By Sylvia Exantus, Special to the Reporter
Before the sun rises, countless quiet heroes across Boston begin their day helping others live with dignity, independence, and joy. These caregivers are the heart of our communities. They make it possible for older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they helped to build.
Last Saturday night, I had the privilege of standing before hundreds of supporters at the Central Boston Elder Services’ Care Unites Us Gala at the Westin Copley Place. Together we celebrated these caregivers, the people who make aging at home possible. We also recognized leaders who champion the cause of care, including Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services; Denella J. Clark, president and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation; and Massachusetts State Rep. Thomas M. Stanley.
The evening was filled with joy, inspiration, and gratitude. Yet it also reminded us of the urgent challenges that lie ahead. Right now, approximately 1.7 million people aged 60 and older live in Massachusetts, and nearly one million residents identify as caregivers, many of them unpaid family members, friends, and neighbors. Their compassion and strength allow older adults to remain at home rather than in institutions, saving taxpayers millions while preserving what matters most: connection, dignity, and love.
I think of one of our clients’ daughters who cares for her mother living with dementia. Before connecting with Central Boston Elder Services, she said she felt completely lost. She was missing work, missing moments with her children, and struggling to manage everything on her own. Through CBES, her mother now receives personal care and companionship at home. Her care aide spends time with her, helping with daily needs, and they often sit together watching Spanish soap operas, sharing laughter and warmth.
That extra support gave the daughter peace of mind, allowing her to return to work and spend more time with her family. Her story is one of many that remind us that caregiving is both an act of love and a heavy responsibility, one that no one should have to carry alone.
Central Boston Elder Services is proud to serve as a beacon of hope for more than 10,000 individuals through high quality, community-based care. From home care and protective services to technology education and affordable housing, our programs help people live independently and thrive.
But this vital work is at risk. Current state budget deficits and potential federal cuts to Medicaid could devastate the home care system. With 87 percent of those we serve relying on Medicaid, these reductions would force painful choices between food, medicine, and housing. They would also reduce access to transportation, technology, and services that fight isolation and loneliness. These are not just programs; they are lifelines.
That is why our fundraising efforts continue well beyond one evening of celebration. The needs of aging adults and individuals with disabilities are growing, and we must ensure that caregivers have the support they deserve. Our community has the power to make a difference. By standing together, we can fill the gaps, protect essential services, and honor the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
If we truly value dignity, independence, and compassion, we must stand with our caregivers and the older adults they serve. To learn more or support our mission, visit centralboston.org. Together, we can care for those who have always cared for us.
Sylvia Exantus is the CEO of Central Boston Elder Services.
