The Mission of the Fairhaven Senior Center is to advocate for improved quality of life for all seniors through supportive services, programs, and education.
To identify the total needs of the elderly population of the community. To educate the community and enlist support and participation of all citizens regarding elder needs.
Welcome
The Council on Aging welcomes all seniors and their families to this site. It extends an invitation to stop at the Senior Center for more information and to look around and meet our staff and other seniors as well. Fairhaven Council on Aging requires no membership fee for use of the facility. Come and join in on our social activities, recreation, nutrition program and other social services provided.
Who Are We
The Fairhaven Council on Aging, Senior Center staff is here to assist with questions, requests or services for citizens over 60. The center is for the use of all Fairhaven senior citizens. The center is operated by a small staff and volunteers who give generously of their time and talents to assist in a myriad of activities throughout the center. It is the sincere desire of the Board of Directors and staff that the Fairhaven Senior Center facilities, programs, and services be used by all the senior citizens of Fairhaven and surrounding areas.
The Fairhaven Council on Aging Senior Center is a cooperative project supported by the United States Older Americans Act of 1964, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Town of Fairhaven, a grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. and Private Donations.
The Senior Center is located 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA (next to Shop & Shop on Route 6). Our goal is to help Fairhaven Elders safely age with dignity and independence in their homes and in the community which they helped build because… there is no place like home! The Fairhaven Council on Aging is a service agency for Fairhaven senior citizens.
It is a very special place just for you.
Our Purpose
The Fairhaven Council on Aging provides information about the existing community help programs available, an opportunity for meaningful leisure and recreational activities, nutritious meals, the availability of persons with whom you can share your concerns, and a place of fellowship and understanding. All donations are voluntary in nature and used to defray program costs.
For people living in more than 22 million households in America, providing unpaid help to an older person has become a reality, according to the 1997 Family Caregiving in the U.S. Survey, conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Often caregivers concentrate totally on providing informal assistance for the senior, but not for themselves – the caregivers.
Caregiver Survival Tips
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging (AoA) suggests these survival tips to caregivers:
- Plan ahead.
- Learn about available resources.
- Take one day at a time.
- Develop contingency plans.
- Accept help.
- Make your health a priority.
- Get enough rest.
- Make time for leisure.
- Be good to yourself.
- Share your feelings with others.
The Administration on Aging’s National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), established through the U.S. Older Americans Act, provides assistance to family caregivers.
Is There a Support for Caregivers?
Yes. We have a list of regional support group meetings. In addition the Fairhaven Senior Center provides monthly sessions, private consultations, and a variety of support for family members who provide care for others. This support may include requesting an overall evaluation of the situation; including an assessment of the person they help care for, and receive information support and education about various topics, e.g., the disease process (including Alzheimer’s Disease), managing medications, giving personal care, maintaining safety, planning for future health care needs, caring for themselves while caring for someone else, etc. For more information call of Fairhaven Senior Center at (508) 979-4029 or contact the National Family Caregivers Association.
Why Consider Supportive Day Services?
For family and friends struggling with the task of taking care of an individual on their own, the Fairhaven Supportive Day Program provides a cost-effective, flexible, and convenient alternative to institutionalization. It also:
- Provides relief for family members.
- Enhances the development of interpersonal relationships.
- Promotes physical and emotional well-being.
- Offers warmth, enjoyment, and laughter.
- Addresses an individual’s strengths, needs, and problems.
- Challenges and taps the potential abilities of participants.
- Encourages peers to interact with and help each other.
- Combats loneliness and depression.
- Provides supervision or slight assistance with activities of daily living such as walking, eating, toileting, and grooming.
- Ensures the safety and well-being of a loved one when the family or caregiver cannot be there.
The Senior Center Helps families coordinate health and therapeutic community services.
The Fairhaven Supportive Social Day Program is one alternative within the elder care network.
For inquiries contact the Fairhaven Senior Center at 229 Huttleston Avenue, call (508) 979-4029 or email Director Martha Reed at mreed@fairhaven-ma.gov.
Emergency Arrangements
Emergencies may arise that involve an individual or the Center. In such cases, the Senior Center staff person on duty should be immediately notified. This person, in consultation with the proper authorities and the person affected, will decide what course of action to take. A written record of all such incidents shall be filed with the Director.
Registration for Special Activities
Registration for all classes, trips, and special events is to take place at the front desk of the Senior Center. The first day of registration for new activities will be published in the Newsletter.
Fees and charges for activities are due on the day of registration. Events are for people 60 or older, unless otherwise stated. Friends cannot reserve for friends.
Personal Conduct
Inappropriate behavior at the Senior Center (such as verbal, physical, alcohol or drug abuse) directed toward senior participants, volunteers, or COA staff is not allowed and will not be tolerated. Appropriate action will be taken, in keeping with Town of Fairhaven policy.
Political Activity
Persons running for political office are not allowed to campaign in the Senior Center, nor will they be allowed to distribute campaign materials on Town of Fairhaven premises. In the event that seniors express interests, a forum conducted by a nonpartisan organization, to which all candidates are invited would be allowed. Petitions are not to be circulated, nor are campaign contributions to be solicited within the Center.
Selling of Services by Private Businesses
Non-governmental organizations, private businesses, nor individuals are allowed to promote or sell their products and services at the Senior Center.
If the Senior Center sponsors a private business or service to give an educational seminar or to supply items for an event, the business will be recognized for its contribution but will not be allowed to solicit business. Speakers may distribute informational handouts on their topic. Their business stamp may be on the handouts. Distribution of business cards is prohibited.
Storm Policy
When the Fairhaven Schools are closed because of storm or road conditions, all activities scheduled at the Senior Center are also canceled for the day including meals. The office is open and staff available by phone.
If the drivers, in consultation with the Council on Aging Director, decide that driving conditions are difficult or dangerous, the shopping van will not go out. The same policy applies to trips for medical appointments.
Property Lending
Senior Center property, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes we have for loan, are not to be loaned to organizations, businesses, or private citizens. The furniture and equipment owned by the Fairhaven Council on Aging is for the use of the Center.
For inquiries contact the Fairhaven Senior Center at 229 Huttleston Avenue, call (508) 979-4029 or email COA Director Martha Reed at mreed@fairhaven-ma.gov
Got a question? You are welcome to stop by 229 Huttleston Avenue or call (508) 979-4029.
It is the goal of the Senior Center and the Council on Aging to provide accurate and timely information to the 60+ population of Fairhaven. We provide information on elder services such as transportation, public benefits, adult day care, area housing, and more. We have information on local, state, and national services that can help you navigate the system of elder care in Massachusetts. Our staff will answer your questions and find appropriate resources if available. If we are unable to answer your question, we will research your situation to find the information for you.
Helpful online housing information
Housing Works – Online housing search
Housing Navigator – Free online tool to help find affordable housing
Monthly Newsletter of the Fairhaven Council on Aging
The Newsletter publicizes all on-going activities and upcoming monthly events, special events, and programs for Fairhaven seniors and their families. The monthly newsletter is available online: click here.
Visit the Senior Center and our Advertisers which are local businesses in town and make the newsletter possible.
Notices announcing outside club meetings, community activities, and services are printed, space permitting. Items must be received by the 10th of the month to be considered for the next month’s Newsletter. Submissions will be approved by the COA Director. The advertising funds publication of the Newsletter. Volunteers are actively involved with content, collating, addressing, and delivery.
For inquiries contact the Fairhaven Senior Center at 299 Huttleston Avenue, call (508) 979-4029 or email COA Director Martha Reed at mreed@fairhaven-ma.gov
FY2023
| Clause 41C | $500.00 |
| Elderly | Age 70 by July 1, 2023 Own and occupy Real Estate – 5 years |
| Income | Single Person – $17,911 Married Persons – $22,367 |
*Note:
Includes income from all sources: wages, social security, pensions, interest, dividends, annuities, rent, etc.
| Assets | Single Person – $28,000Married Persons – $30,000 |
*Note:
Assets include bank accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, 401K’s, annuities, saving-certificates, motor vehicles, boats, real estate, etc. (Value of domicile including up to 3 units dwelling is exempt.)
Proof must be shown for income received in previous fiscal year, W-2, 1099-INT., 1099-DIV., Bankbooks, showing status as of July 1, 2023, etc.
| Clause 17D | $175.00 |
| Surviving spouse and persons over 70 who are not eligible for Clause 41C |
(July 1st is the qualifying date.)
| Income: | Not Considered |
| Assets: | May not exceed $40,000 |
| *Note: | See assets for Clause 41C. |
| Difference: | Balance as of July 1st must be provided. |
Veterans:
| Clause 22 | 10% Service Connected Disability or Purple Heart | $ 400.00 |
| Clause 22A | Loss of Use – Service Connected | $ 750.00 |
| Clause 22C | Disabled with Adapted Housing | $1,500.00 |
| Clause 22E | 100% Service Connected Disability | $1,000.00 |
Blind:
| Clause 37A | Registered with Division of the Blind | $500.00 |
Fiscal Year 2024 Qualifications
Clause 41C – 70 Years Old by July 1, 2023
Information needed:
- First time applicants – Birth Certificate
- Previous FY Social Security Earnings
- Pensions received
- All bank books, checking accounts, savings, certificates, stocks and bonds, etc. with July 1st balance. All assets are needed.
- Interest and Dividends earned in previous FY
- Other earned income, rents, etc.
Clause 17D – Surviving Spouse, Person over 70, Minor
Information Needed:
- Death Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Assets as listed in #4 above as of July 1st
For Your Information
Social Security Office
53 North Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Telephone: (508) 999-3101
Division of the Blind – Boston
88 Kingston Street
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: (800) 392-6450, speak the name Karen Butler
New Bedford Telephone: (508) 993-6140
Elder Abuse Prevention and Reporting Programs
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from, but broadly defined, abuse may be:
- Physical Abuse – Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.
- Emotional Abuse – Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
- Sexual Abuse – Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Exploitation – Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
- Neglect – Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.
- Abandonment – The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
Elder abuse can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and social status and can affect both men and women.
What Agency Should I Report Suspicion of Elder Abuse or Neglect?
In an emergency always dial 911 for an immediate response. If this is not an emergency please call the State’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 to file a report with their Protective Services. All inquiries and reports are kept confidential.
Reporting Elder Abuse
Elder abuse reports may be made to the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline (1-800-922-2275), which operates on a seven-day a week, 24-hours a day basis. Anyone can make an elder abuse report. However, the law requires certain professionals to report suspected incidents of abuse. Mandated reporters who fail to make elder abuse reports when appropriate are subject to a fine up to $1,000. In addition, the law provides mandated reporters with immunity from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise could result from making a report, provided the reporter did not commit the abuse. Persons who are not mandated reporters have the same immunity, as long as they make a report in good faith.
Is There a Place Where I Can Call for General Advice and Referral for Elder Issues?
Yes, Massachusetts elders and their families can access the Commonwealth’s one-stop connection to state and local programs and services even on nights and weekends. Thanks to federal action, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ toll free telephone line, 1-800-AGE INFO (1-800-243-4636) is available. Sometimes a question is just too important to wait for an answer. 1-800-AGE-INFO offers up-to-date information on prescription drug assistance, health insurance, caregiving, transportation and other consumer issues. The telephone line joins a companion website (click here) in providing round the clock information and assistance on elder care issues.