Council on Aging Services

Advocacy

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs guides Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) to support and track federal and state bills concerning elders. Statistics from our files are used to help support elder issues. For more information on MCOA click HERE.

Bristol Elder Services, Inc.

Our local A.S.A.P. (Aging Services Access Point), provides a comprehensive system of in-home health and support services which enable consumers to remain in their homes or return home after a hospital or rehab stay. 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.

Activities and Classes-Exercise Classes

Aerobics - Tuesday & Thursday 8:30-9:30 am (wait list); Men's Exercise - Monday & Friday 9:45-10:45 am (OPENINGS AVAILABLE); Stretch & Tone - Mondays & Fridays 8:30-9:30 am (limited openings) Certified Instructor - Wendy Sperduti                                                                                                                               Balance & Bones - Tuesday & Thursdays 10:00-11:15 am (limited openings) Certified Instructor - Deb Manning                                                                                                                                                                Tai Chi - Fridays 12:30-1:30 pm (openings) Certified Instructor Niklos Ukleja                                                         Yoga - Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-1:30 pm (openings)  Certified Instructor Marcia Hathaway             Fitness Focus - Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30 - 2:20 pm (openings) Certified Instructor Marcia Hathaway                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Aerobics, Art Class, Billiards, Balance & Bones Exercise Class, Men's Exercise Class, Knitting, Tai Chi, Technology Classes and 1:1 instruction and Yoga, are a few of the activities held at the Senior Center. Visit the Evergreen Newsletter page to see the current schedule, or call (508) 636-1026 for information.

Dental Hygiene Clinic - Mobile Services

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, this licensed program offers the following services: Dental Cleanings, Oral Health Screening, Oral Cancer exams, Denture Care, Flouride Treatments, Sealants, Periodontal Evaluation/Cleaning, Referral to Dentist/Specialist. Mobile Dental Hygiene Services accepts Mass Health and Senior Whole Health Insurance and private pay.             
Fees for private pay patients: Adult Cleaining $95; Child Cleaning $45; Sealants $15 per tooth; Flouride treatment   $20; Periodontal Cleanings $50 per quardrant.
Please bring your insurance card at the time of service. All fees are due at the time of service. Appointments are required and transportation can be arranged by the COA. 508-636-1026. 

Friendly Visitor - currently suspended.

Our trained volunteers 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 the Outreach Department.

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. If you would like to receive it by email please send your name, telephone and email to the center. 508-636-1026

Health Insurance Counseling

Certified Medicare Counselors are available by appointment. For information about Medicare insurance, Senior Whole Health Insurance, supplemental insurances, Mass Health, etc., call the center and ask for Andrea or Susan. Telephone consultations and one-on-one appointments can be arranged for Westport residents by calling (508) 636-1026. .

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 or the WCOA to schedule an appointment with Attorney Jennifer Heald or Attorney Patricia Bloom-McDonald.

Meal Site

Currently only the Supportive Day Program is offering meals. Special events or activities will offer meals on a pre-scheduled basis. Watch for notices in the Evergreen Newsletter or on our Facebook page.

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 $2.25/meal is requested.

Medical Equipment Closet

The COA has a "loan closet" with durable medical equipment for Westport elderly and disabled individuals. Please contact one of our Outreach Workers for more information. 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 the senior center by local podiatrist, Dr. Spiri. Appointments are required, and transportation can be 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.

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. Appointment necessary.

Volunteers Needed

Westport Council on Aging needs volunteers to help at the Senior Center and out in the community. Please call the Senior Center at (508) 636-1026 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator, if you are interested in any volunteer opportunities:

  • Reception - Answering phones, making appointments, providing information
  • Supportive Day Program Aide - Assist with daily activities of the program
  • Evergreen Newsletter Deliverers - Alternates
  • Van Escorts - To accompany van clients to doctor's appointments, shopping, etc.
  • Friendly Visitors - To visit isolated and homebound elders weekly
  • Shoppers - To run shopping errands for homebound elders