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Medfield Council on Aging outlines programs, respite care and transportation for residents over 50
Summary
On the Medfield Wellness series, Sarah Hannafin, director of the Medfield Council on Aging, described the COA's mission, weekly hours, fitness and swim programs, a supervised respite day program and transportation policy; caregivers can contact outreach coordinator Susan Longmore at (508) 359-3665.
On the Medfield Wellness cable series, Peg Doyle interviewed Sarah Hannafin, director of the Medfield Council on Aging, about services for local residents over the age of 50.
"The mission of the Council on Aging is to foster an atmosphere of wellness by addressing the emotional, social, physical, and often spiritual needs of older individuals and their families during the aging process," Hannafin said, summarizing the COA's goals and the range of programs it provides.
The COA offers information and outreach, transportation, meals, counseling, and collaborations with partner organizations; Hannafin said a full list of services is available on the town website or in the COA newsletter. She told viewers the center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and most Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hannafin described roughly 17 weekly fitness and exercise opportunities, including chair yoga, mat yoga, Zumba, line dancing, bowling and video exercise. She said the Kingsbury Club swim schedule recently changed for the fall and swim sessions are available to COA members on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; she asked viewers to "double check that time," indicating the exact pool start time may vary.
The COA runs an equipment-lending program for Medfield residents, offering items such as rollators, toilet seat risers, walkers and canes. "We lend out our equipment to Medfield residents," Hannafin said, and she noted donations sometimes exceed current needs.
Hannafin outlined a supervised day respite program called the Club at the Center at Medfield that operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays with two part-time staff and volunteer support. Activities include a welcoming morning circle, yoga, lunch, arts and crafts, puzzles and visiting entertainers. "It's truly a great program," she said, and added that caregivers may arrange a free trial or "shadow" day to see if the program is a good fit.
To enroll a loved one or request more information about the respite program, Hannafin directed caregivers to contact outreach coordinator Susan Longmore at (508) 359-3665; she said the COA will mail the newsletter for $5 per year or viewers may access it on the town website (town.medfield.net). To join the center, visitors complete a brief form and receive a membership card to scan on visits.
On transportation, Hannafin was explicit: "We do offer transportation to Medfield residents. Anyone who lives in Medfield, we'll pick them up and then we'll bring them home as well. Anyone outside of Medfield, we do not offer transportation."
Doyle closed the episode noting this was episode three of the Medfield Wellness series, pointing viewers to earlier segments on mental health and Medfield outreach, and telling viewers they can stream the series on the Medfield TV YouTube channel. She thanked Medfield TV staff for producing the series.
The COA contact and program details were provided on air; listeners with questions were directed to the town website or to call the center at (508) 359-3665.
