Page 22 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

HEALTH & OUTREACH SERVICES
The purpose of the COA’s Outreach
program is to help seniors remain
independent and safe, and to connect
them to supportive resources. We
employ a full-time health and social
services Outreach Coordinator, who
assists seniors in accessing support
programs to help meet their needs.
These programs include Fuel
Assistance, SNAP (food stamps),
home health care, housing,
budgeting, friendly visitors, an
emergency food pantry, free SafeLink
phones, and more. The Outreach
Coordinator assists elders in crisis, and
will meet with seniors at the COA or in
their homes to explain community
programs and benefits, assist with
application processes, aid seniors in
search of services and resources and
act as an advocate for seniors in need.
Program oferings include grief
support, hearing clinics, low vision
support, safety and wellness
programs, legal consultations, and
Veterans’ services. This year Outreach
delivered 20 ham dinners and 7
outreach git bags to needy clients
during the holidays. Outreach
coordinates an annual community
resource fair connecting seniors to
Town departments and regional
providers that can provide additional
support.
THE SUPPORTIVE DAY PROGRAM,
also known as the Good Times Club,
provides clients with a nurturing,
R E P O R T O F T H E M I D D L E B O R O U G H
COUNCIL ON AGING
supervised program of daily activities
in a protected environment. It helps
elders to remain at home longer by
providing a safe haven during the day,
providing mental and physical
stimulation, and helping to reduce
isolation and depression. Clients enjoy
therapeutic recreation, varied
activities and socialization. The
program also provides much needed
respite for family members and
caregivers, giving them a chance to
rest, get their tasks completed and to
enjoy their own restorative activities
and hobbies. A Caregivers Support
Group meets monthly, September
through June, ofering families caring
for loved ones the resources and
support for the hard work of caregiving.
Old Colony Planning Council and Old
Colony Elder Services generously
provide scholarships for qualified
seniors. The Day Program operates five
days a week throughout the year.
ACTIVITIES AND ENRICHMENT
The COA ofers a full range of
activities and events. Exercise and
wellness classes include tai chi, chair
yoga and guided meditation,
strength and balance, cardio dance
and line dancing. Cribbage, whist,
billiards, puzzle making, mah-jongg,
and special game days provide
socialization and fun. Arts and crats
oferings include workshops,
quilting, drawing and painting
classes and more. Monthly special
events, concerts, seasonal
celebrations and movies are ofered.
Program highlights in 2024 were
ater lunch concerts with the Boston
Rovers, Jazz with Phyllis Fallon, Rare
Form Trio, Jumpin’ Juba, That 60’s
Band and others. Topical lectures on
nature, science, art history, fashion
history and regional history rounded
out our programming.
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