GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — LifePath was one of five organizations to receive a state grant to support the economic security of unpaid family caregivers and will use the funding to launch their Respite Co-Op, offering opportunities for caregivers to exchange respite within small, community-based groups.
The program hopes to build on community ties to build resilience and overtime combat caregivers’ feelings of loneliness and isolation.
LifePath Receives Grant to Support Family Caregivers
Every day across Massachusetts, more than 1.4 million family caregivers quietly balance jobs, families, and their own well-being while providing care and assistance to help a family member or friend remain at home. This November, LifePath joins the Commonwealth, and the nation, in recognizing these individuals during Family Caregiver Month as proclaimed by Governor Maura T. Healey.
Family caregivers are the backbone of the nation’s care system providing over $15.1 billion of uncompensated time in Massachusetts alone, according to a 2023 AARP Report. The 2025 national theme “Plug-in to Care” reminds us that caregivers need and deserve connections to resources, networks, and each other.
Aligned with this year’s theme, LifePath was one of five organizations to receive a grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support the economic security of unpaid family caregivers. With these funds, LifePath is partnering with Dostata, a tech company with a mission to support caregivers, to pilot Respite Co-Op as an innovative, low cost response to the lack of paid staff to provide respite care.
“Caregivers make an invaluable contribution, yet they face significant challenges, including financial strain, work disruptions, and impacts on their own health,” says Diane Robie, Director of Client Services for LifePath. “Our partnership with Dostata creates opportunities for caregivers to exchange respite with each that benefits all involved.”
Caregivers are matched to small groups based on affiliation, location, or shared needs. An easy to use on-line platform allows members of the group to request or offer respite within a trusted network of caregivers. The platform removes the fear of imposing on others and over time creates resilient communities based on trust and reciprocity.
One out of four caregivers report feelings of loneliness and isolation. Rates of depression and chronic illness are even higher. “The model fosters friendships and connections without a lot of professional involvement,” said Robie.
The Community Engagement Center, LifePath’s social day program for people living with dementia, is currently testing the platform. LifePath will 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 eight weeks, the group explores a variety of topics related to living well 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,” says Robie. “These groups are where the relationships are established.”
“Our goal is to build on the deep community ties we already have in rural Western Massachusetts” adds Gary Yuhas, LifePath’s Executive Director. “We believe this model can be replicated and sustained at low cost across the Commonwealth.”
The 2025 “Plug-in to Care” theme, established by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), calls attention to the importance of connection: linking caregivers to the right tools, networks, and education to make their journey less overwhelming and more supported.
Caregivers seeking information or support can connect with LifePath at 413-773-5555 to explore the many resources available.