Helping More Massachusetts Residents Age at Home

Most people want the same thing as they get older: to remain in the homes and communities they know and love for as long as possible.

That goal became a little more achievable with the enactment of An Act to Improve Home Care, a new law that strengthens standards for home care providers and helps pave the way for better support for family caregivers.

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“The signing of An Act to Improve Home Care is a major win for Massachusetts families,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director. “The law strengthens protections for consumers seeking home care services, creates new opportunities to support the Commonwealth’s 1.4 million family caregivers, and begins important conversations about the future of long-term services and supports.”

For many families, home care makes it possible for loved ones to remain where they’re most comfortable. Whether it’s help with meals, transportation, dressing, bathing, or companionship, these services can play a critical role in helping people age in place safely.

The new law establishes statewide licensure and oversight for non-medical home care providers, creating stronger accountability and consumer protections for older adults and their families. It also recognizes something many Massachusetts families already know firsthand: caregiving is rewarding, but it can also be challenging.

Across the Commonwealth, more than 1.4 million family caregivers help aging parents, spouses, relatives, friends, and neighbors every day. They manage medications, coordinate appointments, prepare meals, and step in whenever support is needed, often while balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and their own well-being.

The law also creates a Family Caregiving Commission and a Long-Term Services and Supports Commission to explore ways to better support caregivers and prepare Massachusetts for the growing demand for services that help people remain independent as they age. Jen Benson noted that AARP Massachusetts will have a seat on both commissions, helping bring the voices of older adults and family caregivers into the recommendations developed for the future.

Nearly every family will face questions about caregiving or long-term care at some point. This new law won’t solve every challenge overnight, but it represents meaningful progress toward a stronger home care system and a better understanding of how Massachusetts can meet the needs of an aging population.

As this work moves forward, AARP Massachusetts will continue advocating for solutions that make aging at home safer, easier, and more affordable. After all, when people have access to quality care and support, they have a better chance to remain independent, stay connected to their communities, and live life on their own terms.