management of care needs. They can manage healthcare needs and daily practical issues. For instance, they make referrals to home care agencies, cash managers, and senior living communities as appropriate for a particular senior's needs. Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton does not provide the services of an Aging Life Care Professional, because we believe that to do so would present a conflict of interest. For this reason, we caution consumers from accepting the services of any organization that provides both private duty home care and aging life care services. We are proud to refer to other qualified professionals, and to receive frequent referrals from them. Some of the Aging Life Care Professionals that we work most closely with are as follows:
The Aging Life Care Association is the professional association to which most qualified people in this field belong.
HOME HEALTH (Medicare Certified) AGENCIES
Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton provides private-pay home care using experienced paraprofessionals, usually certified as home health aides and nurse aides. Although we have a Registered Nurse on staff, we do not normally provide direct nursing care. People who qualify for home care funded by Medicare or other health insurance obtain those services from Medicare-certified agencies. We work closely with many such agencies, and provide assistance that goes beyond what health insurance will pay for. We can provide referral to such an agency if you need it.
HOSPICE AGENCIES
People who have a terminal illness and have elected to pursue palliative medical care only. There are certain Medicare certified agencies who provide hospice care, and Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton works closely with many of them to provide extra support for their patients. In fact, our nurse has had experience as a hospice nurse, and so we are especially sought by many families to provide support during hospice care. If you need referral to a hospice agency, we can provide it.
AGING SERVICES ACCESS POINTS (ASAPs)
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) contracts with local non-profit organizations to provide certain services to all seniors who are residents of the state. One important service of ASAPs is the reporting and redress of elder abuse and neglect. Another is provision of state-funded home care services for those who cannot afford private-duty care, using Medicaid monies. People must qualify financially for these services, and they come with certain limitations. Only agencies with EOEA contracts can provide these state-funded home care services. Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton has chosen not to pursue EOEA contracts. There as six ASAP organizations in our service area, depending on your city or town of residence.
CASH MANAGERS
Visiting Angels of Newton/Canton can provide help with daily purchases, including the handling of cash and credit or debit cards, so long as those services are included in our written care plan. For management of monthly bills and similar cash management (not investing) services, there are professionals whom we work with frequently. We are happy to make referrals.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS
There are many attorneys who specialize in providing legal advice to seniors for such matters as wills, trusts, and assignment of power of attorney and medical proxy. We are glad to provide referral to someone if you need.
Caption Call Phone System
CaptionCall is a revolutionary new phone designed to help individuals with hearing loss use the telephone with confidence. It offers amplification and superb sound quality while quickly displaying written captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen to reinforce anything the ears might miss.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
With LogicMark and Visiting Angels you're never alone! Get information on Two-Way Voice Medical Alert Pendants to directly contact 911 directly.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research.
The American Association of People with Disabilities
The AAPD is dedicated to further the productivity, independence, full citizenship, and total integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of society and the natural environment.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families.
The American Optometric Association
The authority in the optometric profession and leads the way in its mission of improving the quality and availability of eye and vision care everywhere.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
The PSP Society’s mission is to increase awareness of progressive supranuclear palsy, advance research toward a cure, educate health professionals and provide support, education and hope for persons with PSP and their families. PSP: A brain disease that slowly effects walking, balance, swallowing, speaking and eye movement.
Dementia Care Professionals of America
Providing training, qualification and other benefits to healthcare professionals involved in dementia care.
CareGiver Partnership
The CareGiver Partnership provides a wide range of home healthcare products that help maintain dignity. They offer fast and free shipping on orders over $50 to your doorstep.
ElderLaw Answers
Resource for advice and answers on legal issues for seniors.
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
NAHC is the nation's largest association representing the concerns of home care hospice, home care aide organizations.
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
HDSA provides resources and support for HD families and educates the public (including medical professionals) about HD while building awareness about HD and advocate for HD patients and their families. HD: A degenerative brain disorder that slowly diminishes the ability to work, think, talk and reason.
Johnson & Johnson Strength for Caring
The Caregiver Initiative is a Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company project to help family caregivers provide care to their loved ones and reduce their own stress. This project works with the many caregiving organizations across the United States and will launch new programs in the coming months.
Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Established by the National Institutes of Health, the NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life.
The National Institute on Aging
The NHPCO is dedicated to promoting and maintaining quality care for terminally ill patients and their families.
NIH SeniorHealth.gov
Health information from the National Institutes of Health for Seniors.
Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that serves as an active liaison between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through case managers, doctors and attorneys. Patient Advocate Foundation seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.
Private Duty Home Care Association
The PDHCA believes that all persons with needs should be able to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible with the assistance of qualified, accountable home care services.
ElderCare Resources® USA
ElderCare Resources USA (within their network of 50 State Sites), are dedicated to empowering seniors and caregivers to obtain the knowledge and resources necessary to provide quality care for an aging parent, spouse, relative or friend.
Serving Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Stoughton, Watertown, Wellesley and Westwood
Visiting Angels NEWTON/CANTON, MA
29 Crafts St #320Newton, MA 02458
Phone: 617-795-2727
Fax: 617-244-0260