Senior Services: Health and Wellness
In the Collection
Local Assistance
- Chelmsford Senior Center – A communal space for seniors that provides a variety of services for different needs. They provide transportation services, recreational activities and other social programs that may be of interest to seniors.
- Chelmsford Board of Health – The mission of the Chelmsford Board of Health is to achieve the highest level of wellness for all Chelmsford residents and employees by reducing the incidence of illness and death.
- Lowell Community Family – An adult day health care for seniors with six-hour day programs that include nursing care, nutrition, therapeutic activities, social services and transportation. They work to meet the needs of adults that require medical monitoring and socialization.
- MCPHS Pharmacy Outreach Program – A community service provided by the Massachusetts School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Phones are staffed by case managers, licensed pharmacists and students who can give you a review of your medications and prescription drug coverage. They can also provide information regarding access to affordable medications for both uninsured and under-insured residents of Massachusetts. You can give them a call at 1-866-633-1617 Monday – Friday from 8:30AM- 5PM.
- MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs – (phone: 800-243-4636) Promotes independence, empowerment, and well-being of older people, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Helps with: prescription drugs, care giving, community resources, local programs, home care, housing and assisted living, and referrals.
- SHINE: The Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone [SHINE] Program provides free health insurance information and counseling to all Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. People who have Medicare or who are about to become eligible for Medicare can meet with a counselor to learn about benefits and options available. A counselor will review programs that help people with limited income to pay health care costs. To find a local SHINE counselor and schedule an appointment, call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636, or. TTY/ASCll (800) 439-2370.
- Massachusetts Senior Care Association – The state’s leading senior care organization representing nursing facilities, assisted living residences and continuing care retirement communities and provides information on general senior care resources in Massachusetts, including a facility finder.
National Assistance
- American Association for retired Persons [AARP] – AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age. Offers information on insurance, housing, benefits, travel and more.
- Legal Services for Older Americans Program – There are approximately 1,000 Older Americans Act-funded legal services providers nationwide, which provide nearly one million hours of legal assistance each year. Search this site for programs, networks, and focus areas that support older Americans.
- National Senior Citizens Law Center – Advocates for low-income older adults on legal aspects of Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, Social Security, and more.
- Aging In Place – Connects seniors, families, and caretakers with the information and professional support they need to make the best decision for their physical, emotional, and financial well being.
- Medicare – The official US government site for the Medicare program. Manage and learn about your coverage and options online.
- Elder Abuse Hotline – 24/7, report physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation, and self neglect of persons 60 years or older. Online or by phone at (800) 922-2275. To report abuse of a person by nursing home or hospital, call the Department of Public Health at (800) 462-5540. Call 911 or local police if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation.
- Common Scams that Target the Elderly – From SeniorLiving.com, this is a list of examples and explanations of how scams work and ways to protect against them.
On the Road to Healthy Senior Living
In 2021, the library hosted a series of informational programs as part of our “On the Road to Healthy Senior Living” initiative. This series was made possible through federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with additional support form the Friends of the Library. Below are the handouts from each of the programs:
