COUNCIL ON AGING -COA

The COA is governed by an eleven-member board appointed by the Selectmen.  They have hired a professional staff to provide services to seniors under the COA umbrella.  Services include health and health insurance counseling, legal consultation, and financial counseling.  A wide variety of social services exist.  They include transportation, housing counseling, handyman services, support groups, individual counseling and information and referral.  The COA also sponsors a nutrition site at the Center.  The COA is responsible for Community Service Reimbursement Program, which offers property tax relief for seniors.  In addition, the Council sponsors many educational programs regarding senior entitlements and other issues of importance to seniors.

 The COA is concerned with long range community planning for seniors as well as coordination with other communities and with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

 Members of the Council on Aging

 Officers

What is the difference between the Winchester Seniors Association (WSA) and the Council on Aging (COA)
The WSA is a private not-for-profit organization which maintains the Jenks Senior Center which is owned by the WSA Trust. In addition they plan for all the travel and activities which are offered at the Jenks Center.

The COA is a public not-for profit Town-appointed Board which hires a professional staff to provide social services, health services, legal and financial services, education, and advocacy for all Winchester seniors

Together the WSA and COA plan for the yearly Savvy Senior Symposium and the Mary J. Brennan Lecture.

What does the COA charge for its services and programs?
The COA does not charge for its programs or services. At times, donations are requested to help defray the cost of programs. However, no one is excluded by his or her inability to donate.

What kind of transportation is available for seniors?
The COA provides transportation within Winchester and to contiguous towns for medical appointments five days a week from 9-4. This transportation is provided by senior volunteer drivers. To arrange a ride one must call two working days before the ride is needed. (781-721-7136)

The COA provides medical transportation for medical appointments and treatments in Boston and other areas outside of Winchester.  To arrange a ride please call a week in advance of the appointment. (781-721-7136)

Transportation is provided to our nutrition site courtesy of Salter Health Care. Transportation can be arranged when calling to sign up for meals.

Where is the nutrition site and who may come.?
Meals are served at the Jenks Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:45 AM. Call (781-721-7136) the day before to make a reservation and to sign up for transportation. All seniors are welcome. Donation is $2.00.

Do you provide nursing, home health, and homemaker services.
The COA has a registered nurse who visits people at home, helps seniors make plans for community care and consults with family and physicians. She does not provide physical care. The COA does not have home health aides or homemakers but the nurse or social worker can help you find these services

Can you help with health insurance problems?
Yes! The COA has trained volunteers called SHINE Counselors who help seniors explore the options and complications of the various kinds of insurance and prescription drug programs. They are available to answer all health benefit questions.

What is the Community Service Reimbursement Program?
This program has been set up by the Town and is run by the COA. For seniors 60 years or order who own their own home and are income eligible, jobs are available in the schools, Library and Town Hall For doing 100 hours of community service a year, the senior receives $750.00 off their property tax. This is a program which accepts middle income seniors.

Can you help with housing problems and handyman problems?
Our social worker will discuss with seniors and families the housing resources available and the factors to consider when making a change.

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