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Outreach and Resources
Many senior residents are given referrals for help and service. Determining what service is necessary and from whom to receive this help can be overwhelming.
Outreach Coordinator Assistance
Our Outreach Coordinator provides free office and in-home visits when needed to help sort what options are available (that you may not have even considered) such as:
- Food stamps
- Fuel assistance
- Transportation
Additionally, the Outreach Coordinator is able to assist seniors in identifying and accessing services, including:
- Bereavement counseling
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Elder Abuse
- Elder Documentation
- Electricity assistance through Share the Warmth
- Emergency Home Heating
- Financial Counseling
- Fuel Assistance Through SMOC
- Health Care Proxy
- In-Home Visits
- Homemaker & Home Care Services
- Information & Referrals to Community Agencies
- Insurance issues (Medicare, Medicaid, private)
- Long-Term Care Options: Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Independent Living Options
- Meals on Wheels & Nutrition Programs
- SHINE - Medicare, Medicaid, & MassHealth Application Assistance
- Small Home Repairs
- Tax Abatement & Exemption
- Transportation Needs
- Wellness Programs
Additional Information
Literature about Elder Services of Worcester Area (ESWA) and the various local Home Health Agencies is available at the Senior Center if you would like more information on those options.
If you are caring for a loved one, or know someone who is, we have a separate "Respite" packet available as well. The material is the same, but the information goes into more depth with caregiving issues and services.
Options
Be sure to check out all your options:
- If you or your spouse is a Veteran, you may be eligible for additional services or payment of services through the Veterans Association.
- If you suffer from a particular illness, an organization (Massachusetts Association of the Blind, MS Society, Easter Seals) may provide additional help.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Homemaker (HM) | A homemaker can do basic cleaning, run errands, and help with household tasks |
| Home Health Aid (HHA), Personal Care Attendant (PCA) | A home health aid or personal care attendant can assist with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks as well as any homemaker tasks. |
| Chore Worker | A chore worker can do heavy cleaning or special household projects. |
| Respite Worker | A respite worker can provide supervision and companionship for people who shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time due to dementia or illness. |
| Social Worker (SW), Registered Nurse (RN), Case Manager (CM) | One or more of these individuals will probably coordinate any services you receive and will oversee any workers that come into your home. |
| Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), Speech Therapist (ST), Respiratory Therapist (RT) | Such therapists are usually initiated by the order of a doctor if they are needed. |