Town of Natick

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions.

SCROLL DOWN FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:

1. Kennedy Senior Center Facts

2. Nutrition Services

3. Parking Permits

4. Services For the Elderly - Counseling Services

Health Care Information,

Health Insurance Questions,

Minor Chores Program,

Referral & Information

5. Transportation Issues

6. Volunteer Opportunities

KENNEDY SENIOR CENTER FACTS

Where is the Kennedy Senior Center located?

The Kennedy Senior Center / Natick Council On Aging is at 117 East Central St (Rte 135) in Natick. We are located about 1 mile east of the intersection of Rt 27 and 135 in Natick. The Kennedy Senior Center shares the building with the Natick District Court, follow the driveway toward the rear of the building and look for a maroon awning with Kennedy Senior Center on it.

What hours are you open?

Our Center is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. We are closed all major holidays. If the Natick Schools are closed due to inclement weather we will most likely be closed, please call the center.

What programs and activities do you have?

The Kennedy Senior Center offers a large selection of programs and activities, including dance, exercise, support groups, games, movies, arts & crafts, computers, wellness lectures, pharmacy talks, discussion groups, and much, much more. For a complete listing of monthly programs please read our newsletter, the Natick Sentinel. This can be viewed on-line by selecting the Sentinel link on our main web page.

I am only 50 (or 40 or 35), can I attend your programs?

Anyone is welcome to attend any of our programs. The only program that has an age restriction is Bingo, which is controlled by the State Lottery Commission which requires that a player be a current member of the FRIENDS and be at least 60 years old.

What is the difference between the Natick COA and The Kennedy Senior Center?

What is the group called Friends of the Natick Seniors, Inc?

The Friends are an all volunteer fundraising organization who hold several functions each month with the sole purpose of helping to fund many of our programs which otherwise might not be able to continue. They raise money through trips, craft fairs, earlybird dinners, yard sales, raffles, bake sales, antique appraisal shows, and many other events throughout the year. They also raise funds through membership to the Friends. For just $5.00 per year your membership helps to fund programs, purchase needed equipment and other supplies. The Friends are also responsible for the printing and mailing of the Natick Sentinel.

How do I get a copy of the Natick Sentinel delivered to my house?

The Natick Sentinel is published 11 times each year. A copy is sent to each household that has a resident who is 60 years or older according to the Natick census. If you are a Natick resident who for some reason does not currently receive the Natick Sentinel, simply call the Kennedy Senior Center and ask to be added to the list. If you are not a Natick resident and would like to receive a Sentinel, you need to become a member of the Friends (see above) and a copy will be sent to your home. For more information, please call Deborah at the Senior Center, 1-508-647-6540.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM

My wife is getting out of the hospital and needs some special medical equipment, can you help?

We have a limited amount of slightly used medical equipment available for loan to Natick seniors. Equipment usually available includes; wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, canes, crutches, tub seats and assorted other items. Equipment can be signed out for as long as it is needed, free of charge, please clean well before returning. Call for availability.

NUTRITIONAL SERVICES

How do I apply for Food Stamps?

I don't have any food in the house, can you help me?

I don't drive, how do I sign up for the Meals On Wheels Program?

Home-delivered meals (also known as Meals-On-Wheels) are available through the Senior Center to homebound residents of Natick, Monday through Friday, except holidays and when the Center is closed due to inclement weather. A $2.00 donation per meal is requested. bay Path Elder Services provides the food and a meal site coordinator, and the Council on Aging recruits and schedules volunteer drivers. For more information, call the Elder Nutrition Office at (508) 872-6570

I've heard of a food program called "SERVE", do I qualify for that?

This is a federally sponsored program that anybody can qualify for, in exchange for volunteering two hours per month and $18.00, participants may pick up one bag of food worth approximately $30.00 that includes meats, vegetables, fruits, as well as dry goods. Additional bags may be purchased. For more information, contact the Senior Center at (508) 647-6540

I hear that Seniors can get a Parking Permit which allows them to park for free in Downtown Natick, how do I obtain one?

Senior Citizen Parking Permits are available to Natick residents age 65 and older. The permit allows a Natick senior to park at a meter in downtown Natick for a maximum of two hours based on the the time allowed on the meter.

Parking permits may be obtained at the Kennedy Senior Center, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 3:00. Permits are issued based on the calendar year and are good for that year only, (thus a permit issued in either February or October must be renewed the following January)

To get your permit you must bring the following with you;

1. Valid Massachusetts Automobile Registration for each car which you wish to have a permit. Permits are only good for the car they are issued. No business vehicles.

2. Valid Massachusettes Driver's License which must have a current Natick address. The license and Auto Registration must be issued to the same person.

3. Your expired Senior Parking Permit, if applicable.

SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

My parents are Natick residents and I fear they are finding it more difficult living alone in their home. I live a distance from them and work full time. Can you help me find the right resources to help them and me?

I am feeling overwhelmed with trying to maintain my own house. I am thinking of moving, but don't feel I know all my options. Is there assistance to help me keep my home? Can someone help me decide whether to stay or to sell?

My father seems different. (Or friend, neighbor, spouse or other relative) He seems sad, not interested in anything and seems easily distracted. I am not sure if he is eating properly or taking care of himself. Do you know how he can be helped?

My friend frequently has bruises or scrapes on her face. She seems afraid to go anywhere, she almost never leaves the house anymore. What can I do?

I am confused about all the different health insurances and prescription services, is there anyone who can help me?

Certified volunteer counselors from SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of the Elderly) provide information, counseling, and other assistance on health insurance options for seniors citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries on a twice weekly basis. Prescheduled appointments are necessary. Please call (508) 647-6540 to schedule your private and confidential appointment with a SHINE counselor.

Days & Times: Every Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. to noon.

Every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30.

I have questions and concerns regarding what my doctor is telling me, who can I talk to about this?

I have a minor chore that needs doing at my home, can someone help me?

I can't afford to pay the high cost of heating fuel this winter, what can I do?

I can no longer get to the hairdressers, can anyone come to my home?

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

I am a senior citizen (or disabled) and I need help getting to a medical appointment, can you help?

Yes. We have a dedicated group of volunteer who will take you to your appointment and make sure you get safely home again. If you wish they will also wait with you in the waiting room. Because we are working with volunteers we require at least 48 hours notice before your appointment. If we are unable to find a volunteer, we will work with you to find safe reliable transportation to your appointment.

This service is also available on a more limited basis for shopping trips, hair cuts or beauty appointments and other minor errands. Please call for availability.

I prefer to take a cab, but they are so expensive , can you help?

Yes, we have a Taxi Voucher Program which allows seniors and/or individuals with a disabilities to get $3.00 off taxi rides within Natick and $6.00 outside of Natick. For more information and to sign up for this program please call, Monday through Friday between 9:00 & 4:30, at the Kennedy Senior Center.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Do only retired people volunteer?

Not at all. We have no typical volunteer. Our volunteers range from middle and high school students, to stay at home moms, to working people and retirees. We always need good volunteers.

What kind of volunteer positions are available?

We have many types of volunteer opportunities.

Some of the things that our volunteers do are based at the Kennedy Senior Center. Those things might include: helping in the kitchen, making phone calls, writing for the newsletter, serving on committees, or helping with food distribution for the SERVE program.

Ther are also many ways to help in the community. Those things might include delivering meals for Meals-on-Wheels, Friendly Visiting, Medical Transportation, Chores or Respite Care.

What if I've never volunteered before?

All of our volunteers have the benefit of Volunteer Orientation and Training sessions. These sessions give you a chance to meet some of our staff, learn about the Natick Council On Aging, see the Kennedy Senior Center, ask questions, meet other new volunteers, and find out about our different volunteer opportunities.

I don't have a lot of spare time. Can I still volunteer?

We generally request a two hour per week commitment of time from our volunteers. We can, however be flexible about this based on on the availability of the volunteer and the nature of our needs.

How do I sign up?

1. You can stop be the Kennedy Senior Center, Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and pick up a preliminary application there.

2. You can call one of our Volunteer Resource Managers at (508)647-6540 and ask for a preliminary application to be mailed to you.

I still have questions, what should I do?

Call and talk with one of our Volunteer Resource Managers (508)647-6540. They may be able to answer your questions over the phone. You can also make an appointment to come in and speak with one of them, and have a tour of the center as well.