HIGHLIGHTS
The most important happening for Swampscott seniors this year will be our move to the new senior center as part of the new high school. The building will be handicapped-accessible: all the activities will take place on one floor. The new facility will be air-conditioned. the new space will permit extensive increase in classes and programs. There is a lovely living room, a large dining facility, classrooms/meeting rooms, a health office and conference room. This is a very exciting time for seniors in Swampscott.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is a very important part of the services offered to Swampscott seniors. The Council continues to offer transportation to and from the center for the lunch program. Food shopping and banking take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Local trips to Department
Stores take place on Friday. Reservations are made by calling the Senior Center on the day that the ride is needed. Medical transportation can be arranged through GLSS, The Ride and private vendors.
OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Outreach Program offers the senior community the services of a full-time staff person who meets and/or visits with individuals on a confidential basis in order to assess their needs. Issues regarding transportation, home health care, Meals On Wheels, nursing homes and adult day care are just some of the many areas in which information and assistance are available. In addition, special initiatives such as the Farmers’ Market Coupon Program and the potential life saving, “File of Life” Program, were also conducted as part of our expanded outreach effort.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
One of the most essential services that we offer is that of Information and Referral. Many families’s elders often find themselves in need of certain types of assistance that we may not be able to directly provide. It is in these cases that we must be able to refer them to the proper individuals or agencies who can best help solve their problems in a timely and efficient manner. This service requires strict attention on the part of our staff when it comes to listening to and understanding people’s problems. In this way we can refer them to the proper agency and minimize the amount of forms and telephone calls for those involved. Medical and legal concerns, along with those dealing with health care, housing, transportation, finance and insurance are some of the more common that are
addressed.
Additions to the Outreach Program this past year include:
A Senior Men’s Club that has grown to over 60 members. The men meet monthly for a luncheon at the Senior Center that usually includes a speaker who addresses a topic that is relevant to seniors.
A Caregiver Group that is facilitated by Debby Segil of GLSS. The group meets twice a month at the Senior Center and functions as a support activity for those caring for elderly friends or family members who are ailing.
An Women's Group, Cheryl Donnelly meets twice a month with our women's group. They provide support for each other around living alone. They have a social connection as well.
Our SHINE Counselors, Warren Hopkins and Felice Litman continue to provide seniors with an invaluable service by advising them on matters relating to health and medical insurance. SHINE is a program offered through the Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs. Jim, who is a local resident, is a trained volunteer who is available at the Senior Center for one hour each week.
Other programs conducted during the year include:
TRIAD programs were: Do you have a number on your house? Does your street have a sign?
And, what to do in an emergency.
Flu Shot Clinic in collaboration with the Swampscott Board of Health.
Stroke Prevention Clinic.
Participation in the Wellness Fair at Salem State
A Presentation by Outreach Worker, Warren Hopkins, to the Swampscott Rotary Club on the”File of Life” Program.
Distribution of Farmers Market Coupons to low income senior citizens.
The Outreach Program also arranged for a number of people to speak at the Senior Center including:
Attorney Robert Bradley – wills, trusts and estate planning.
Cheryl Greseck – (Congressman Tierney’s Office) – Identity theft.
Dr. David Roberts – Cardiac Care.
Joe Balsama – Hurricanes.
NUTRITION
Meals are served five days a week from 11:45 until 12:20. No reservations are required for lunch. Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors are available. Presently, Greater Lynn Senior Services deliver approximately 50 meals to Swampscott residents.
PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND TRIPS
Several classes and trips are offered to seniors. Information on classes and trips appear in our monthly newsletter, The Compass, the Swampscott Reporter, Lynn Item, Salem Evening News and by calling the center. Classes continue in Bridge, Writing, Art and Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise. The Cribbage group continues as well as Mahjongg and Beano.
HEALTH PROGRAMS
Blood pressure readings take place on the first, second, third and last Tuesday of every month. Readings are conducted by Swampscott’s Town Nurse, All Care VNA, and the Swampscott/Marblehead VNA
NEWSLETTER
The Compass is published monthly and contains the monthly menu, activities for the month, coming events and the latest information of interest to the seniors.
FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING
The Friends of the Swampscott Council on Aging was formed in February of 1995 and continues to lend assistance to the Center. We hope that people will contribute and join the Friends group.
THANK YOU
A very special thank you to all who helped make the Senior Center successful. A very special thank you to all that volunteer at the Senior Center. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Hurwitz
Director
Rod Pickard
Assistant Director
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