AgeSpan

1-800-892-0890

About Us

Established in 1974, AgeSpan is a private, nonprofit agency that serves as a trusted, impartial resource connecting people of all ages and abilities and their caregivers with impartial information, quality services, and vigorous advocacy. AgeSpan is a Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), and designated Protective Services Provider.

Our Vision: A future where everyone can choose to live and age well, in communities that support them

Our Mission: To ensure everyone’s choice to lead fulfilling lives as they age.

Our Values:

  • Respect
  • Choice and Self-determination
  • Independence
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Innovation
  • Impartiality
  • Compassion
  • Community
  • Collaboration

AgeSpan is strongly committed to fostering a professional environment that recognizes, respects, and encourages the unique contributions of a broad spectrum of qualified employees. It is important that our employees reflect the diverse communities we serve. We maintain a work atmosphere that allows people of varied backgrounds to grow professionally and contribute to our mission by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and work-life balance.

AgeSpan

New name, same commitment

Our rebrand to AgeSpan in December 2021

Everything we do is focused on empowering people to lead more fulfilling lives as they age. We achieve this through a unique combination of strengths:

Women smiling

Focused on people

We take a whole-person, non-judgmental approach to assessing individual needs. Then we connect consumers and caregivers with information and services to address their needs, with ongoing support.

Elder group of friends walking

Connected to the community

Helping people remain active members of the community as they age is at the core of our mission. We maintain close connections to community organizations and healthcare providers, working collaboratively to ensure consumers have the right services at the right time.

Family discussion

Innovative, practical solutions

AgeSpan is known for developing and delivering innovative programs that address unmet needs in creative, new ways. Our approach is evidence-based and focused on meeting the real-world needs of people at every stage of their lives.

Woman in wheelchair

Going further to make a difference

We vigorously advocate for seniors, people with disabilities, younger people in need of assistance, and their caregivers. When there’s an urgent or critical need, we go above and beyond to make sure it is met.

Our staff’s ability to deliver effective solutions is matched by their compassion for the people and communities we serve.

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Call us: 1-800-892-0890
Email us: info@agespan.org

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50 Over 60 Booklet Headline

This year, we are marking 50 years of providing the services people need so they can live safe, healthy lives at home in the community of their choice.

While much as changed over the last five decades, one thing has remained constant: The Merrimack Valley and North Shore are filled with older adults whose lives inspire us. In their honor, we are celebrating “50 Years of Inspiring Aging: Celebrating the Power, Value, and Voices of Older Adults.” 

We hope you enjoy hearing from these amazing individuals and reading their profiles. It is an honor to highlight their achievements, and we are grateful for their commitment to service and passion for life.

View Booklet
50over60 Booklet

Photo Gallery

Group of multiracial people with different ages and ethnicities
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The History of AgeSpan

1974 – 1984

1974 – 1984

Congress passes the Older Americans Act in 1965, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is established in Massachusetts with a mission of creating a State Home Care Program to offer meaningful alternatives to institutional care.  

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s) are established as private nonprofits rather than state agencies to include a 51% representation from consumers ages 60 and over and 51% representation from leaders within the councils on aging.  

Community leader, James L. Campbell, of Haverhill, MA, recognizes the need for care of older adults, and convened other leaders and advocates to create Merrimack Valley Home Care, Inc.

1974

First Executive Director for Merrimack Valley Home Care, George “Russ” Moran is hired along with five other staff members 

Senior Aide Program, a subsidized employment program for persons aged 55 and over, began in September of 1974

1976

Agency name changes to Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. 

North Shore Elder Services is established, and Bill Carney serves as its first executive director.

1982

Podcasting operational change management inside of workflows to establish a framework. Taking seamless key performance indicators offline to maximise the long tail. Keeping your eye on the ball while performing a deep dive on the start-up mentality.

1983

Protective Services is established, Joan Hatem-Roy becomes the first Protective Service worker in Massachusetts focusing on education and reporting to help older adults experiencing some form of elder abuse. 

1984

Rosanne J. DiStefano becomes Executive Director for the next 33 years 

The mission of the agency is to provide older adults and persons with disabilities access to in-home services and community programs that allow them the personal choice to live safely and as independently as possible in their homes.   

To fulfill this mission, the only direct service that is provided by the agency is care management. All other services are subcontracted to professional and vetted providers which leaves the agency in a position to remain unbiased and conflict free.  

While medical conditions must be well managed, most people turn to long-term care due to difficulties managing daily tasks such as grooming, eating, dressing, shopping, personal care and/or transportation. For many years the agency focused solely on the social needs of older adults.  Soon thereafter, the agency positioned itself as a leader in providing holistic care and integrated health and social services by adding nurses to the staff to work with care managers, family members, and the consumer to conduct home visits, assess the need, and develop a tailored care plan for a more inclusive approach to managing aging in place. 

Nutritional programs, both congregate and home delivered meals, are introduced.

Rosanne DiStefano Era

Over the next four decades, safety and security initiatives are implemented, providing additional support services and resource to protect older adults.

1984 – 1994

1986, Janet McAveeney hired as new executive director 

Elder Services of Merrimack Valley now known as AgeSpan – plays a pivotal role in staff development, to include registered nurses that would provide the initiative to integrate health and social service programs to keep older adults living in the community longer.  New services established include: 

  • Respite/Hospital Liaison Programs  
  • Volunteer Programs to help with transportation, meals, and companionship 
  • SHINE Program – health benefits counseling to support older adults with their health insurance needs. 
  • Money Management Program – support older adults with basic money management skills. 
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