FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I find out about services and benefits for older adults?
You may begin by calling the Council on Aging office! Staff are available weekdays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to assist you with your questions about elder services and benefits, and will give you information and referrals to meet your needs. Call: 781-396-6010. In addition, the monthly Our Place, Our Time newsletter provides timely information on local, state and federal benefits and programs.
What if I have a confidential problem?
Our staff social worker is available to assist you with private concerns. Call Karlene Bognanni at: 781-396-6010. Karlene’s hours are 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, weekdays. She will promptly return any messages.
Where can I obtain information about health insurance coverage?
As a SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor, social worker Karlene Bognanni can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about health care coverage. Call her at: 781-396-6010. We also have Barbara McGonigle on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm.
How do I sign up for lunch?
The Congregate Meal, which is served at the Medford Senior Center weekdays at 12:00 noon, is administered though our area agency on aging, Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. (MVES). Call the office the morning of the previous day to sign up at: 781-396-6010. The monthly Our Place, Our Time newsletter lists the menu for the month.
What if I can’t come to the Senior Center for lunch?
If it’s a matter of transportation, rides to and from the Senior Center for the noon meal are available through SCM Transportation, inc. Call them at: 617-625-1191 to schedule, at least a few days in advance. For meals for the homebound, call Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. and ask about its Meals-On-Wheels program at: 781-324-7705.
I see some interesting trips and activities listed in the Our Place, Our Time newsletter. How do I sign up?
First, check the newsletter for information for possible sign-up dates. If the activity or program is free, call: 781-396-6010, or drop by the Senior Center to register. For programs requiring a fee, please come to the Senior Center in person to obtain your ticket and/or enroll. For information on trips offered by the Senior Citizens Drop-In Center, call volunteer director Eleanor Piontkoski on Mondays and Wednesdays. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at: 781-396-0377. Sign-up for activities requiring a fee is in-person.
Most instructors will allow you to attend one class without charge to help you decide if you would like to join. Please call in advance to choose this option.
My mother (father) just sits at home all day, alone. How can I get her (him) to come to the Senior Center?
Once you’ve determined that your parent is willing to visit the Senior Center with you, come in for a tour! Staff will be happy to show you around, and explain some of the programs and activities offered, and make suggestions based upon his or her interests. You may also wish to sign the both of you up for lunch on the day you are coming. If there are personal issues that are keeping your parent from engaging in activities or spending time with others, call the social worker or director to discuss options at: 781-396-6010.
What if I would like to volunteer?
The Council offers a number of volunteer opportunities, both on site and in the community. Call volunteer coordinator Arlene Carroll at: 781-396-6011 for more information, and to make an appointment to discuss how your talents may benefit local mature adults.
How can I help support the programs and services offered by the Council on Aging?
Donations to help support Council programs and activities, as well as to assist individuals with some emergency needs, may be made to: Medford Senior Citizens, Inc. #2, c/o Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue, Medford, MA 02155. Your generosity is most appreciated!
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