Elder Services

Welcome Back Seniors!

The Hingham Senior Center is welcoming seniors back to in-person programs beginning July 12th! While the majority of our programs are returning to an in-person model, our fitness programs will remain remote via Zoom through the month of August. We are exploring hybrid program opportunities and the technology to support such programs. We appreciate your patience as we work to bring everyone back together in a safe and innovative way. 

Transportation

Transportation shuttle services to and from the senior center will also resume July 12th.  Shuttle services for local errands and essential shopping will resume Monday, July 19th as well as shuttle transportation from Lincoln School Apartments and Thaxter Park to and from Stop and Shop. All transportation requests must be made by calling our Transportation Coordinator, Ed Rinella on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at (781) 741- 1458. Our shuttle services are staffed by volunteers and will be available based on van capacity and volunteer driver availability.  Masks must be worn at all times in the shuttle van or medical transportation vehicle. 

Nutrition

South Shore Elder Services continues to provide Meals on Wheels delivery to seniors in need. The congregate meal program coordinated by South Shore Elder Services at the senior center has not yet resumed. South Shore Elder Services is offering a boxed lunch program that can be picked up at the senior center on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays and brought home or enjoyed at the senior center. For more information please contact Kathy Glenzel, Outreach Coordinator at (781) 741- 1458 or via email at glenzelk@hingham-ma.gov.

Seniors that are home alone 

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department offers a free Safety Assurance Program, a computerized telephone system that places a call to a participant at a prearranged time each day. Please follow the link below to sign up for this service. 

www.pcsdma.org/sac.html

Zoom Help

Watch the tutorial from Zoom on Joining a Meeting

Current Resources

Hinghamlink.com volunteers assisting Seniors in need.

Hinghamlink.com volunteers are creating a schedule to take sturdy, bagged, and tied household (non-hazardous) trash to the Hingham Transfer Station for seniors in need. Interested Hingham seniors should sign up at https://www.hinghamlink.com/needhelpwithtrash, e-mail us at HinghamLink@gmail.com, or call us at (781) 908-0590. Please read the attached document for additional information.

Information about HinghamLink.com Services

Central Times


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.

Funding for Operations


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.

Important Documents & Links


MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT  

October 15th through December 7th

You can enroll in Medicare Advantage Health Plans and Medicare Part D drug plans from October 15 – December 7. 

Get ready for Medicare’s Open Enrollment with these 5 tips:

Check your mail. You may get important notices from Medicare or Social Security. If you’re in a Medicare plan, you’ll get an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC). Note any 2021 changes to your health coverage or any Extra Help you may get to pay for prescription drugs. You may also get health plan marketing materials, like brochures, from insurance  companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Remember — plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you.

Review your 2022 “Medicare & You” handbook. It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. If you get your handbook by mail and want to get your next copy electronically, choose to go paperless next fall.

Think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2022. Carefully review your Medicare coverage materials during Medicare Open Enrollment. Note any changes in 2022 costs or benefits. Decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead. If you like your current coverage and it’s still available for 2022, you don’t need to take any action.

Preview 2022 health and prescription drug plans. Medicare Plan Finder makes it easy to compare coverage options and shop for health plans. For a personalized search, log in or create an account (if you have a Medicare Number) to create or access a list of your drugs, compare your current Medicare plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs. 

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Counselors are available to assist people in this process. Consultations will take place in person or by telephone.   Please call Kathy Glenzel at 781-741-1458 to set up an appointment. Appointments are available on a first come first serve basis.

Prior to meeting with a SHINE Counselor complete the 2022 Part D Pre-Enrollment Form. 

To learn more about Open Enrollment please join us Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 10 AM for a SHINE presentation (In-person and Zoom) on Medicare Open Enrollment. SHINE Counselors, Steve Sayian and Lynne Buckley will provide up to date information on plans available in Massachusetts.  Registration is required.  Please call the Senior Center at 781-741-1458 or current senior center scan card holders may register online at

 https://myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.MA.Hingham.Hingham-Elder-Services-Department