Outreach Notes & Information
OUTREACH NOTES
Winter is unpredictable. Advance planning and the following
resources may help with a few of winter’s challenges.
Make arrangements soon for snow removal. It may be necessary
to arrange separately for plowing and shoveling services. The local
Aging Service Access Point, Bay Path/ Springwell compiles a list of
landscapers that provide snow removal services. A copy of the list
is available upon request.
Sand for Seniors is a joint effort of the Northborough Senior Center
and the Rotary Club. Call the Senior Center to request a bucket of
sand. A member of the Rotary will deliver it to your doorstep.
Consider using the van during the winter when driving can become
hazardous and parking lots icy. Contact the Senior Center to register
and for information on scheduling a ride. Trips on the van are free
until the end of the year.
Reduce the need for trips outside the home when bad weather
strikes by having nonperishable foods on hand and refilling
prescriptions in a timely fashion. Check with your pharmacy about
home delivery services.
Changing the weather is not possible but these simple measures
can lessen its impact.
Jocelyn Ehrhardt, MSW, Outreach Coordinator
DAYBREAK AT THE NORTHBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
A Social Day Program Providing Respite for Caregivers
Day: Tuesdays • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM • Pre-registration required
If you’re a care partner of someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or memory
loss, the DayBreak Program might be just what you are looking for. We have
partnered with the Senior Centers in Hudson and Marlborough to offer DayBreak
three times per week.
A person with Dementia or a Cognitive Impairment can attend one or all 3 days
per week. DayBreak provides individuals with a safe and stimulating experience
with fun activities and social interaction while providing care partners with
much needed time for themselves! Because grant funding is being used,
we are providing you an opportunity to make a voluntary $15 per day donation
toward the cost of this service. Service includes lunch and activities. Donations
are put directly into the program allowing for the expansion of services.
Making a voluntary donation in no way influences service delivery.
Contact Jocelyn Ehrhardt, Outreach Coordinator at 508-393-5035 for more information.
This program has been made possible in part by funding
from the Metrowest Health Foundation.
SNAP FOR SENIORS
Budget feeling tight? We might have a solution!
Many people over the age of 60 are eligible for SNAP but don’t use it. This could
mean as much as $100 per month available to buy groceries. The money you
save on your grocery bill could be put towards other expenses. Please contact
Jocelyn in Outreach to see if you qualify.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS NURSE
AT THE SENIOR CENTER
We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the
Board of Health to staff nurse consultation every Monday
and Wednesday morning from 9:00 to noon. Funding for
this collaboration is a direct result of a three-year
Massachusetts Department of Public Health grant.
This is a great opportunity to stop by for a blood pressure
check, discuss concerns about medications or strategize how
to get the most from an upcoming appointment with your
primary care physician.
MEDICARE QUESTIONS?
Are you turning 65 in the next three months?
Are you over 65 and need to enroll soon?
Do you understand your Medicare deadlines and
options? Are you having trouble paying for medical
expenses and prescription drugs?
If any of these apply to you, contact the SHINE (Serving Health
Insurance Needs of Everyone…on Medicare) program.
Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on
all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs.
To schedule a SHINE appointment, call your local Senior Center.
For other SHINE related matters, call 1-800-243-4636.
Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name,
number and town. A volunteer will call you back, as soon
as possible.
INTERFACE: Looking For Someone To Talk To?
Finding a mental health professional to talk to can be difficult.
INTERFACE Referral Service might be able to help and is
available to Northborough residents. INTERFACE is a program
of William James College, a private college in Newton, MA
that specializes in psychology. Callers to the INTERFACE
Helpline (Monday-Friday 9-5) are assessed by a referral
counselor regarding the reason for the call, preferences and
more. A referral counselor will follow up, and stay in contact
throughout the process, with provider options and information
resources as appropriate. The Helpline is 888-244-6843.
BAYPATH ELDER SERVICES, INC.
BayPath provides an array of services and programs
for older adults, caregivers, and persons with
disabilities to support their independence and dignity.
Some programs have eligibility criteria, such as age,
need, income, and/or insurance. To find out more,
please visit their website www.baypath.org or
call 508-573-7200 and ask for the Information
and Referral Department.