Bernadette M. Huck - Director We’re located at: 320 Pleasant Street Seekonk, MA 02771 Telephone# (508) 336-8772 Fax# (508) 336-2239 E-mail Address: kmallon@seekonk.ma-gov Board Of Directors Irene Andrews – Chair Person Mary Kazarian Anne Libby – Vice Chair Person Josephine Veader Anita Gendron – Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Hines SEEKONK HUMAN SERVICES provides social services to Seekonk residents of all ages. We try to help clients directly or by introducing them to a network of federal, state or local support services that are available. The Senior Center is open for drop-in activities Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 12 Noon. All Seekonk residents are invited to enjoy the activities, programs and companionship at the Senior Center. Currently there are more than 3,611 people over the age of 55 living in Seekonk and 550 people that are over the age of 80. According to a recent AARP housing study, an overwhelming number of elders want to stay in their own homes as they age. One of the goals of Seekonk Human Services is to identify the needs of our elders and link them with services that will enable them to live independently in their own homes and stay connected to the community. The services and information we offer can often prevent a crisis situation. SOCIAL SERVICES Human Services administers the following programs to all Seekonk residents that qualify: Fuel assistance through Citizens for Citizens, Friends of Friends Community Services, Inc. Emergency Assistance, Salvation Army and The Good Neighbor Program, Food Stamps and Food Pantry intakes and applications, WIC, Insurance Programs (SHINE), Blood Pressure Clinics and Healthcare coordination. Our Outreach staff office hours at the Human Services are: Mondays – Thursdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Fridays 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM. To set up an appointment with an outreach worker, please call first: (508) 336-8772. We offer evening hours at the Town Hall. Our outreach staff is available on Wednesday evenings by appointments only to assist families and the elderly with fuel applications, Indigent Patient Pharmaceutical and medical applications, insurance questions and information and referral for services.
FRIENDS OF FRIENDS COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.
This is a non-profit organization to encourage community-wide interest in the well-being of all Seekonk residents. Seniors and families are supported by the groups dedicated volunteers who support the Seekonk Human Services. 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 Friends, c/o Edith Krekorian, 8 Harriet Court, Seekonk, MA 02771. MEALS ON WHEELS Ill, isolated or homebound elders who cannot prepare their own noon meals can enjoy delivery of a hot, nutritious meal. To apply, please call the Seekonk Human Services at: (508) 336-8772. B.A.G.S. Program (Bring Assistance with Groceries to Seniors) This project provides a personal shopper for frail Seekonk residents, 60 years of age or older, who are unable to shop for themselves. Seekonk Human Services 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 Seekonk Human Services at (508) 336-8772. FOOD STAMPS Food Stamps are available for people who meet income and household requirements. Call 1-800-645-8333. You may make an appointment to have an outreach worker assist you, please call first: (508) 336-8772. HEALTH CLINICS Free clinics are offered by Seekonk Human Services. Flu clinics are held annually. House calls are available to homebound seniors. Blood Pressure screenings are held on the second Friday of the month, from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Seekonk Common. TAX ASSISTANCE Volunteers will help you with simple tax forms from February through April. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Human Services at (508) 336-8772. FUEL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS Seekonk Human Services has applications available for fuel assistance which start November 1, 2006. With the rising cost of fuel, this winter will see many more of us needing help with our fuel bills. Our Outreach department is here every day and will be more than willing to assist you with your fuel applications. Please call (508) 336-8772 for an appointment with Jan Tabor, Veronica Brickley or Linda Saleeba. TRANSPORTATION Transportation for doctor’s appointments or shopping is offered through GATRA to anyone 55 and older or who is disabled. To schedule the van service, please call the dispatcher between the hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Notice is required at least 24 hours prior by calling 1-800-483-2500. In case of emergency, we will make every attempt to accommodate your needs. Please keep in mind that our first priority will be for doctor appointments. ELDER VISITORS Senior Aides 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 are available to pick up medication, do emergency errands, or ride the van as an escort to medical appointments. EMERGENCY FUNDS & HELP The "Friends" also have allocated money for conditions that pose an immediate threat to the health or safety of seniors as well needy families. Seekonk Human Services is compiling names of the elderly who may need help in the event of a disaster. Please notify us if you would like to be included. In case of weather emergencies, help is available for these people. SEASONAL FOOD BASKETS AND DINNERS Various organizations contribute and deliver gift baskets to isolated and needy elders and families. Hot meals are prepared and delivered to residents that are unable to get out or who will be alone on holidays, and not able to cook for themselves. 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 like to donate equipment, please call the Human Services at (508) 336-8772. J.O.B.S. A Job Opportunities Bank for Seniors and students is a listing service offered by the Human Services. We do not make recommendations, but will give out names, telephone numbers, and general rate of pay requested. Individuals then make their own arrangements. SER-JOBS The senior employment program is funded through Ser Jobs for Progress. Currently we have three senior aides and an Elder Transportation Companion through GATRA that will assist the elderly to doctor’s visits or grocery shopping. They will also pick-up medications and groceries for home-bound senior citizens. LAWYER REFERRAL A legal assistance program is funded by Title IIIB through Bristol Elder Services Inc. 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, Medigap, 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. Our Outreach Workers also assist with filling out applications. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (508) 336-8772. SSI Supplemental Security Income is part of a federal program for low-income persons who are elderly, disabled or blind. Comprehensive health insurance and monthly cash benefits are provided. To see if you qualify, you may call Social Security directly at (508) 226-2710 or call Seekonk Human Services to make your appointment with a SHINE Counselor. IDENTIFICATION CARDS Any Seekonk resident 60+ can get an ID card. You will need your birth certificate or driver's license. Call the Seekonk Human Services at (508) 336-8772 for details. TOWN CRIER A monthly newsletter is produced by the Seekonk Human Services and distributed at no charge to Seekonk seniors age 55 and older. If you do not receive one and would like one sent to your home, please call us with your address at: (508) 336-8772. BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC Seekonk Human Services will be holding a blood pressure clinic at Seekonk Common on the second Friday of every month from 11:30am – 1:00pm. A nurse will be there to answer any questions you may have. No appointment is necessary. For more information call (508) 336-8772 PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE INFORMATION If you are retired and have a prescription plan as part of your retirement benefit, you should have received a letter by November 15th stating that your plan is comparable to the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. Keep this letter!!! If it is comparable, you will not need to sign up for Medicare Part D. You should address your questions to the Seekonk Human Services Outreach Department at (508) 336-8772. They will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have. . 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. Members may pay premiums and deductibles depending on their income. Participants will then pay co-payments based on their gross annual HOUSEHOLD income. This plan covers most out-patient prescription drugs, including insulin and disposable insulin syringes with needles. The drugs on the formulary (the list of drugs available to members) are categorized into three levels: generic, brand-name drugs and additional brand-name drugs. Generic drugs have the lowest co-payment; additional brand-name drugs have the highest co-payment. For those 65 to 66, you may join anytime before your 66th birthday. If you submit your application shortly before your 65th birthday, the Plan will hold your application and process it as of your birthday. Your benefits will begin on the first day of the month following the complete processing of your application. Those 66 or older, you may only enroll during the established open enrollment period each year. For further information and assistance, please call the SHINE Office at (508) 222-1399 or 1-800-987-2510. Open enrollment is September 15, 2006 through November 15, 2006. TELEPHONE REASSURANCE - ARE YOU O.K. PROGRAM? A phone call a day keeps anxiety away for a senior living alone. Here at the Seekonk Human Services, 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 Seekonk Human Services 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) 336-8772 HOUSING INFORMATION Seekonk Human Services would like to inform you about housing information for low-income elderly and disabled individuals. Seekonk has one housing complex in town. The Seekonk Common, is a State run facility and is located at: 25 Chappell Street, Seekonk, MA, it consists of 72 Total Units, 4 of which are ‘Handicapped” accessible. There are 4 Duplex Single Family Housing units located throughout Seekonk. The Seekonk Housing Authority/Seekonk Common does not handle “Section 8”. For information on “Section 8” you may call the South Shore Housing at: 1-800-242-0957. For information regarding low-income elderly, disabled individuals’ housing, you may call: (508) 336-6067. | 
