Massachusetts Senior Services: Support, Resources, and How to Get Help

When you or someone you love is over 60 in Massachusetts, Massachusetts senior services, a network of state-funded and nonprofit programs designed to help older adults live safely and independently. Also known as elderly support services, these programs cover everything from meals and transportation to home care and mental health resources. It’s not just about nursing homes or medical care—it’s about keeping people connected, fed, and in their own homes as long as possible.

Many of these services are tied to aging in place, the idea that older adults should be able to stay in their own homes with the right support. This includes things like home-delivered meals, handyman repairs for safety hazards, and rides to doctor’s appointments. Programs like Meals on Wheels and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are part of this system. You don’t need to be rich or disabled to qualify—many are based on age and need, not income. There are also senior care, a broad term covering in-home aides, adult day centers, and respite care for caregivers. These aren’t luxury options—they’re lifelines for families juggling jobs, kids, and aging parents.

What’s missing from most online searches? Local knowledge. A service in Boston might not exist in Springfield, and a program open to all seniors in Worcester might only serve veterans in Lowell. That’s why real help comes from community centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and local nonprofits. They know which vans run on Tuesdays, who offers free blood pressure checks, and where to find low-cost hearing aids. These aren’t big national charities—they’re small, local teams working out of churches, town halls, and community centers.

If you’re worried about loneliness, rising bills, or falling at home, you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 5 older adults in Massachusetts lives alone. Many don’t ask for help because they don’t know where to start. The good news? You don’t need to figure it out alone. There are guides, hotlines, and volunteers ready to walk you through the steps—no paperwork required on the first call.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides about what’s actually available—from how to get a free ride to the pharmacy, to what to do when your parent can’t afford insulin, to how one town built a volunteer network to check in on seniors every day. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They’re what’s working right now in Massachusetts communities.