Westport News

Massage therapists, Karen and Sheryl, will be at the Senior Center on

Tuesday, December 5, from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.,

and

Wednesday, December 6, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

to give aromatherapy hand massages and chair massages.

Come and take care of yourself while supporting the

Friends of the Westport Council on Aging’s fundraising event.

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FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

It is not too late for Westport households who are eligible to apply for the

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance) for this heating season.  If you would like to apply, please call the Westport Council on Aging for an appointment—proof of identify, income and utility bills are required.  Special provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing.

     Households with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible for the Fuel Assistance Program.  Homeowners and renters are both eligible.  For the 2006-2007 heating season, income eligibility guidelines are:

One-person household, gross income $19,600/yr., and for a two-person household, gross income is $26,400.

SERVING  HEALTH  INFORMATION  NEEDS  OF  ELDERS (S.H.I.N.E.)--information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth--Phone consultations and one-on-one appointments can be arranged for Westport residents, 508-636-1026.

Westport COA will cancel all activities and programs at the Senior Center, if the Westport Community Schools are closed due to bad weather or other local emergency.

TRANSPORTATION for Westport’s elders, and handicapped persons of all ages, Monday through Friday, to area appointments scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Advanced notice required.

Thursday, December 7th, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Caring for a loved one with changing abilities can be very stressful.  Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers. Transportation is available.

Tuesday, December 12th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Your participation and input are important to us!

BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.

Many individuals and families who no longer need their foldable walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc., donate them to the COA.  Call if you need any of these items.

Westport Council on Aging needs volunteers to help at the Senior Center and out in the community.  Please call the COA, 508-636-1026, if you are interested in any of the following opportunities:

¨      Office work - filing, copying, mailing;

¨      Reception - answering phones, making appointments, providing information;

¨      Supportive Day Program Aide - assist with daily activities of the program;

¨      COA Board Members - two vacancies;

¨      Evergreen newsletter deliverers - Westport Point route;

¨      Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) - weekly calls to homebound or isolated elders;

¨      Van Escorts - to accompany van clients to doctor's appointments, shopping, etc.;

¨      Elder Visitors - to visit isolated and homebound elders weekly;

¨      Shoppers - to run shopping errands for homebound elders.

Flu shot information will be available at the office of the Westport Town Nurse, Kathleen Burns.  Please call 508-636-1030.

The COA has File of Life packets to record your important medical information in case of an emergency.  A small donation is requested to help cover costs.

T.A.P.

Are you a shut-in or alone, in need of someone to check in on a weekly basis via a telephone call?  The Westport COA has a volunteer program –Telephone Assurance Program.  If you are in need of such a service, or if you would like to volunteer for this or any other volunteer opportunity, please call the COA, 508-636-1026.

MEDICARE PART D

Open Enrollment ends December 31, 2006

If you are looking to enroll for the first time, or considering changing your insurance plan, the best time to do it is by December 8, or no later than December 31, 2006.

    The subject matter is titled “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update”.  The message provides information about the 3.3% benefit increase for 2007 and says the recipient must update his/her personal information.  The reader is then directed to a website designed to look like Social Security’s website.  The phony site asks the reader for personal information such as a Social Security number, bank account, and credit card information.

This is entirely phony.

    If seniors receive this email message, they are requested to call 1-800-269-0271, or report it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig

--Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Notice of new class at

the Senior Center.

Bob Branco, who has taught Braille classes for many years for Continuing Education at schools in the area, has offered to teach a weekly Braille class here on Thursdays, 2 – 4 p.m.  The fee will be determined according to the enrollment. 

Call the COA for details—508-636-1026.