Council on Aging

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Westport Council on Aging

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The Westport Council on Aging has put together an informational video highlighting their role in our community. Visit their website to view this informative video.

You can also access this video on the Public Access Cable TV channels. The video was made possible by grants from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust and the Friends of the Westport Council on Aging. They would like to thank everyone who helped with this project and a special thank you to Heather Heath Reed, Chairman of the Council on Aging Board for the countless hours she put into making the video such a success.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL to the network of services available to Westport residents, 60 years of age and over. WCOA is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information call 508-636-1026.

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DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWALS

Just as you have to have your annual vehicle inspection by looking at the sticker on your vehicle, you will now have to look at your driver’s license to see when to renew your license. The MA Registry of Motor Vehicles will no longer mail out renewal notices. The Registry advises you to renew at least seven days before your birthday to ensure you receive your new license before your current license expires. Go online at www.mass.gov/rmv to see if you are eligible to renew online.

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TRANSPORTATION

For Westport’s elders, and handicapped persons of all ages, Monday - Friday, to area appointments scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. When you make your doctor’s appointment, call us for a ride. Please have the exact doctor’s name, street address, and telephone number when you call.

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SHINE PROGRAM

The SHINE Program (SERVING THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF ELDERS) provides information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth. Phone consultations and office appointments.

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CENTER CLOSING POLICY: When Westport Community Schools close because of unsafe weather conditions or emergencies, it is the policy of the COA to cancel all scheduled classes, programs, meals, and transportation. The COA office usually remains open. Listen to your local radio or TV station for Westport school closing information such as, Channel 10 TV.

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SENIOR AIDES PROGRAM

Coastline Elderly Services is eager to assist the 55+ residents in our communities to overcome barriers and secure employment in the Senior Aides Program. This is an income-based employment program. Contact Rita Boudreau at Coastline, 508-999-6400, Ext. 138. "A study by DYG, Inc., a major national research firm, found that employers have positive attitudes toward older workers and an appreciation of their ‘work ethic’ which includes a commitment to quality, loyalty, a dedication to the company, as well as punctuality.” --Working Age

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FRIENDS IN NEED... FRIENDS IN DEED

The Friends of the Westport Council on Aging has set up a Social Day Matching Fund to enable eligible Westport seniors to take advantage of the wonderful Senior Social Day Program at the Senior Center. This fund was developed to allow the eligible Westport seniors who sign up for one-day per week to receive an extra free day per week for one year compliments of the FWCOA Matching Fund.

Senior Social Day, “The Club”, is an excellent program run by the COA that enables isolated seniors to enjoy a day of companionship and activities at the Senior Center. Some of the activities include craft projects, exercise program, nutritious lunch, field trips, gardening, and mainly the enjoyment of new friendships. It allows families and caregivers to have the peace of mind that their elder is well-cared for and happy in a safe and nurturing environment. The staff at Senior Social Day gives support and advice to caregivers and families.

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HOME HEATING CRISIS

“Fuel assistance is once again available for homeowners and renters needing help in paying high winter heating costs in Massachusetts. The federal government annually determines allocation of fuel subsidies to states.

In Massachusetts, the Department of Housing and Community Development oversees and distributes this fuel assistance to over 25 local non-profit administering agencies--Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) serves the town of Westport. CFC will then make payments toward the heating bills to the primary heat source vendor (oil, propane, wood or coal dealer, gas or electric utility). Eligibility is based on annualized household income and the number of members in the household. If you are a Westport resident, you may call the Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, for an appointment.

Consumer complaints about home heating problems can be reported to the Attorney General’s office, Public Inquiry and Assistance Center at 617-727-8400.”

UTILITY SHUT-OFF INFORMATION

“If you have a Financial Hardship You are protected from having your electric or gas service shut off if you have a financial hardship AND

1. You, or someone in our home, is seriously ill; or

2. You have an infant in the home under 12 months; or

3. It is between November 15 and March 15 and you need the service to heat your home.

If you are age 65 or older: Utility companies may not shut off service to households where all residents are 65 years or older without written approval from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy.”

“For limited-income households not eligible, contact the Good Neighbor Fund through your local Salvation Army at 617- 542-5420.” --Secretary of State