Elderly Assistance Massachusetts

When you or someone you love is over 60 in Massachusetts, elderly assistance, a network of state-funded and nonprofit services designed to help seniors live safely and independently. Also known as senior support, it includes food, housing, transportation, and healthcare help—no matter your income. This isn’t just about meals on wheels. It’s about keeping people out of hospitals, out of shelters, and in their own homes longer.

Massachusetts has one of the oldest populations in the U.S., and the system is built to respond. Senior food programs, like those run by Area Agencies on Aging, deliver hot meals or grocery boxes to homes. Also known as meals for elderly, these services don’t require perfect paperwork—just proof of age and need. Then there’s senior housing help, including subsidized apartments, rent assistance, and emergency shelter options for those at risk of homelessness. These aren’t luxury programs—they’re lifelines for people living on fixed incomes. You don’t need to be poor to qualify. Many seniors making $30,000 a year still struggle with rent, medication, and heating bills. The state knows this. That’s why services like transportation to doctor visits, home safety modifications, and caregiver respite are available too.

What you won’t find is a single office that handles everything. You’ll need to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging—they’re the ones who connect you to food, housing, and health services. Some programs require applications. Others just need a phone call. The key is to start early, before a crisis hits. And if you’re helping a parent or neighbor, don’t wait for them to ask. Many seniors won’t admit they’re struggling. They’re proud. They’ve worked their whole lives. But help is there, and it’s not hard to get if you know where to look.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve navigated this system—how to get food delivery in Boston, how to apply for housing aid in Worcester, what to say when you call for help, and which programs actually move the needle. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works.