PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
SHINE Program |
(Serving the Health Insurance needs of Elders)
The Council on Aging has 2 certified SHINE counselors available to assist elders in the community. SHINE counselors can help elders and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Counselors can review present coverage, provide written comparisons of plans, protects elders from paying for bills they should not pay and prevent paying for unnecessary duplicate coverage. Counselors also help with claim forms and applications. They will make referrals when appropriate.
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Senior Pharmacy Program |
This program is administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Division of Medical Assistance. Applications and assistance are available at the Council on Aging Office. The Senior Pharmacy Program is a pharmacy assistance program for elder residents in Massachusetts that provides help to pay for prescription drugs. There is an open enrollment period as well as income and eligibility guidelines that must be met.
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Senior Citizens Tax Relief Program |
Monies are available through the town of Marshfield to those residents and homeowners who are 60 years of age or older. The intent of the program is to utilize seniors to provide assistance in municipal or school departments. The main benefit of the program will be to provide tax relief to senior citizens living largely on a fixed income.
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Regional Legal Assistance Program |
Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation Senior Law Project offers free legal assistance, information and referrals for seniors citizens on site at the Marshfield Council on aging and surrounding communities on a monthly basis. See the newsletter for specific schedules.
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Council on Aging Legal Clinic |
Free 20-minute legal consultations provided by local Marshfield Attorneys. This is a monthly service offered to residents by appointment at the Senior Center.
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Outreach/ Social Service |
With funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Council on Aging makes an active effort to locate elders, assess their needs and connects these persons with services where appropriate. The present Social Service worker’s name is Terry Whittemore, and she is available on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 4:30 and Friday from 12:30 to 4:30
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Sickroom Equipment |
Sickroom equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, canes and other equipment is available on loan free of charge. Call the Council on Aging to inquire.
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Notary Public |
A certified notary public is available at the Senior Center Tuesday through Friday by appointment.
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Transportation |
The Council on Aging’s 10 and 20 passenger lift-equipped shuttle buses provide door-to-door transportation on a 5 day/week basis for shopping, errands, medical appointments within Marshfield and bordering communities, the hot lunch program and senior center.
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Volunteer Medical Transportation |
The Council on Aging’s Coordinator of Special Projects provides rides to outlying areas beyond the service area of the shuttle bus. This is carried out through the use of volunteer drivers and mileage funded by the Old Colony Planning Council.
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Volunteer Shopping and Medication Pick-Up Assistance |
The Council on Aging’s volunteer coordinator will assign a shopper to those that need food shopping assistance. We can assign a regular volunteer or on as needed basis.
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Congregate Meals |
Funded by the Old Colony Elderly Services and sponsored by the Council on Aging a hot noontime meal is served Mondays through Fridays at the Senior Center. The purpose of the program is to provide one nutritionally balanced meal per day and reduce loneliness and isolation through social interaction and companionship provided in a group setting. Participants are provided with an opportunity to financially contribute towards the cost of the meal and all contributions are used to defray the cost of the program. There is also a home delivered meal program for the ill or housebound elders. This service can be requested through Old Colony Elder Services @ 1800-242-0246.
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Fuel Assistance |
The Council on Aging’s Social Service Coordinator processes intake of fuel assistance applications for Marshfield residents of all ages. Applications are then forwarded to South Shore Community Action Council for approval / disapproval. Applications are typically available from November through March.
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Are You Okay? |
Is a telephone reassurance program sponsored by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and is administered through the local police department in cooperation with the Council on Aging. The “Are You Okay” program allows you the comfort and security you need to maintain your independence. It also assures your family and friends who care about you. The “Are you Okay” has a computer that makes the telephone calls to individual homes at a certain time of the day. If the phone is not picked up or busy, then the computer will call back in fifteen minutes. If the phone is not picked up the second time or is still busy, then your local police department will dispatch an officer immediately. Applications are available at the Council on Aging or at the Marshfield Police Department.
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Friendly Visitor Progam |
The Marshfield Council on Aging has established a Friendly Visitor Program. Elders that would like a weekly visit from a volunteer are encouraged to call the Council on Aging and leave their names. This visit would provide the senior with an opportunity to connect with another individual, share, reminisce, laugh, and perhaps have a cup of tea. Alternatively, if seniors would prefer a “Friendly Phone Call” this service is also available. Contact Shirley Jacobs at 834-5581.
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Free Income Tax Assistance |
Volunteers are specially trained through AARP. They assist elders with State and Federal Income Tax Forms. Assistance is provided at the Senior Center from February to mid April by appointment. This service is provided strictly in confidence with qualified personnel.
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