What is the Council on Aging?
We are a department of the Town of Freetown and are responsible for providing services to all our residents age 60 and over. Our main focus is to help seniors and their families understand and navigate the often complex issues that can result from the aging process. We also work to reduce social isolation and provide opportunities for active aging. We offer services, a calendar of activities, and special events throughout the year.
Our Services
Transportation
Our van service is available for a variety of needs: medical appointments, drug stores for prescriptions, groceries, haircuts, day care centers, etc. Please call the COA directly at 508-763-9557 to discuss. Transportation is available Monday-Thursday. We must have 24 hours notice to arrange the ride.
For our residents with mobility issues, we have a wheelchair van available. We ask that you please bring an escort with you and provide their information when you call.
Mobile Market (Brown Bag Program)
As a part of this program, seniors will receive a free bag of groceries once a month from the Greater Boston Food Bank. The groceries will be available to pick up at the senior center or our volunteers will be delivering the groceries to those who are homebound. Our distribution date is typically the 4th Wednesday of the month. Please call the COA if you are interested and would like to sign up.
Grab and Go
Bristol Elder Services provides meals Mon-Thurs to pick up at the senior center. Please call the COA if you are interested and would like to sign up.
Senior Tax Program (Senior Work Off)
The program is open to all Freetown property owners sixty (60) years of age or over whose primary residence is Freetown and who meet the specified income requirements, which are based on the New Bedford Median Low-Income limits for HUD programs. Additionally, the program is open to no more that one applicant per household, per year. The program is limited to thirty participants each year.
Eligible participants can receive an exemption of up to $1500.00 (Fifteen hundred) per year on their real estate taxes by working as volunteers for the Town in a variety of capacities.
Applications may be obtained in person from the Council on Aging Director or the Selectmen’s Office, or an application can be mailed to anyone by calling the Council on Aging at 508-763-9557. Applications are to be submitted in person to the Director of the Council on Aging after June 1st and on or before September 1 each year. Proof of income is required and kept confidential.
LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance)
A federal program that helps qualified households within a certain income threshold pay a portion of their winter home heating bills. In Massachusetts, LIHEAP eligible households may also get help with weatherizing their homes and other related benefits.
You can apply online through the Citizens for Citizens website or a confidential meeting can be scheduled here at the senior center to help you complete the application.
Health Nurse Clinic
Our Freetown Public Health Nurse, Lori Desmarais, RN, BSN, is available on the second Tuesday of the month at the COA for blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, wound assessment, Vitamin B12 injections (as prescribed), and health education and promotion. She also provides home visitation for homebound elders.
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
Our SHINE counselor is available once a month (typically the second Monday of the month) to help educate our seniors regarding their insurance options and assist in completing applications. She is available more frequently during open enrollment. Please call the center to set up an appointment.
AARP Tax Assistance
A free, volunteer-based tax assistance program for seniors. Located at the senior center during tax season. Appointments are required.
Medical Equipment Loans
We have a medical equipment loan shed, as well as incontinence supplies. We also accept donations. Please call the senior center to find out what is available.
Podiatry Clinic
Dr. Markowitz is at the senior center every other month. Please call her directly to make an appointment 1-401-455-3554.
Veteran’s Agent
Bob Klevecka is our Veteran’s Agent. If you need his services, please call 508-763-3190, Mon through Thurs, 9am – 3:30pm.
Ongoing Activities (Please see our monthly calendar in the Senior Profile for details)
Chair Yoga, Drums Alive, Line Dancing (at the VFW), Bingo, Book Club (at the police station), Pitch/Card Games, Pool Table, Art Classes, and Senior Club (membership required for Senior Club only).