INFORMATION AND 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.
     _______________

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

SHINE NEWS

For Medicare Recipients -- June 2008

Are you having Trouble paying for Prescription Drugs?

You may qualify for extra help from Medicare…

If you have Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help paying for Prescription Drugs. If you are annual income is below $15,600 for a single person (or $21,000 if you are married and living with your spouse), you may qualify for extra help. Slightly higher income levels may apply if you provide one-half support to other family members living with you, or if you work or reside in Alaska and Hawaii.

And if your resources (including your savings and stocks, but not counting your home or car) are under $11,900 (for a single person) or under $23,970 (for a married couple), you may qualify for extra help paying for your Medicare prescription drug costs. The amount of extra help you get depends on your income and resources. You still need to join a Medicare prescription drug plan for Medicare to pay for your drug costs. If you qualify for extra help, you will have continuous drug coverage and will pay only a small amount for your prescriptions.    ______________

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.
    ________________

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.
    ________________

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
     ________________

HOME HEATING CRISIS

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

        
          **************

FRIENDS IN DEED... FRIENDS IN NEED 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.

Nov. 3 to 7:  HOLIDAY FAIR, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., sponsored by FWCOA.

Wed. Nov. 5:  8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

 FWCOA BAKE SALE

Wed. Nov. 5:   9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Flu Clinic for Westport residents who are 65 years of age or older, if you are under 65, please have documentation of a chronic medical condition.  

                                                Please bring your Medicare Card at the visit.

Tue. Nov. 11: VETERANS DAY Center Closed.

Wed. Nov. 19:  11:30 a.m. SOUP, SANDWICH, AND A MOVIE.

Nov. 27/28: THANKSGIVING BREAK, Center Closed

Sun. Nov. 30: 10:00 a.m., “Newport Playhouse Dinner Theatre Trip” in cooperation with Amy Fragoza Tours and the Westport Council on Aging.  Contact Amy directly at 508-636-2786.

Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans: Open Enrollment. The annual open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins November 15 and ends December 31, 2008. Any changes or choices made during this time will become effective on January 1, 2009. During the Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries may change their Part D plan, if they choose. Medicare beneficiaries that have a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO, PPO, or PFFS), may also make changes during this time.  They may switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or change to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), or return to original Medicare.  All changes will take effect on January 1, 2009.

You may qualify for Extra Help

If you meet the following income and resource limits:

Your yearly income is less than $15,600 for an individual, or $21,000 for a married couple living together.  Even if your annual income is higher, you still may qualify if you meet one of the following conditions:

You or your spouse supports other family members who live with you.

You or your spouse live in Alaska or Hawaii.

Your resources must be limited--resources include your savings and stocks, but not your home or car.

For more information and assistance, you may call your Westport SHINE Counselor, 508-636-1026

POOL TABLES are available in the lower-level of the Senior Center from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Gather a few players and enjoy a friendly game!

CHAIR MASSAGE BY KAREN 1^st Tuesday: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.  This is a complimentary service—no charge.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP w/ Phyllis 1^st Thursday. Call ahead

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS: 3rd Tuesday, Call ahead 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Westport Town Nurse blood pressure clinic at the Senior Center.

PODIATRY CLINIC: TBA 508-636-1026.

SHINE COUNSELING: Thursdays by in office appointment or by telephone. Information for Medicare Benefits.