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Yarmouth Senior Services outlines nutrition, social and transportation programs for older residents
Summary
Senior Services director Diane Kane described congregate meals, Meals on Wheels partnerships, pantry distributions and transportation services available to Yarmouth elders.
Diane Kane, director of Yarmouth Senior Services, outlined the department's programs for older residents during the Board of Health meeting on March 3.
"We offer opportunities for people to come together and be social," Kane said, before describing classes, support groups and food programs.
Kane reviewed a menu of services offered at the Yarmouth Senior Center and through partner organizations: congregate "Dining with Friends" meals at the center (Tuesday through Thursday), Meals on Wheels deliveries for homebound residents, and partnerships with volunteer groups and pantries that supply prepared meals and grab-and-go grocery bags.
Kane said the senior center runs roughly 17 fitness and yoga classes and 34 weekly activities, and averages about 15 events per month. She named partners that supply food and services: Family Table Collaborative (which delivers prepared meals to the center), the Family Pantry of Cape Cod (which supplies a Healthy Meals in Motion distribution on the fourth Friday each month), and the Yarmouth Food Pantry (senior hours on the second and fourth Wednesdays).
Other services described included transportation to medical appointments and destinations in Yarmouth and Hyannis, health screenings and clinics, legal and SHINE (health insurance counseling) services, technology help and tax-preparation assistance through AARP. Kane noted volunteers staff many programs and that some services are offered at no cost.
Why it matters: Kane emphasized food insecurity among older adults and described multiple options to address it, including weekly congregate meals, periodic grocery distributions, and a returnable-container pilot with the Family Table Collaborative designed to reduce single-use plastic.
Practical details: Kane said the senior center phone number is (508) 394-7606 extension 1330 and the center's address is 528 Forest Road, West Yarmouth. She said the center serves residents 60 and older and urged anyone who needs help to contact the outreach team for intake and assistance.
Ending: Kane urged residents to sign up for programs in advance when possible and noted an upcoming health fair on May 9 with more than 70 vendors and screening services.
