Programs, Activities, Events

Outreach Coordinator and Outreach Activities

The Fairhaven COA Senior Center reaches out to the frail and housebound elderly in Fairhaven offering them supportive services, which will provide comfort, and help them remain safely in their own homes. The Outreach Worker meets with seniors either in their homes or in the office to assess an elder’s situation, explain community programs and benefits, assist with applications to programs, aid elders in their search for services, and act as an advocate and support for elders in need. Women who meet the eligibility requirements are given special consideration for assistance. The Outreach Worker also assists elders in crisis, and is a mandated reporter for suspected elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

The Outreach Worker is happy to include family members in meetings if the elder agrees. The Outreach Worker and all Council on Aging staff are bound by strict confidentiality laws and are not allowed to release any information about an elder without the elder’s permission.

Supportive services include, but is not limited to, information, referral, crisis situations, food, fuel assistance, insurance information, housing, legal issues and help for caregivers both young and elderly. This assistance can be done in the office, on the phone, or by appointment. This program assists seniors to maintain their health and independence. Follow-up visits and phone calls are made to ensure adequacy of assistance. At the COA Director’s discretion, the Outreach Coordinator also serves as a link with COA volunteers to support the needs of the elderly. 

Telephone Reassurance

This program is designed to accommodate seniors living alone, who are at risk medically or physically, or are in need of socialization by offering a free Telephone Reassurance Program for elders who want to have a daily telephone check-in with a responsible person ensuring that all is well. They can also call us at the Senior Center if they prefer. This program is provided Monday through Friday. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays they will be called by the Atria-Assisted Living facility. A senior or a family member may request this daily contact through the Fairhaven Senior Center. At that time, the senior is asked to name a person to be contacted in case of need.

The staff usually makes the phone calls in the late morning if the senior participant has not called in for the day. By 11:00am, if the caller receives no answer after a few tries, the senior’s emergency contact person will be notified and asked to check on the senior. Seniors who do not expect to be home at the designated time are requested to inform the COA office beforehand, or call in early to the answering machine and leave your name, time, and day calling. This program is available to all Fairhaven residents free of charge.

Visiting Elder Law Attorney

Legal Assistance – Free Legal Services and representatives are available to low income and elderly clients in the areas of housing, government benefits, family law, and elder law. Please call to check eligibility and to schedule an appointment or check our Monthly Calendar for educational seminars. The Senior Center is fortunate to host a Lawyer who visits once a month and gives a 15 minute consultation on legal matters. This service is at no cost. Please call in advance for an appointment.

Fuel Assistance Programs

Fuel assistance is available for those who have low income, fixed income or financial hardship. Eligibility is determined by a combination of size of household and income. If you think you may be eligible please inquire. Applications to determine eligibility are taken by appointment at the COA office. Call 508-979-4029 for details. Fuel assistance is for income-eligible residents and is supported by Federal, State, and private funds. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Senior “Circuit Breaker” Tax Credit

Massachusetts residents who are 65 in the current tax year, and who own or rent Massachusetts property in which they live, may qualify to claim a tax credit on their MA Income tax for real estate taxes or rent paid in that year.  Bring real estate tax bills, water/sewer bills and rent receipts that have been paid on this property to the tax preparer or Outreach worker.

Tax Preparation Services

From February 1st to April 15th, the Fairhaven COA Senior Center, in conjunction with AARP, provides IRS-trained volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) to help seniors with submission of their annual Federal and State short forms or form 1040A. Seniors are requested to schedule appointments through the COA office and to bring the following papers with them: last year’s State and Federal tax returns, this year’s State and Federal tax forms; all documents relating to this year’s taxes, such as figures on Social Security income, interest from banks and other sources, pensions, dividends, information on tax-deductible items, and the amount of estimated taxes already paid. These volunteers are not intended to replace accounting services. Tax Assistance is a service requiring appointments and is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Financial Emergencies

Seniors of limited resources who are having a temporary problem in paying essential bills affecting their health or safety are encouraged to talk to the Fairhaven COA Director or the Outreach Coordinator to arrange for emergency financial help. If financial problems appear to be ongoing, the COA Director will coordinate with the senior to work with volunteer experts or local agencies. All requests are kept confidential.

Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program should not be considered as “Welfare.” It is a program supported by the US Department of Agriculture, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and also the Department of Transitional Assistance. It is designed to assist those eligible through difficult times. You can meet the requirements and:

• Own a home
• Are working
• Have saved some money
• Have a car
• Receive unemployment insurance
• Are a single person
• Have no children
• Have life insurance

You can get an application by calling the Food Stamp Information Line at 1-800-645-8333 or by visiting your nearest Public Transitional Assistance office. If you are unable to go to the office, you may be allowed to have another adult apply for you or if you are 65 or older or disabled, a home visit or telephone interview can be arranged.

Health Screening

In cooperation with area Nursing Agencies and other providers, health screenings are regularly held to detect diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.

Used Medical Equipment & More!

Loan Closet – We offer the free loan of durable medical equipment. The Fairhaven Senior Center recycles used durable medical equipment (equipment that is gently used and in good working order). If you would like to donate equipment or are in need of an item, please call.

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