Marlborough senior services director reports reduced transportation and steady program participation

Shoshana Merced, Director of Human and Social Services and Municipal Agent for the Elderly, reported program metrics for March at the Town of Marlborough Commission on Aging meeting on April 21, 2026. She said 93 individuals checked into programs or received social services and the AARP free tax preparation program served 72 households. Merced reported 4 new senior center members joined in March and 38 members attended the St. Patrick’s Day lunch.

Merced told the commission that, effective March 1, transportation services were reduced from three days to two. She said transportation was used by 15 individuals for a total of 65 one-way trips in March. Meals-on-Wheels was delivered to one individual during the month. Merced summarized direct client assistance provided by staff: 13 individuals helped with social services, including two SNAP applications, three Generation Power referrals, two homeowners tax-relief matters, one Medicare Savings program case, one caregiver support referral, one benefit counseling case and one referral to the local food/fuel bank.

Merced also reported she completed and passed the Serve Safe Manager course, enabling her to prepare or oversee food preparation in the senior center kitchen. She noted the income limit to qualify for the disabled tax credit has not changed for many years and said she will research that limit and report back to the commission at a future meeting.

The commission received the report for planning and budget context; no formal action was taken at the meeting. The next related budget discussion will occur during town budget meetings, with the COA following up as needed.