Family caregivers are the most critical - and all too often undervalued - source of support for frail older adults. In Massachusetts, more than 700,000 persons have caregiving responsibilities for an elder family member - about one out every of every eight adults! They provide over 760,000,000 hours of care a year, which is valued at $8.9 billion. By comparison, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays about $3 billion for long term care in both facility and community settings.

November is designated as "National Caregivers Month" to salute and thank all types of caregivers including family members and paid professional workers such as personal care homemakers, home health aides, companions, case managers, and others.

At North Shore Elder Services, we are particularly pleased in that both a professional worker and a family member were singled out to receive statewide recognition for their care commitments over many years.

One of our most seasoned case mangers, Lila Kaufman was honored with the Cathe Madden Case Manager Award from the Mass Council for Home Care Aide Services at a State House Ceremony.  She was nominated by Partners Home Care. Lila (shown here with husband Murry) has worked for North Shore Elder Services for 26 out of the 31 years it has been in business and is a Peabody resident. At 81 years old, Lila is often older than the clients she so tenaciously and effectively serves.

Her reputation as an advocate is well-known amongst her colleagues.  "Lila is a remarkable person, with a real zest and fascination for life.  She appreciates the uniqueness of each client's story and has a special fondness for those who might be viewed as eccentric to others," said Gwen Kopka, Director of client Services "Over the years, staff have said that Lila is the person they would want for their own Case Manager, and that's about the best compliment there is."

A spouse of one of North Shore Elder Services' clients has also received recognition for her dedicated caregiving. For more then twenty-five years, Lucille Civiello of Salem has been the mainstay for her husband, Tony, who at an early age became paralyzed due to a stroke. Lucille raised nine children and is helping to raise a grandchild following her son-in-law's death. "Lucille balances these responsibilities with grace and an amazing amount of energy," said Pat McMahan, her Case Manager at NSES.  Lucille was honored for her dedication by Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Elder Affairs Secretary Michael Festa at a State House event.

When you speak with any of the 300,000 Massachusetts seniors who are care recipients, you realize that "Caregivers' Month" is really every month of the year for them. We salute all the caregivers.