Outreach and Advocacy are integral to the support of elders in our community. The Council on Aging makes every effort to locate elders, assess their needs and connect them with appropriate services. We may be notified of an outreach situation by a family member or caregiver, a concerned neighbor, follow-up on a call received by either the Police or Fire Department or word of mouth. Assistance is also available for caregivers and families of elderly individuals.
Resources may include information and referrals to social services, legal assistance, consumer advocacy, housing issues, mental health and substance abuse. Our Outreach Coordinator, Diane McCarthy, is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TELEPHONE REASSURANCE
Telephone reassurance is offered by the Norwell Council on Aging. Personal telephone calls are made as needed, to individuals who may be frail or at medical risk, or those who may live alone. The program gives individuals the comfort and security they need to maintain their independence. If an individual cannot be reached, a family member will be contacted to ensure an individual is safe. For more information, please contact the Outreach Coordinator, Diane McCarthy at 781-659-7878.
ASK Y9URSELF; WHO’S LOOKING OUT FOR ME?
In bad weather, tell a friend, family member or neighbor where they will be able to find you. Ask them to call you regularly to check on your well-being. Tell them where an extra key is located so that they can get into your home in the event of an emergency.
If you have special health needs, such as oxygen, contact your police station and let them know you may need assistance if the power fails. Remember, the Council on Aging offers a Telephone Reassurance program in which you are welcome to be included.
IN-HOME/FRIENDLY VISITS
The Outreach Coordinator makes in-home or friendly visits to elders in the community as needed. In-home visit may be to assess the needs of elders and determine the appropriate resources to assist them remain in their home. In-home safety assessments may also be performed to identify safety issues, such as; scatter rugs, need for bathroom safety bars, or the need for emergency response systems.
Some visits may be to assist home-bound elders with completing forms or performing small tasks. Other times may be just to check in and say hello. If you know someone who could benefit from an in-home visit or would like one yourself, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
HOME–DELIVERED MEALS
A home delivered meal program is available for those elders who may be recuperating from an illness or has difficulty cooking. The Council on Aging coordinates the delivery of daily or periodic meals through the efforts of volunteer drivers. This service can be requested through South Shore Elder Services by calling 781-848-3910.
FUEL ASISTANCE BEGAN NOV. 1
The state/federal Fuel Assistance Program, operated and administered by the South Shore Community Action Program (SSCAP), began Nov. 1. The program is open to the community and the Norwell Council on Aging is the agent for the town of Norwell.
All information is kept strictly confidential. For an appointment to apply for fuel assistance or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Norwell COA Outreach Coordinator, Diane McCarthy, at 781-659-7878.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS
Our Outreach services are available to assist families and caregivers to assess an elder’s situation and make recommendations for available resources. This may include such as home health agencies, adult day care facilities, or simply information. Refer to our Information and Referral link for additional information.
LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
If you’re experiencing any kind of loss, no matter how long ago, the COA invites you to attend a Loss Support group. The group meets for seven weeks, typically on Fridays from 10:45 a.m. until Noon. You are welcome to attend any of the sessions and participants from previous groups are also welcome. Please call the Norwell COA office at 781-659-7878 for more information about the group. Transportation is available.
VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The Hingham COA offers a vision support group every 3rd Monday from 10:00 to Noon. Low vision and legally blind seniors learn about topics of interest such as low vision aids, a radio reading service, the Perkins School, crime prevention, legal concerns and more. The Norwell COA will provide transportation for those interested in attending. For more information call the office at 81-659-7878.
ALZHEIMER’S DIEASE SUPPORT GROUP
The Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group of the South Shore holds monthly meetings are held September to June at the Hingham Senior Center located at 224 Central Street. Speakers focus on information vital to coping with Alzheimer’s Disease and on family options for the future. For more information call the ADSGSS Helpline at 781-749-5417 or 781-740-2426.
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS
The local Councils on Aging offer a variety of support groups to the community. Here are some local support groups that may be of interest.
Norwell COA, 781-659-7878
Loss Support, Fridays @ 10:45
Scituate COA, 781-545-8722
Bereavement
Alzheimer’s Caregivers (with Norwell VNA)
General Caregivers
Hingham, 781-741-1458
Low Vision Support
Duxbury, 781-934-6800
Low Vision Support
Early Stage Patient/Care Partner
TOPS (Take off Pound Sensibly)
2010 U.S. CENSUS; 10 QUESTIONS, 10 MINUTES
The Census: A Snapshot
- What: The census is a count of everyone in the United States
- Who: Everyone in the United States must be counted - both citizens and noncitizens
- Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, census data plays a part in guiding funding for essential community services and other important programs.
- When: Households will receive a census form in March 2010 either by U.S. Mail or by hand delivery.
- It’s Easy: The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest census forms in history. With only 10 questions, the form takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- It’s Safe: By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $230,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Benefits of Census data for Older People and Retirees
- Census data directly affects how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.
- Census data help guide local planning decision for:
- Locations of community services an d facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Creation of maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance
- Food and transportation assistance programs.
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