Programs

PROGRAMDESCRIPTION
SHINE Program(Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
The Council on Aging has two certified SHINE counselors available to assist Marshfield residents in the community. SHINE counselors can help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Counselors can review present coverage, provide written comparisons of plans, review medical bills and avoid paying for unnecessary duplicate coverage. Counselors also help with claim forms and applications. They will make referrals when appropriate.
Prescription Advantage ProgramThis program is administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Division of Medical Assistance. Applications and assistance are available at the Council on Aging Office. The Prescription Advantage Program is a pharmacy assistance program for seniors in Massachusetts that provides help to pay for prescription drugs. There is an open enrollment period as well as income and eligibility guidelines that must be met.
Senior Tax Relief Work Off ProgramMonies are available through the town of Marshfield to those residents and homeowners who are 60 years of age or older. The intent of the program is to utilize seniors to provide assistance in municipal or school departments. The main benefit of the program will be to provide tax relief to senior citizens living largely on a fixed income.
  
Council on Aging Legal ClinicFree 30-minute legal consultations provided by local attorneys. This is a monthly service offered to seniors by appointment at the Senior Center.
Outreach/ Social ServiceWith funding from the Town and Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Council on Aging makes an active effort to locate elders, assess their needs and connect these persons with services where appropriate. Social service coordinators are available 5 days per week. Please call for an appointment or specific time.
Durable Medical EquipmentDurable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, canes, fans and other equipment is available for loan free of charge. Call the Council on Aging to inquire.

AARP

Free Income Tax Assistance

The Council on Aging in conjunction with AARP hosts a free Income tax return assistance to low to moderate income residents of Marshfield and surrounding towns. The free service is provided to taxpayers of all ages with special consideration given to seniors. Help with preparing Massachusetts and Federal income tax forms is provided by volunteers trained and certified by the AARP Foundation. Tax returns are prepared using online software provided by the IRS and are filed electronically. Confidentiality of your personal financial matters is of the highest priority and all paperwork is returned to you. Appointments can be scheduled early February through mid-April by calling 781-566-0626.

TransportationThe Council on Aging's three vehicles are passenger lift-equipped shuttle buses providing door-to-door transportation Monday through Friday for shopping, errands, medical appointments within Marshfield and the Senior Center.
Volunteer Medical TransportationThe Council on Aging provides rides for medical appointments outside of Marshfield. The Project Coordinator for Volunteers contacts volunteer drivers and mileage is funded by the Old Colony Planning Council.
Volunteer Shopping and Medication Pick-Up AssistanceThe Council on Aging can provide assistance through volunteers to seniors requiring shopping and medication pick up . Contact the Project Coordinator for Volunteers at 781-834-5581 x2120.
Congregate Meals/Meals on WheelsFunded by Old Colony Elder Services and sponsored by the Council on Aging a hot noontime meal or box lunch is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday at the Senior Center. The purpose of the program is to provide one nutritionally balanced meal per day and reduce loneliness and isolation through social interaction and companionship provided in a group setting. Participants are provided with an opportunity to financially contribute towards the cost of the meal and all contributions are used to defray the cost of the program. There is also a home delivered meal program for the ill or housebound elders. This service can be requested through Old Colony Elder Services by calling (508) 584-1561.
Fuel AssistanceThe Council on Aging's Social Service Coordinators process fuel assistance applications for Marshfield residents of all ages. Applications are then forwarded to South Shore Community Action Council for approval / disapproval. Applications are typically available from November through March.
Safety Assurance

The Free Safety Assurance program is a computerized telephone system that places a call to a participant at a pre-arranged time each day. Calls are received between 6 am and noon. Safety Assurance assists people in maintaining an INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE. Whether you are living alone, managing with a disability or injury, this added support system can enhance your security and improve your quality of life at home.

Family and friends also benefit by having the PEACE OF MIND that you are starting your day safe and sound.

This is a FREE service with no monthly fees, equipment requirements or special codes to remember. You can receive your calls on your home phone or cell phone. The program is available to anybody living in Plymouth County.

This is a FLEXIBLE program and you call the shots! Your call comes in the morning at a time that you indicate that you want it. If a participant will be away for an extended period of time or just for a day, they can call the 24-hour number 1-800-622-4300 and alert the SAFETY ASSURANCE office to those plans.

Friendly Visitor ProgramThe Marshfield Council on Aging has a Friendly Visitor Program. Seniors that would like a weekly visit from a volunteer are encouraged to call the Council on Aging and leave their names. These visits provide the senior with an opportunity to connect with another individuals, share, reminisce, laugh, and perhaps have a cup of tea. Alternatively, if seniors would prefer a "Friendly Phone Call" this service is also available. Contact the Project Coordinator for Volunteers at 781 834-5581 X 2120.
TriadTRIAD is a community policing initiative between volunteer seniors, local law enforcement and local service providers. The primary goal of TRIAD is to increase senior safety through education and crime prevention. TRIAD is tailored to meet the needs of each specific town and is governed by a senior advisory council known as "SALT" Seniors and Law Enforcement Together.
TRIAD meets at the Senior Center monthly at 1:00 PM and the public is welcome to attend. These presentations consist of a wide array of programs on crime prevention, safety, health and wellness such as telephone reassurance program, Alzheimer's Alert Program, File of Life, House Numbering, Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Checks, Self Defense, Emergency Preparedness, Health Fairs, Safety Assessments, Emergency Cell Phones and more.