Caregiver Homes is a program funded by MassHealth.
HOLYOKE – Like any mother, Miriam Villa wants the best for her children, no matter what disabilities they may have.
Villa has a son with autism and another with mild mental retardation, but that has not stopped them from being active members of their community. Villa credits Caregiver Homes with helping provide a better quality of life for her children.
Caregiver Homes is a program of MassHealth. The program began in 2005 and provides money and resources to families caring for an elderly or disabled loved one.
"For us it really has been a blessing," said Villa, a native of Puerto Rico who moved to Holyoke with her children Andy and Johnny 17 years ago.
Villa primarily receives help caring for her son Andy, 35 , who has autism and other problems requiring daily supervision.
"A program requirement is that the person must need supervision all day," said Aracelis Guzman-Serrano, program coordinator in Chicopee.
The state program has 1,700 participants with 400 in Western Massachusetts, primarily families in Springfield and Holyoke, but also in other towns. There are currently about 175 participants in Holyoke and 180 in Springfield.
"We see a large population of Latino families especially in Holyoke. But we also have a population of Iraqi immigrants, "she said. "We provide language interpreters who speak various languages, so that is not a barrier for people who need help."
Romina Wilmot, marketing specialist for the program, said the agency would like to have more participants.
"Many people do not know we exist," she said. "Two years ago we started an ad campaign on radio and newspaper and we have seen an increase from that, but we want more people to use the services."
Wilmot said the program is part of health insurance reform at the state level.
"The purpose of this program is to give the opportunity to an elderly or disabled person to live in their own home and not in a nursing home," she said. "In the end the client is more comfortable and the state saves money. It is a good solution all around."
For Villa, who years ago decided to devote her life to her children and not work, the money has been a big help.
"I have to take care of Andy all day and keep an eye on him, so I find it very difficult to find work outside the home. The money helps me a lot and allows Andy to get everything he needs," she said.
Although they have a social worker and a nurse visit each family at least once a month, the agency communicates with participants daily, Wilmot said.
"We use what is called Senior Touch, an online system where participants communicate with the agency to warn us of any problems or concerns or just to give a daily update," Wilmot said.
"For me it was a new experience. I learned to use a computer and if I need anything I get an answer immediately," Villa said.
Guzman-Serrano said the online system has all the information about a client on file including medications they use, if they have had surgery and other details.
"Each program is made for the individual patient. We work with each family to provide training according to the needs of the patient. If someone has diabetes we teach the caregiver how to treat someone with this condition," she said.
Both Villa’s sons are involved in social activities and both work outside the home.
"It was always very important to me that they feel like they are contributing to society in some way, that they are not just receiving a benefit, but that they work for it,” she said.
Villa said Caregiver Homes has afforded her the opportunity to improve her children’s lives.
“I think many families with disabled children have a hard time dealing with that and obtaining services. With programs like this I have been able to learn so much more about autism and how to properly care for my son. They give me so much support and guidance and that is something I am truly grateful for,” she said.
A caregiver may be a family member, friend or a member of the local community. MassHealth does not allow a spouse or the legal guardian or parent of a minor to participate in the program.
To find out if you qualify for the program, call 1-866-797-2340 or visit the website www.caregiver/homes.com/ Spanish.