By TINA GORMAN
Executive Director
Westfield Council On Aging
WESTFIELD – Navigating the service network for older adults can be an intimidating, time consuming, and daunting task. Programs vary in their funding sources, eligibility requirements, and availability. Without knowing where to begin, older adults, family members, or caregivers frequently give up before they ever get started. That may be the difference between an older adult getting appropriate housing, personal and wellness care, medications, transportation, proper nutrition, and even recreational opportunities or going without. In an effort to address this “information gap,” each year the Westfield Council On Aging sponsors its annual “Senior Options” event.
What began years ago as a health fair, has expanded to include a broad spectrum of services and programs designed to enhance the well being of the community’s older adults. Representatives well versed in community support services, medical and disability services, consumer information, travel, housing, skilled nursing facilities, and recreation and leisure will be available for consultation by seniors and their family members.
Senior Options 2015 will be held in the South Middle School cafeteria on Thursday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to sit with vendors one-on-one, ask questions, and obtain information. Representatives from the PVTA will be on hand to explain the PVTA van transportation system. Local legislators will be in attendance to discuss concerns of particular importance to this population.
The Senior Medicare Patrol Integration Program, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Gas & Electric, Highland Valley Elder Services, the Alzheimer’s Association, Stanley Park, Mercy Adult Day Health Center, Westfield’s assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and Whip City Travelers are just a sampling of the organizations that will be represented at the event.
Traditionally, a festive atmosphere permeates the event and this year should be no exception. Throughout the day, visitors can peruse an Art Show which will feature pieces on display and for sale by participants in the Senior Center’s “Art Unlimited” class. A healthy lunch will be prepared by the Senior Center Cooking Crew and will be available for a nominal fee. Entertainment will be provided by the Senior Center’s Do Re Mi Singers. A Chinese raffle will offer plenty of gift options for participants. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold in advance at the Senior Center as well as at the event for the grand prize, a “Downtown Dining Gift Card Smorgasbord” featuring gift cards to six different Westfield eateries, donated by Firtion Adams Funeral Service.
This event is a public service provided to older adults and their family members so that they can learn how to access the services and programs that are most appropriate for them and their loved ones both currently and in the future. Senior Options 2015 provides an ideal opportunity to obtain valuable information in a socially energized atmosphere that would otherwise require dozens of telephone calls, hours of time, and probably a great deal of frustration. There is no admission fee for this “older adult informational one-stop shopping” opportunity.
