Council on Aging

What we do

• Advocacy
• Bristol Elder Services, Inc.
• Caregiver Support Group
• Classes
• Companion / Elder Visitor
• Emergency Help
• Emergency Funds
• “Evergreen” Newsletter
• Food Pantry
• Insurance Counseling
• J.O.B.S.
• Lawyer Referral Services
• Meal Site
• Meals-On-Wheels
• Medical Equipment Closet
• Podiatry Clinics
• Prescription Advantage
• Senior Social Day Program -- “The Group”
• S.H.I.N.E. (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
• Tax Assistance
• Transportation
• Volunteers Welcome

Mission Statement:

The primary function of the Westport Council on Aging is to identify and meet the needs of Westport’s elder population and to inform elders and the community of available services.

Advocacy

Federal and state bills concerning elders can be explained and tracked. Statistics from our files are used to help support elder issues.

Bristol Elder Services, Inc.

Is our A.S.A.P., which provides home care services to lower-income persons 60+, who need assistance to stay in their homes. Services include: case management, homemaker, home health aides, companions, crisis intervention, etc. Our C.O.A. will refer you, or you can call BES directly at [508] 675-2101.

Caregiver Support Group

A monthly self-help group that meets at the Center -- focusing on coping, caring, and emotional support, while providing resources and information to caregivers. Contact Phyllis Sandman, 508-636-1026.

Classes

Balance and movement, billiards, computer training, crafts, drawing, exercise, knitting, osteoporosis-prevention, playreading, poetry writing, quilting, T’ai Chi, and watercolor classes are held at the Senior Center. Call for information.

Companion / Friendly Visitor

These folks visit homebound elders on a routine basis, providing conversation and cheer, as well as some respite for caregivers. They also check on the isolated client's well-being and report needs to us.

Emergency Help

A list of isolated, frail elders is prepared each year for the Emergency Management Director. During civil emergencies, these clients will be checked on by the Emergency Management Agency.

Emergency Funds

Emergency funds are available, on a limited basis, through Bristol Elder Services, Inc., and also through the Friends of the Westport COA, Inc., for conditions constituting an immediate threat to an elder’s safety or health.

“Evergreen” Newsletter

Our free, monthly bulletin is distributed to over 75 locations throughout the Town.

Insurance Counseling

S.H.I.N.E. [Serving Health Information Needs of Elders] is a volunteer program whose purpose is to ensure elders access to accurate, unbiased information, counseling, and assistance regarding their health care needs and benefits. Call the COA counselor for an appointment.

J.O.B.S.

Job Opportunities Bank for Seniors is a list of local people available to work for short periods at reasonable rates. Clients do their own screening.

Lawyer Referral Services

This legal assistance program is available for elders 60+, with the first consultation free. There is a sliding-scale fee for additional legal services. Call South Coastal Counties Legal Service, Inc. at 508-676-6265.

Meal Site

Elders 60+ are eligible to eat lunch at our Center on weekdays at 11:30 a.m., for a small-suggested donation of $2/meal. Reservations need to be made two days in advance, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Call the COA kitchen at 508-636-1026.

Meals-On-Wheels

A program for isolated, homebound elders who cannot prepare their own noon meal. Applications for this BES program are available through the COA. A suggested donation of $2/meal is requested.

Medical Equipment Closet

Wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, etc. are available to be lent without charge. Call ahead for availability.

Podiatry Clinics

Routine nail-cutting clinics are held several times a year at a local Podiatrist’s office. Appointments and transportation are arranged by the COA, 508-636-1026.

Prescription Advantage

Provides coverage for most prescription drugs to eligible Massachusetts seniors and qualified people with disabilities; administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This is a no premium insurance policy which may help pay all or part of your monthly premium, deductible, and co-payments.

Senior Social Day Program

--“The Group” For adults 60+, who need supervision and socialization during the day, elders are provided with a structured program in a safe and caring environment; and their families are provided respite time. The Social Day Program service is available from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Senior Center. For $25 per day, snacks, meals, and supervision are included. Transportation is provided per request on a sliding-fee scale. (More info . . .)

S.H.I.N.E. (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders)

Information about Medicare insurance, supplements, MassHealth, etc., call the SHINE counselor. Telephone consultations and one-on-one appoint-ments can be arranged for Westport residents by calling 508-636-1026.

Tax Assistance

Volunteers from A.A.R.P. will help you with simple tax forms from February through April. Call the C.O.A. for details.

Transportation

Our handicapped-accessible vans are available on a first-come, first-served basis, to take Westport residents to appointments scheduled between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., for medical, shopping, etc. appointments in Westport, Fall River, New Bedford and Dartmouth. Call early to insure a ride. There is a fee for this service. Scholarships are available per request for Westport residents.