Councils on Aging Update

Updated Mar 12, 2021

The information here is valid as of Mar 12, 2021, but is subject to change. Please confirm service availability with your COA.

Many Councils on Aging (COAs) and Senior Centers have closed their building due to the winter COVID spike. Most COAs are offering online programming or programming via local cable channels, see COA newsletters or websites for updated information. Whether or not their buildings are open, COAs do have staff available to assist residents and are providing a variety of services to the public. This document will be updated with opening information as it becomes available.

AARP Tax Aide Program: Call your local COA regarding availability for assistance with tax preparation. This program is taking place this year with COVID precautions.

COVID Vaccines:  Your local Council on Aging can assist people aged 60 and above and their caregivers in navigating the COVID-19 vaccine process. COAs are currently experiencing a very high call volume. Expect to leave a voicemail message and wait for a call back.

Beverly Council on Aging, 978-921-6017

http://www.beverlyma.gov/departments/council-on-aging/

https://www.facebook.com/beverlycouncilonaging/

• Transportation services have resumed in a limited capacity, transporting a maximum of 3 passengers at a time per bus with one driver. Appointments are still required, with 48 hours advanced notice
• You may come to the Senior Center to speak to a staff member.
• Programming continues online and on the local cable television station BevCam – Check out their website and Facebook page for schedules
• Grab and Go lunches are available at this site
• Online weekly email newsletter is sent to everyone for whom they have email addresses, call Senior Center to be added to the list.
• Staff, including outreach and social work, are available via phone during regular business hours

Essex Council on Aging and Senior Center, 978-768-7932

https://www.essexma.org/essex-senior-center-council-aging

https://www.facebook.com/EssexCOA/

• The Senior Center building is not currently open, activities have moved online and on local television, see newsletter or call for further information
• Transportation for medical appointments and grocery shopping is available, call to sign up.
• Grab and Go Meals available on Mondays and Thursday, call to register in advance
• Friday grocery distribution from Acord and Open Door is offered twice per month, please contact the Senior Center to register
• Staff, including outreach and social work, are available via phone during regular business hours

Gloucester Council on Aging, Rose Baker Senior Center, 978-281-9765

https://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=291

• The Rose Baker Senior Center building is not currently open, activities have moved online and on local television, see newsletter or call for further information
• Transportation is not available at this time
• Grab and Go lunches available; call to register
• Friendly call program available
• Discounted trash bags available in the Senior Center parking lot by appointment between 10 and 2:00. Call us for details.
• Staff, including outreach and social work, are available via phone during regular business hours

Hamilton Council on Aging, 978-468-5595

https://www.hamiltonma.gov/government/council-on-aging/

https://www.facebook.com/Hamilton-Council-on-Aging-and-Senior-Center-436942889835081/

• Please call the COA or review the monthly newsletter for program offerings.
• Cape Ann Transportation is the transportation provider for the Town of Hamilton. Service is Monday through Friday for medical and non-medical appointments to Hamilton, Wenham, Beverly, Manchester, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Salem, Peabody and Danvers. Call 978-238-7916 to make a reservation at least 2 days ahead of your appointment.
• Daily calls are going out to seniors on the RUOK program. If someone would like to receive a daily phone call to check on them, call the Senior Center
• Volunteers are available for yard work and helping seniors do their food shopping.
• The COA has some blue bags available for any senior who has need of them for weekly garbage disposal.
• Staff are available via phone during regular business hours

Ipswich Council on Aging and Senior Center, 978-356-6650

https://www.ipswichma.gov/335/Council-on-Aging

https://www.facebook.com/Ipswich-Council-on-Aging-490674001017897/

• The Senior Center building is not currently open, activities have moved online and on local television, see newsletter or call for further information
• Van service is available Monday through Friday for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and prescription pick-up
• Volunteer shoppers are available for groceries and prescription pick-up
• The Open Door Ipswich Food Pantry is open Wednesday and Thursday with delivery available to Ipswich residents
• Staff are available via phone during regular business hours

Manchester Council on Aging, 978-526-7500

https://www.manchester.ma.us/371/Council-On-Aging

• Programming has moved online and to local television, call the COA for further details. Call the Senior Center for SHINE appointments or other needs.
• Transportation services to medical appointments and shopping available. Transportation service will also pick up curbside pharmacy and food orders and drop them off at elders’ home.
• Staff, including outreach and social work, are available via phone during regular business hours

Rockport Council on Aging, 978-546-2573

https://www.rockportma.gov/rockport-council-aging

• Programming has moved online and to local television, see newsletter or call the COA for details
• Grab and Go lunches are available at this site
• Distributing face masks to older Rockport residents as available.
• Staff are available via phone during regular business hours

Topsfield Council on Aging, 978-887-1523

https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/council-aging

• All Topsfield Town Hall Departments, including Topsfield COA, are open for essential, in-person appointments during regular Town Hall hours (Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Fri. 8:00 AM-12:00 PM) by reservation only. Most COA programming has transitioned online.
• Volunteer shoppers are available for food shopping and to run errands
• In collaboration with the health department, the COA is distributing masks
• Topsfield residents needing food, personal care products, and other grocery items should contact Top Cupboard Food Pantry at (978) 807-8775
• Friendly Callers program available for those who would benefit from a periodic call
• Topsfield COA has implemented a Computer Loan Program to reduce social isolation and encourage engagement through virtual programs
• Staff are available via phone during regular business hours

Wenham Council on Aging, 978-468-5529  

https://www.wenhamma.gov/town_government/departments/council_on_aging.php

https://www.facebook.com/COAWenham/

• Senior Center building is closed for group activities. Programming has moved online, see newsletter or call the COA for details.
• Transportation services are running for medical appointments, shopping, banking, etc. Call COA to schedule a ride.
• Free shopping service available for Hamilton-Wenham older adults and immune compromised individuals who don’t have someone to pick up supplies for them. This is a zero contact system, all products are wiped down with disinfectant before they are left with people. Residents are asked to provide a list that will be given to a volunteer shopper. Volunteers are from Gordon-Conwell Seminary and local churches and have been trained in safe delivery protocol. Pay at delivery by check, cash or by Paypal or Venmo. Call the COA For further details.
• Staff are available via phone during regular business hours