Council on Aging Staff Sr. Jean Carpinelli, SDC Floor Supervisor Claire Nicolau, SDC Activities Director Arthur Allard, Van Driver Michael Kelly, Van Driver John Lopes, Van Driver James Marshall, Van Driver Lillian Paulo, Van Driver George Silva, Custodian/Maintenance Doris Silva, Nutrition Coordinator Ramona Kazen, SDC Worker Melba Brule, SDC Worker Macy Moniz, SDC Worker Ruth Augusto, SDC Worker Pauline Crofton, SDC Worker Beverly Carreira, SDC Worker Marie Ventura, SDC Worker Louise Desrosiers, Crafts Sarah Raposa, Kitchen Aide Volunteer Helen Darling, Kitchen Aide Volunteer |
For the latest Swansea news please visit: |
A monthly newsletter is produced by the COA and distributed at no charge. Click Here for a list of where you can get your copy. You may also contact the COA to have a copy mailed to your home. To view the Senior Bulletin on line, Click here. |
For Directions: www.mapblast.com |
We're located at 458 Ocean Grove Avenue - Swansea, MA 02777 Tel. (508) 676-1831 - Van (508) 674-6772 Fax (508) 677-4799 |
Swansea Council on Aging |
For Directions: www.mapblast.com |
Swansea Council on Aging |
The Swansea COA is primarily an informational and referral agency. We try to help you directly or by introducing you to a network of federal, state and local support services. The Senior Center is open for drop-in activities Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (5 PM on Wednesdays). All Swansea residents aged 60 and older are invited to enjoy the activities and companionship at the center. |
Friends of the Swansea COA |
This is a non-profit organization to encourage community-wide interest in the well-being of Swansea seniors and to support the COA. Membership is open to all. . Your contributions of time and talent are needed. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please make your check payable to: Friends of Swansea COA. We are currently looking for new members! Anyone interested should contact the COA for informtion. |
Meal Site |
A hot nutritious lunch is served at the Swansea Council on Aging every Monday through Friday at 11:30 AM. Individuals 60+ are welcome. A small donation is requested and reservations should be made at least two (2) days in advance. Reservations can be made by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Meals on Wheels |
Isolated or homebound elders who cannot prepare their own noon meals can enjoy delivery of a hot, nutritious meal. Donations are requested. To apply, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Health Clinics |
Free clinics are offered at the COA. Health assessment and education, diet and medication counseling are offered. Flu clinics are held annually. Podiatry clinics are provided weekly on Wednesdays by appointment. House calls are available to homebound seniors. Blood Pressure screenings are held Wednesdays from 10 - 11:30 AM and Thursdays from 12 - 1 PM. Glucose screenings are held Wednesdays from 10 - 11:30 AM. Hearing tests and evaluations are held by appointment on the second Monday of the month, starting at 10 AM. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Transportation |
A phone call a day keeps anxiety away for a senior living alone. Aides call each day at the same time to check on the senior's well being. |
The Swansea COA offers transportation for doctors' appointments or shopping. To schedule the van service, please call the dispatcher between the hours of 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Notice is required at least 24 hours prior, except in cases of emergency. In cases of emergency, we will make every attempt to accommodate your needs. Grocery shopping and mall shopping are available on certain days. Please keep in mind that our first priority will be for doctor appointments. To schedule your transportation, please call (508) 674-6772. |
Telephone Reassurance |
Adult Family Care |
Adults who can no longer live alone safely, but who do not need or want to live in a nursing home can remain in their own homes with a live-in companion or live in another family's home. Participants are carefully matched to families. The service is paid for privately or by Medicaid. Call (508) 678-7542 for more information. |
Supportive Day Care |
Adults 60+ who need supervision during the day to allow them to continue to live at home can come to the COA. Activity programs, medication management and therapy are available. A light breakfast is offered. A nutritional lunch and snacks are served daily. The program is offered Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM. |
Elder Visitors |
Outreach workers visit homebound elders to check on their well-being, bringing conversation and cheer. They also help fill out forms and deal with paperwork. If necessary, referrals are made to the appropriate agencies. |
Companions |
Homebound elders can have someone sit with them while their caregiver is out. A companion also might pick up medication, do emergency errands, or ride the van as an escort to medical appointments. |
Emergency Funds & Help |
Bristol Elder Services, Inc., has limited funds available for fuel and other assistance. The "Friends" also have allocated money for conditions instituting an immediate threat to the health or safety of a senior. A list of frail, isolated elders are prepared each year. In case of weather emergencies, help is available for these people. |
Fuel Assistance |
Any homeowner or renter who meets the income guidelines is eligible for fuel assistance. An outreach worker from the COA or from Citizens for Citizens, Inc., will visit homebound people to help them complete the necessary forms. The COA can be reached by calling (508) 676-1831. Assistance is available from CFC to keep your home or apartment in repair, insulated, and weather tight by calling 508-675-2157. |
Seasonal Food Baskets |
Various organizations contribute and deliver gift baskets to isolated and needy elders and families. |
Medical Loan Closet |
Temporary loans of medical equipment are available:such as hospital equipment, wheelchairs, canes, commodes, walkers, etc. If you or someone you know is in temporary need of medical equipment, or if you know of someone who would lke to donate equipment, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
J.O.B.S. |
A Job Opportunities Bank for Seniors and students is a listing service offered by the COA. We do not make recommendations, but will give out names, telephone numbers, and general rate of pay requested. Individuals then make their own arrangements. |
Food Stamps |
Food Stamps are available for people who meet income and household requirements. Call 1-800-645-8333. |
Tax Assistance |
AARP volunteers help you with simple tax forms from February through April. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Lawyer Referral |
A legal assistance program is funded by Title IIIB through BESI for people 60+. The first consultation is free. Additional services may be provided without cost or at reduced rates. Please call (508) 675-3700. |
S.H.I.N.E |
Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, MassHealth, Medigaps, HMOs, SSI, Prescription Advantage - Confused? You're not alone! SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) is a program funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The purpose of the program is to ensure that Massachusetts elders have access to free, accurate, unbiased information regarding health care options. Counselors inform elders of their rights under Medicare and assist with filing claims. Counselors also assist with filling out applications. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (800) 987-2510. If you are a Swansea resident and need one-on-one counselling, please call (508) 676-1831. Appointments are required. |
SSI |
Supplemental Security Income is part of a federal program for low-income persons who are 65+, disabled or blind. Comprehensive health insurance and monthly cash benefits are provided. To see if you qualify, call (800) 987-2510 to make your appointment with a SHINE Counselor. |
Physical Fitness |
Low-impact aerobics classes are held at the Swansea Mall (at the old Apex) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. |
Senior Bulletin |
A monthly newsletter is produced by the COA and distributed at no charge. Click Here for a list of where you can get your copy. You may also contact the COA to have a copy mailed to your home. To view the Senior Bulletin on line, Click here. |
Seed Program |
The MA Department of Food & Agriculture offers vegetable seeds to those who have adequate garden space and meet income guidelines. Sign-up and distribution are through the COA. |
SERVE New England |
The SERVE New England program is a community-based organization, which promotes volunteer service through a cooperative food program. Individuals who devote 2 hours of their time toward helping their community will receive a food package for the low cost of $16.00 (worth about twice the retail value). Registration is required and can be made at the North End Senior Center in Fall River on the first Thursday of each month from 9:15 - 9:30 AM and the pick up will be at St. Anne's School Cafeteria. |
Activites |
Line Dancing |
On Wednesday afternoons, the COA continues to offer Line Dancing at the COA. Join us from 12:30 - 3:30 PM for a fun-filled afternoon of music and dancing. (Postponed) |
Keyboarding Instruction |
The COA offers keyboard instruction to individuals interested in teaching themselves to type. Whether you have never in your life touched a typewriter or computer keyboard, or you'd like to brush up on your keyboarding skills, these sessions are just what you need. Keyboarding is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 - 11:30 AM. For more information, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Computer Club |
The Swansea COA continues its computer club program. Individuals participating in computer classes who would like to practice their new skills may do so by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831 for an appointment. |
NEW - Computer Classes (Postponed) |
The Swansea COA is pleased to announce we are once again offering computer classes to seniors. Classes include: Very, Very Basic Computers; Introduction to the Internet; More Advanced Internet and E-mail; Very Basic Word Processing. Registration is required and can be made by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Reading Club |
The Swansea Reading Club is well under way. Different interpretations of chosen material will include lots of laughs and comments. There are no dues and no books to buy. All books being chosen are available at the Swansea Public Library. For more information, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. (Postponed) |
Tai Chi |
The COA continues to offer Tai Chi classes. Tai Chi has become increasingly popular among senior citizens. It has been proven to increase circulation and decrease stress and pain. It boosts awareness, increases balance, energy and much more. Exercises are easy to do and simple to learn. Classes are availabe to all ages and abilities. For more information and schedule information, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. (Postponed) |
Bridge |
Bridge continues at the COA on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. If you enjoy playing cards and are looking for a fun afternoon, please feel free to stop by. |
Pitch |
The Swansea COA continues to play pitch on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Each session lasts ten weeks and is followed by a luncheon at which time, prizes are awarded. |
Whist |
If you enjoy playing cards, Whist may be the answer for you. Join us at the COA on Friday afternoons at 12:45 PM to enjoy an afternoon of Whist. |
Ballroom Dancing |
The Friends of the Swansea COA are pleased to continue offering Ballroom Dancing at the Bluffs Community Center. Join us on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Admission is $6.00 per person and as always, singles are welcome. (Postponed) |
Bingo |
The COA continues its Bingo sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. This is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Refreshments are available. Please join us for an afternoon of fun. Bring a friend. |
Men's Club |
Join our Men's Club every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Men over the ages of 60 are welcome. There will be speakers, panel discussions and other interesting activities. Refreshments will be available. Anyone interested in being a speaker or who has a topic of interest to share, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Oil Painting (Postponed) |
The Swansea COA offers Oil Painting Classes. Classes are geared toward realization and artistic expression. Classes are offered on Friday afternoons at 12:30 PM. For further information, or to sign up, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. If you are interested in art, enjoy learning and are looking forward to having some fun, please join us. |
Arts & Crafts |
By now everyone has seen the "new" scarf craze. If you've ever wondered how they're made or if you've always wanted to learn how to make them yourself, here's the perfect opportuninty to do so. The Swansea COA Knitting Club will be giving free lessons at the COA or join the girls for an afternoon of knitting on Mondays from 1 - 3 PM. For complete details, call (508) 676-1831. |
Osteoporosis Weight Training |
The Swansea COA offers osteoporosis weight training. on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings at 9 AM at the COA Annex - 69 Louis Street, Swansea, MA (The OLD Ambulance Corp.) |
B.A.G.S. Program |
(Bringing Assistance with Groceries to Seniors) This project provides a personal shopper for frail Swansea residents, 60 years of age or older, who are unable to shop for themselves. COA personnel assess the needs of the elder, review their grocery list, shop at local stores, bring home and unpack the groceries if necessary. Elders who may be in crisis and in need of food immediately are served by the program on a priority basis. For more information, please call the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
Housing Information |
The Swansea COA offers housing information to seniors and low-income individuals. Swansea is fortunate enough to have two housing complexes in town. The first is Oakwood Senior Estates, which is located at 500 Swansea Mall Drive, Swansea, MA (508) 324-1279. The second housing complex is Martin Court, which is located at 100 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea, MA (508) 679-1754. Single-family home owners can receive information on repairs and renovations. Funding assistance is also availalbe through 504 Grant Funds. Home modifications may be available through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and the Community of Economic Development Assistance Corp. Eligibilty requirements must be met and the COA is available to assist with the screening and the application process. Appointments can be made by calling the COA at (508) 676-1831. |
This page was last updated on: 8/21/09
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Are You OK? Program (postponed) |
Here at the Swansea COA, we take the safety and well being of our residents very seriously. Unfortunately, circumstances occur that still place our residents at risk - especially elders living alone. The COA is now working closer than ever with our Police Department to address this concern. We will soon be offering a great service to the elders in our towns. It's called the "Are You OK?" Program. How does it work? Simple - each day, at a pre-determined time, a computer will place a telephone call to clients, which will ask them "Are You OK?". If the person does not respond after several telephone calls, a police officer will be dispatched to the home and check on the welfare of the person in question. Our sole concern is the safety of our elders, therefore, this service is being offered free of charge. If you would like additional information please call (508) 676-1831. |
Prescription Advantage |
Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is available to all Massachusetts residents age 65 or older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines. MFor further information and assistace, please call the SHINE Office at (508) 222-1399. or 1-800-987-2510. |
For the latest Swansea news please visit: |
Photos of services and programs. |
Feel free to visit these other helpful sites: |
Board of Directors Ellen Furtado, Chairperson Tom Azar, Vice-Chairperson Ron Correa Geraldine Hodkinson Anita LaFrance Joan Leonardo Wanda M. Peloquin Wanda Peloquin Helen Powers Mark Shane |
Council on Aging Staff Sr. Jean Carpinelli, SDC Floor Supervisor Claire Nicolau, SDC Activities Director Arthur Allard, Van Driver Michael Kelly, Van Driver John Lopes, Van Driver James Marshall, Van Driver Lillian Paulo, Van Driver George Silva, Custodian/Maintenance Doris Silva, Nutrition Coordinator Ramona Kazen, SDC Worker Melba Brule, SDC Worker Macy Moniz, SDC Worker Ruth Augusto, SDC Worker Pauline Crofton, SDC Worker Beverly Carreira, SDC Worker Marie Ventura, SDC Worker Louise Desrosiers, Crafts Sarah Raposa, Kitchen Aide Volunteer Helen Darling, Kitchen Aide Volunteer |
OLD CELL PHONES NEEDED The Swansea Council on Aging is proud to announce that it has partnered with Phones For Life, Inc. The COA is currently seeking your old cell phones. These recycled cell phones are then reprogramed to dial 9-1-1 in cases of emergencies. Help us offer peace of mind to a senior in need. Donate your old cell phone today. Donation boxes can be found at the COA, Town Hall, Town Hall Annex, Case High School and Case Junion High School. Your donation is tax deductible. FREE CELL PHONES FOR SENIORS The Swansea Council on Aging, in conjunction with Phones For Life, Inc., are pleased to offer a very special offer to senior citizens in our community - FREE CELL PHONES! These phones will be programed to dial 9-1-1. You may also add 100 I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) minutes to your phone at no charge. You must be 65 or older to qualify for this program. Registration is required. Fill out your application by visiting the Swansea COA at 458 Ocean Grove Avenue, Swansea, MA. Seniors wishing to access their 100 ICE minutes should bring with them the names and phone numbers of no more than five (5) emergency contacts. These names and numbers will also be programed into your phone. There is NO CHARGE for this service and NO monthly fees apply. For more information, please call Assistant to the Director, Marilyn Dube at (508) 676-1831 for more information. |
PHONES FOR LIFE |
Laurie A. Pimentel, Executive Director |
For a full list of services available through our Area Agency on Aging Please click on the link below: |