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Departments: Elder Services

Elder Services

Elder Services provides programs, services, activities and transportation for all residents 60 years of age and older and serves as a resource for information to families, friends and neighbors who may find themselves caring for an older person. The monthly newsletter, Central Times, provides current information about services, classes and other programs. Residents may request to have the newsletter mailed to their home. Information about programs and services can also be obtained at the reception desk at the Senior Center. Municipal funds, grants, donations and volunteer services all support the Department. This support enables us to provide programs at a reasonable cost or free of charge. Everyone is welcome at the Senior Center located at 224 Central Street and your participation is encouraged.

Staff Members

Barbara Farnsworth, Director
Caroline Gibson, Secretary
Karen Sadlon, Outreach Coordinator
Betty Fernandes, Volunteer Coordinator
Laurel Cosman, Medical Dispatcher
Thomas Lydon, Medical Van Driver
John Callahan, Medical Van Driver
Sylvia Zeppi, Coffee Shop
Vicki Centurelli, Student Intern

Council on Aging
(Appt. By Selectmen, ART 13 17 ATM 1970)

2011 Annual Report

"The Hingham Department of Elder Services is the town focal point for the delivery of services to Hingham's population 60 and older. Its mission is to support the independence of Hingham's senior citizens, advocate for their needs and enhance the quality of their lives. In an atmosphere of respect for the older adult, the Department of Elder Services coordinates programs and services to encourage self-reliance, good health and community involvement."

The long-awaited 2010 US Federal Census became available in the spring of 2011. The statistics for Hingham residents 60 and older identified a 55% growth in this age group from 2000 (3700 residents) to 2010 (5735) residents. As of 2010, 25.9% of Hingham's population is comprised of individuals who are 60 and older compared to the National trend of 15.1%.

During 2011, the Department of Elder Services completed the Self-Assessment process as the first step in continuing its goal to maintain National Senior Center Accreditation through the National Institute of Senior Centers. The Senior Center was first awarded National Accreditation in 2007, and to maintain Accreditation the process must be completed every five years. Through a Committee comprised of Council on Aging members, Senior Center staff, other elder service providers, and constituents, nine areas of operation were reviewed. This provided the Council on Aging and staff with updated information on the strengths and weaknesses of the Department of Elder Services operations. The physical space needs for the Senior Center and the inadequacy of the current facility to meet the needs of the growing elder population in Hingham were identified as an area of major concern. To address these concerns, a Facilities Committee was appointed to begin studying the future space needs of the Senior Center. Also, as a result of the Self-Assessment and the newly released 2010 Federal Census, the Long Range Planning Committee identified the goal of completing a needs assessment of Hingham's population 45 and older as a crucial step in assisting the Department to uncover the unmet needs and future needs of Hingham's older population. The completion of this needs assessment will be one of the major initiatives undertaken in 2012.

During 2011, transportation continued to be one of the most critical services provided by the Department. Transportation helps older adults to remain independent in the community and provides a way for individuals to grocery shop, attend the Senior Center, accomplish necessary errands, get to and from medical appointments, and take local trips that enhance a person's quality of life. During 2011, the Department provided 5158 one way trips to 229 different individuals.

The Outreach Program remains a vital link for older adults and family members who need assistance sorting through the myriad of programs and services and in accessing the most appropriate services to enable an older adult to continue to live at home. The Outreach Coordinator also works very closely with the Police, Fire and Health Departments on cases of mutual concern, and oftentimes remains as the link for these cases. The Outreach Program also continues to assist individuals with minor home repairs; the completion of benefit application forms, including the applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program for all Hingham residents regardless of age; and understanding the wide range of options available for the Medicare D program.

One of the newer initiatives undertaken by Elder Services during the summer of 2011 was the design and development of Discovery – a Lifelong Learning Program. Under the direction of Vicki Centurelli, Student Intern, a steering committee, mission statement and a curriculum were developed. Following the completion of Ms. Centurelli's internship, the Committee diligently continued with its work and goals of the program. The Wisdom Works Program, a job search training program for older adults, continued with great success throughout 2011. This program is part of a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and under the leadership of local volunteers provides hands-on-training experience on how to find employment in today's job market.

The Department of Elder Services would not be able to function without the many volunteers who provide a wide range of services and programs to the Senior Center. During 2011, these volunteers numbered 170 and worked 10,369 hours. We would also like to thank all the organizations who provided programs at the Senior Center, and all the other Town Departments who work with us to ensure that seniors are safe and comfortable in their own homes.

At this time we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Peter Hanson. Peter was a dedicated Board member and volunteer van driver who we greatly miss. Also, thank you to Thomas Hickey, Susan Kiernan and Joanne Pollick for their many years of service on the Board.

Barbara Farnsworth, Director

Council on Aging Members
Chrisanne Gregoire, Chairman
Ann Manning, Vice Chairman
Norma Jackson, Treasurer
Patricia LaLiberte, Secretary
Gretchen Condon
June Freedman
Leah Godfrey
Joan Iovino
Arthur LeMay
Dick Ponte
Beth Rouleau