Retirement News : Seniors : Senior notes

Senior notes

Date Added: 18-03-2005

Are you A.B.L.E.?
 
     Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston is hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 23 at 10 a.m. for mature workers 45 and older interested in preparing for a career in customer support. Candidates will learn on how Operation Service!, a no-cost, six-week training course, will help them develop expertise in the computer, customer service, and job search/retention skills they will need to land and keep a job at a leading company in Greater Boston. Interested candidates are asked to R.S.V.P. to Tee Provost at 617-542-4180 ext. 132 or Debbie Lipton at 617-542-4180 ext. 121. The session takes place in Boston.
 
     Insurance help on tap
 
     The Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders program is a free health-benefit counseling program sponsored by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. S.H.I.N.E. counselors assist elders, family members and Medicare beneficiaries in understanding their health insurance needs. They provide objective, unbiased information about Medigap insurance, explain health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage and plans, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare premium-assistance programs and prescription-drug programs, and they inform beneficiaries of their rights to appeal decisions under Medicare. S.H.I.N.E. counselors can be reached at the Medford Council on Aging at 781-396-6010, in Stoneham at 781-438-1157 on Wednesdays, in Melrose at the Milano Center at 781-665-4304 and at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital at 781-979-3441.
 
     Medical van available
 
     The Council on Aging will transport seniors to and from medical appointments in the areas surrounding Wakefield. Reservations can be made by calling the COA on Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon if you have medical appointments in Melrose, Stoneham or Reading. The van will be in service on Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 781-245-6605.
 
     Help the elderly
 
     Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. (MVES) is a private, non-profit organization that provides information and access to a comprehensive range of services that address age-related needs. MVES serves over 10,000 individuals annually in the communities of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. For more information about all MVES services and volunteering, please call 781-324-7705 or locate them on the web at www.mves.org.
 
    
Volunteers are needed on a monthly basis to help older and disabled people who have difficulty with budgeting, paying routine bills, and keeping track of financial affairs. All volunteers receive training and regular meetings are held with Money Managers for support and discussion. Call 781-324-7705 ext. 209.
 
    
Ombudsmen needed. Specially trained volunteers spend two hours per week advocating for residents by listening to concerns and helping identify solutions. Become part of a team that enables elders to live with dignity and respect by signing up for the next training session sponsored by The Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Volunteers are needed to serve residents of nursing homes in Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. Call 978-750-4540 to learn more about this volunteer opportunity and to find out when the next training session begins in your area.
 
    
Volunteers are needed to help elders at the Government Center dining site, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organized by Mystic Valley Elder Services, the dining site offers a hot meal to seniors living in the local area. Volunteer duties may include setting tables, taking reservations for the meals, serving the meal, and clean up. For information 781-324-7705.
 
    
MVES' Friendly Visitor Program is a volunteer-based program that provides companionship to older or disabled persons who are housebound. The purpose of the Friendly Visitor Program is to promote independent living by providing a social network for persons who have limited support systems. The program matches a volunteer with someone who lives alone in the community. Volunteers dedicate one to two hours a week and are asked to make a minimum commitment of six months. For more information call 781-324-7705.
 
    
Drivers are needed for the Stoneham, Wakefield and Melrose communities to help out with the Senior Travel Friends Program. Senior Travel Friends is a service that takes seniors to medical appointments that they would otherwise miss. The volunteer program is flexible and is structured around each volunteer's schedule and limits. All you need is one afternoon or morning per week, a driver's license, and an insured automobile. Volunteers are reimbursed for gas and receive training and support. Call 781-324-7705.
 
For More Information: http://www2.townonline.com/wakefield/atGlance/view.bg?articleid=203579