Springwell & BayPath Merge

Springwell, Inc, and BayPath Elder Services, Inc announced this spring that their boards of directors approved the merger of the organizations, effective July 1, 2022. Waltham-based Springwell & Marlborough-based BayPath are both 45-year-old, independent, non-profit organizations. Both hold contracts with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to act as state-designated Aging Service Access Points and federally-designated Area Agencies on Aging. The services that both offer – things like home-delivered meals, personal care assistance, and homemaking – make it possible for older adults to get the help they might need to continue living in the home setting that suits them best.

Springwell provides these services to residents of the towns of Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, and Weston.

BayPath provided these services to residents of the towns of Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough.

The new organization resulting from the merger will be called Springwell, headed by Springwell CEO Trish Smith. The new Springwell will offer the same services to the same twenty-two communities, from the same staff, out of the same offices in Marlborough and Waltham. As a bigger organization, Springwell will have more resources to provide the services individuals have come to count on. Residents of the original BayPath towns should continue to call the office in Marlborough for assistance at 508-573-7200.

Rationale

While Springwell and BayPath both have strong programs and are financially sound, combining operations will allow for more flexibility and efficiency as we provide services. The twenty-two community service area creates a larger geography that will enhance our ability to recruit the staff and volunteers we need. And after the merger, Springwell will be large enough to take advantage of opportunities that have not been possible for two smaller nonprofits.

The organizations share very similar missions to provide quality resources and services to individuals across the lifespan. We share a goal of empowering individuals to remain in the setting of their choice while they face the challenges that come with aging, caregiving, and/or living with chronic health issues. Philosophically, the organizations are well-positioned for a merger at this time and plan to maintain both offices and staff in both locations.

Springwell & BayPath Merger FAQ’s

What is BayPath? Is it the same as Springwell? BayPath and Springwell are both non-profit organizations that provide very similar services to different, but neighboring, geographic areas. We both share core mission principles of helping older adults, those living with disabilities or chronic illness, and caregivers as they seek to live and age in the community.

Are you moving? Will either or both locations be closing/moving to one central location? No, the new Springwell will be maintaining both locations in Marlborough & Waltham.

Why is this merger happening? BayPath was looking for an organization to merge with and was happy to find that Springwell was also interested in becoming a larger, more well-resourced organization. It has gotten harder for smaller organizations like BayPath and Springwell to offer the services you depend on. Combining gives us more capacity to do a better job of helping our communities.

What towns will the new organization now serve? We will now provide service in the 22 towns of Ashland, Belmont, Brookline, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, & Weston.

Will any services be discontinued? We are not planning any service discontinuations at this time.

Will any resources or services be added? While we are not adding any additional services initially, the ability to do so is one of the reasons for the merger. Example of existing services that might expand in the near future include Springwell’s volunteer Friendly Visitor, Shopping Assistant, and Medical Escort Programs as well as BayPath’s LGBTQ initiative.

Will there be any changes to meal types for Nutrition services? There will not be any changes to the meal types that are currently being offered.

How will I get in touch with my care manager or other people at BayPath/Springwell? All of our phone numbers and email addresses will continue to work. Please call us whenever you have a question or concern.

How will I get important information about my services after July 1^st? After July 1^st, all information, including co-pay bills will come from Springwell. Please open any mail you get from Springwell, and answer the phone when your caller id reads, “Springwell.”

Will my services or my workers change? Your services and workers will not change because of the merger.

I have a co-pay for my BayPath/Springwell services. Will that be affected? No, your co-pay amount will remain the same. After July 1, all payments should be made to Springwell.