Page 354 - BOXFORD

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

COUNCIL ON AGING

The Boxford Council on Aging has continued to grow and flourish during the past year. It
remains the town’s focal point for the delivery of services to Boxford’s population 60 and over.
Its mission is to support the independence of Boxford’s senior citizens, advocate for their needs
and enhance the quality of their lives in an atmosphere of respect for the older adult. We in the
senior services field realize the importance of keeping our elders in their home and community
not only for their benefit but for the good of the community as a whole.

The Council on Aging delivers quality services and programs that reflect the needs, programs,
services and transportation to all residents over the age of sixty and serves as a resource for
information to families, friends and neighbors who may find themselves caring for an older
person. The monthly newsletter “Boomers and Beyond’ provides current information about
services, classes and other programs.

The Outreach Program remains a vital link for older adults and family members who need
assistance through the myriad of programs and services and in accessing the most appropriate
services to enable an older adult to continue to live at home. We work closely with the Police
and Fire Departments on cases of mutual concern. The Outreach Program, continues to assist
individuals with minor home repairs, the completion of benefit application forms, and in
understanding the wide range of options available in health care, housing and senior services.

In spite of the limitations placed on us by our available space, our services and the number of
seniors requesting those services and attending COA functions and activities continues to grow.
Boxford’s seniors are the fastest growing segment of Boxford’s population, and the need for our
services parallels this growth. It has been a delicate balancing act scheduling our activities and
keeping our participants happy. We have already reached a point where our staff and space are
not adequate for the services being requested by seniors.

A study carried out this year for the COA by the Center for Social and Demographic Research on
Aging, Gerontology Institute University of Massachusetts Boston projected that Boxford seniors
would represent over 30% of the total population by 2030. This and another study done in 2013
established that Boxford seniors are ‘aging in place’ and a survey showed that 74% of these
responding intended on staying in Boxford through their retirement. We will do our best to meet
the needs of this increasing senior population, but we cannot do so without more space and staff.

353