Summary

Information and Referral Program supports elders and their families, as well as persons who are disabled, by answering questions and connecting callers to appropriate services to meet their needs. The Information and Referral Specialist actively listens to each caller's concerns and responds, advocates and matches the resources to each individual call or will research the issue and respons in a timely manner.

Cost of service to client
Free to everyone, regardless of age or income level.

About Information and Assistance
Calls to HESSCO Elder Services’ main number are transferred to Information and Referral, where a specialist talks with the caller and assesses the needs of the elder, person who is disabled or caregiver concerned. The Information and Referral Specialist has access to an extensive network of experienced professionals to help answer questions and a large database of area resources to aid in referrals.

The Information and Referral Program allows callers to receive simple, understandable answers to aging-related questions. Because the program specialist discusses their specific situation with them, each caller receives information tailored to their specific needs. All discussions are confidential.


Frequently asked questions

Q: I know my mom needs help. What kind of services do you offer?
A: HESSCO Elder Services offers a broad range of services, and we have connections to a great many more service providers in the extended community. To help make the decisions less confusing, we talk with you to evaluate what type of services are needed, and then connect you with the programs that can help, either within HESSCO Elder Services or at another agency.

Q: What are the requirements to get services for an elder?
A: These requirements vary depending on the service. Some are free to everyone, and others have income guidelines. Those with income guidelines can range from a voluntary co-payment to payments on a sliding-fee scale, to a percentage of your monthly income. We explain all your options when you call, and we can help you assess your eligibility for reduced-fee programs.

Q: Do you have any information on assisted living communities?
A: We have a list, but we don’t make recommendations. We can send you a booklet listing the assisted living communities in your area, and you can call or visit them and make your choice accordingly.

Q: How do I get help paying for heating fuel?
A: We can help you apply for fuel assistance through Self Help Inc. and the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC). We also have information on other fuel assistance programs.

Q: The elder I care for needs a wheelchair (or hearing aid, handicapped accessible van, etc.). How do I pay for this?
A: We can help you apply for a loan through the Easter Seals loan program for medical equipment. We also have information on companies and organizations that provide medical equipment.

Q: Can you recommend doctors specializing in geriatrics, podiatry, or psychiatry?
A: An information and referral specialist will research the availability of these and other specialists in your area. While we can’t provide recommendations, we can give you the information that will help you make an educated decision.

Q: How can I find a hairdresser who will come to my home?
A: Our information and referral department keeps an updated list of hairdressers who do home visits.

Q: How can I get adaptive telephone equipment?
A: We have applications for different programs that provide telephone equipment adapted for the needs of people with disabilities. We can help you choose the program that’s right for you and fill out the application forms.

Client snapshot

A stroke had left Mrs. Arroyo paralyzed on her left side, needing to use a wheelchair, and with limited mobility. She had improved sufficiently to be released from a nursing home into her daughter Maria’s care. While she was happy to have her mother back at home, Maria worked full-time and would not be available to assist her during the day.

Information and Referral received a call about Mrs. Arroyo only a few days before she was released from the nursing home. The nursing home’s social worker had arranged for a visiting nurse, physical therapist, and home health aide to visit Mrs. Arroyo in her home, but funds for those visits would end after a few weeks. Mrs. Arroyo would still need personal care after the visits ended, but she and her daughter were not sure where to turn.

The Information and Referral Specialist arranged to have hot meals delivered to Mrs. Arroyo at home, starting immediately upon her return. The specialist answered questions about the types of services available, many of which Maria and her mother had not been aware existed. The Information and Referral Specialist then arranged for an intake and assessment specialist to visit Mrs. Arroyo and Maria to speak with them about providing services that would help Mrs. Arroyo stay at home. This mix of immediate information and rapid referrals made Mrs. Arroyo’s homecoming smooth and relieved Maria of worry.

Volunteer opportunities
Office volunteers are needed to help with updating resources and fielding telephone calls.

Other helpful information

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program

Click here for information on an alternative financing program

List of assisted living facilities in Massachusetts

This fact sheet explains about assisted living facilities and provides a list of facilities by town.

Click here for the fact sheet.

List of nursing facilities and rest homes in southern Norfolk County

This sheet provides a list of nursing facilities and rest homes in HESSCO Elder Services’ area.

Click here for the list.

A list of Adult Day Health Programs is available through the Information and Assistance Department.

Lists of PCA Programs and Private Pay Agencies are also available through the Information and Assistance Department.