GREENFIELD — In the midst of National Family Caregivers Month, the nonprofit LifePath has received a $63,300 state grant to provide support to family caregivers.
LifePath Executive Director Gary Yuhas said the funding will go toward services that support and help financially compensate those who, in Massachusetts alone, contribute roughly $15.1 billion hours in unpaid time as family caregivers. According to a 2023 AARP report, there are roughly 1.4 million family caregivers in Massachusetts.
Yuhas referred to family caregivers as “unsung heroes.”
“I think people don’t realize the immense amount of care provided, not only in Massachusetts but across the country, by unpaid caregivers,” Yuhas said in a phone interview. “Family caregivers are providing support instead of caregiving in an institutional setting, in a hospital setting, by a formal support provider, etc. Were it not for family caregivers coming forward in this way, people would not be receiving the care. There just is not enough workforce to provide the amount of care that’s needed.”
Under LifePath’s Adult Family Care program, Yuhas explained that those in need of support most commonly request respite funds in the event that they need a temporary break from caretaking, either for a medical procedure or a vacation.
LifePath also offers caregivers emergency relief funds, as well as connection to other family caregivers through Dostata, an online platform that allows members of the group to request or offer respite within a trusted network of caregivers.
Through Dostata, caregivers are matched to small groups based on affiliation, location or shared needs. The platform removes the fear of imposing on others and aims to create resilient communities based on trust and reciprocity over time.
“The application works based on the number of folks in our region who are providing caregiving support and looking for caregiving support. This is a method folks can use to identify others who may want to support one another or trade caregiving support services with one another,” Yuhas said. “LifePath is involved in this to help individuals manage the application, help people sort out what questions to ask, help people make sure that someone is a good fit.”
LifePath was one of five caregiver organizations to receive a grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration.
“Caregivers make an invaluable contribution, yet they face significant challenges, including financial strain, work disruptions and impacts on their own health,” LifePath Director of Client Services Diane Robie said in a statement. “Our partnership with Dostata creates opportunities for caregivers to exchange respite with each other that benefits all involved.”
Nearly one in every four caregivers report feelings of loneliness and isolation, according to AARP, and Robie said rates of depression and chronic illness are even higher.
“The model fosters friendships and connections without a lot of professional involvement,” Robie added, with Yuhas noting that LifePath aims to “build on the deep community ties we already have in rural western Massachusetts.”
The Community Engagement Center, LifePath’s social day program for people living with dementia, is currently testing the Dostata platform. LifePath, Yuhas said, intends to expand the program by partnering with councils on aging, memory cafes, grandparent groups and other community hubs.
In addition, LifePath is offering three Dementia Journey series for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners. Over the course of eight weeks, the group explores a variety of topics related to living with dementia. It is expected that group participants will go on to form a Respite Co-op group.
“Letting someone provide care for a loved one requires trusting relationships,” Robie said. “These groups are where the relationships are established.”
Caregivers seeking information or support can connect with LifePath at 413-773-5555 to explore available resources.