Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced a three-year grant of $190,650 to SeniorCare to support a combined age- and dementia-friendly initiative developing in the Cape Ann communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. The grant reflects the Foundation’s commitment to advancing inclusive policies that create thriving and vital communities that work for people of all ages.
“Communities have greater interest in age-friendly initiatives. There’s a growing understanding of the critical role older people play. They are an asset to community, and their voices and insights are invaluable to the public discourse on what communities need,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, vice president, corporate citizenship for Tufts Health Plan and president of its Foundation.
SeniorCare will be the backbone organization for an age- and dementia-friendly initiative in four Cape Ann communities. This is the first time a Massachusetts community has launched age- and dementia-friendly work in a fully integrated way. Led by a 15-member steering committee, the initiative includes community leaders, older people, elected officials, people living with dementia, caregivers and organizations representing business, schools, first responders, financial institutions, the medical community, faith communities and more. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Boston – Gerontology Institute are working with the group to conduct a needs assessment to inform the work.
SeniorCare is very grateful to the Tufts Health Plan Foundation for this funding as we continue our efforts to work with the four Cape Ann communities on age- and dementia- friendly endeavors. We look forward to taking a lead role in this regional grass roots effort and working collaboratively with the city and towns involved. Visit our website at seniorcareinc.org for current and future information.
In all, Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced eight new grants totaling more than $1.1 million and representing collaborations with nearly 80 community organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
