Directory Of Senior And Caregiver Resources

The Are You Okay? program is run from the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department. Applications are available at the Department of Elder Affairs and by calling Deputy Cheryl Bambery at 781-751-3504. The Are You Okay? program consists of an automated telephone call to your home each day. Cheryl monitors the calls, and if she hears that someone is in distress, she will pick up the call and talk directly to the person. If there is no answer after repeated tries, the deputy will notify your emergency contact that you are not answering your call and may need help. If you need to be out at the time that your call is scheduled to come in, you can call the deputy to cancel the call for that day. This program is free of charge.

The Braintree Outreach program assists seniors in obtaining necessary services. Their goal is to enable seniors to improve their quality of life while living as independently as possible. The staff will meet with seniors at the office or in their homes. Assistance with applications, accessing resources and information, referrals, advocacy, transportation, fuel assistance, food stamps, case management, nutrition, mental health, and family assistance.

The Braintree Elder Affairs Newsletter lists all upcoming senior events, classes, and programs.

The South Shore Elder Services' Friendly Visitor Program provides for some regularly scheduled social time for you or a loved one. Loneliness is a major issue for many people in the community & a few hours of talk time can go a long way towards curbing that. Many people don’t need any assistance at home, but are just looking for a friendly person to talk with. Volunteers are matched with home-bound elders for weekly social visits. In addition to helping alleviate the isolation and loneliness many elders experience, Friendly Visitors sometimes help with local errands.

South Shore Elder Services, Inc. offers daily (Monday-Friday) meal delivery through their Meals on Wheels program. All meals served meet one-third of a participant’s daily nutritional requirements and are designed to be low in sodium, fat, and sugar. And if the participant’s doctor requests a diabetic diet plan, they can usually accommodate that by offering a modified meal. Their recommended voluntary donation is $2 per meal. The phone number is 781-848-3910.

The Red Hat Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 11 A.M. The members enjoy social and recreational activities.

The Quincy Senior Center organizes varies senior arts and crafts programs including Quilting, Art Group, Photography Club, Knitting, and Crochet. See the Elder Affairs Newsletter for dates and times.

Braintree Elder Affairs organizes varies senior computer classes including Computers for Beginners and Computers Internet. See the Elder Affairs Newsletter for dates and times.

Braintree Elder Affairs organizes varies senior exercise and fitness programs including Chair Yoga, Qi Gong/Tai Chi, Balance Class, Walking Group, Cardio, Strength and Flexibility Class. See the Elder Affairs Newsletter for dates and times.

Braintree Elder Affairs organizes varies senior social programs including Pool Players, Poker, Trivia, Bridge, Cribbage, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Poker and Fun Movie Friday. See the Elder Affairs Newsletter for dates and times.

The Department of Elder Affairs offers van rides for medical appointments, shopping trips, senior center activities, and other activities. Medical appointments are given priority when scheduling rides. Please call to arrange a ride as soon as you receive an appointment. They need at least 48 hours notice before the appointment. Weekends do not count towards the 48 hour notice. They try to accommodate everyone. When their ride schedules are full they do ask people to change their appointment to a time we have an opening. The van service is curb to curb, and drop off and pick up must be at the same location unless otherwise arranged with the Department of Elder Affairs. The earliest pick up for an appointment is 8:45 a.m., and the latest pick up time for a return trip is 2:30 p.m. The suggested donation for transportation is listed in the transportation brochure and is posted in the vans.

The Vision Loss Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Braintree Department of Elder Affairs. It is designed to offer its members information and support in the struggles associated with the various stages of vision loss. Coffee and pastries are provided by the Department of Elder Affairs.

The Weight Loss Support group meets each week to discuss options on healthy eating, recipes, what works and what doesn’t work. Encouragement and support are what this group is all about. Weekly weigh-ins are offered.

SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. SHINE counselors are trained by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. A SHINE Counselor is available on the 1st Thursday every month. Call the Braintree Department of Elder Affairs at 781-848-1963 to schedule an appointment. There is no cost for this service and all information is strictly confidential.

Door-to-door transportation Monday through Friday to local and surrounding area medical appointments between 8:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. Call the Hingham Senior Center at 781-741-1458 at least five working days ahead to make a reservation. Suggested donation: $5 for Hingham and abutting towns. $10 suggested donation for Quincy, Braintree, Hanover, and Scituate. Please inquire about other towns.