To insure that choices of programs and services are available and accessible to meet the diverse needs and changing lifestyles of older adults.

Description:
Elder Services manages a range of programs and services that offer choices for older people and receives funds through various public and private funding sources including the state and federal government, foundations, corporations and individual contributions. Programs include: Massachusetts Home Care Program; Area Agency on Aging; Mature Workers Program; Elder Abuse and Protective Services; Supportive Housing Programs; Family Care for Adults; Family Caregiver Support Program; Medicare Outreach and Education Program; Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Northeastern MA; and Volunteer Services, including Nursing Home Ombudsman, Money Management, Health Benefits Counseling, Medical Advocacy, SeniorNet Computer Program and transportation. Each fiscal year, about 20,000 elders in the Merrimack Valley benefit from programs either managed or funded by Elder Services.

History:
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. is a private non-profit agency founded by local advocates in 1974 to provide resources, information and services for older residents of the Merrimack Valley region. The agency’s goal is to enable older adults to remain safe and independent at home as long as possible and avoid unnecessary or premature institutionalization. Elder Services is noted for providing quality services and innovative programming to benefit elders, caregivers and local communities. Elder Services Board of Directors is comprised of a maximum of 30 members, 51% of whom are over 60 years of age and 51% represent Merrimack Valley Councils on Aging.

Contact people:

Eileen Giordano, Volunteer Manager, (phone), (email) Gerry Proulx, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

360 Merrimack Street., Bldg 5 Lawrence, MA 01843 (See a map)