CHORE Program
Courteous Help On Repairs Economically
A minor home repair and chore service operates with volunteers from the Natick community including working individuals, students, and retirees. This service is coordinated through the Human Services & Council On Aging's Senior Center Volunteer Resources Department. This service assists eligible seniors and people with disabilities who desire to remain in their own homes independently. Volunteers will help people with small tasks around the house that they, or a family member, are not able to perform.
These minor tasks might include, but are not be limited to: Minor electrical repair (doorbells, phone jacks); Minor plumbing (leaking toilets/faucets, plugged drains, replace washers); Minor carpentry (repair door handles, hinges, locks, steps, railings, screens); Minor chores (put in or take down screens/storm windows, replace smoke detector batteries, change light bulbs, set up new appliances such as VCRs or answering machines).
Work that cannot be performed would include: yard work, gardening, painting, general cleaning, washing windows, new construction, roof work, or any job requiring a permit or license. If you need help or are willing to volunteer your time to provide with this type of help, please call the Natick Senior Center at (508) 647-6540.
Legal Services
We have two attorneys who specialize in Elder Law. They volunteer at the center providing several 15 minute appointments each month for those wishing legal advice. To schedule an appointment, please call the Natick Senior Center (508) 647-6540.
Library
Regular Library:The Senior Center holds a well stocked library that includes the classics, biographies, travel guides, cookbooks, reference volumes, language texts, and an array of fiction and non-fiction.
Large Print Library:The Center has a Large Print Library, thanks to a donation of books from the Morse Institute Library. The selection is quite extensive and varied.
Medical Reference & Resource Library
We now have a medical reference and resource library. These books will soon be located in the waiting area in the social services area. The books can be read on site or can be checked out at the front reception desk.
All materials listed above are available to take out on loan.
Medical Services
Blood Pressure Screenings
Natick VNA provides a free blood pressure screening once a month. No appointment is necessary.
Day & Time: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:30 P.M.
SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
Volunteer counselors trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs provide information, counseling, and other assistance on health insurance options for senior citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries twice weekly. Prescheduled appointments are necessary. Please call (508) 647-6540 to schedule your private and confidential appointment with a SHINE counselor.
Days & Times: Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. to noon.
Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30.
Medical Equipment Loan
A wide variety of medical equipment and supplies may be borrowed by residents of all ages for as long as needed. We also have adult incontinent supplies. The program operates with donated equipment which is in good condition that otherwise might be thrown away or sit and collect dust. If you have equipment you might like to donate or if you are in need of medical equipment, come down to the center, or give us a call at (508) 647-6540.
Podiatry Clinic
Podiatry services are available by appointment one morning per month at the Natick Senior Center. The Podiatrist is here from 9:00 to noon, usually the third Wednesday of the month. Please call the center to check the exact date and to schedule your appointment.
Services provided by the podiatrist at the Senior Center include: Trim nails, treatment of corns, treatment of calluses, screening for problems that could require further foot care. A $25.00 charge is to be paid to the doctor at the time of the appointment. Call the Senior Center at (508) 647-6540 to make an appointment.
NOTE: Podiatry treatment for diabetes and vascular disease are Medicare reimbursable conditions and not eligible for treatment at the center. If either of those conditions are present you must be treated at a podiatry office.
Day & Time: Usually the third Wednesday of the month from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.
Flu & Pneumococcal Vaccines
The Natick Board of Health provides a free annual flu and/or pneumococcal vaccine clinic at the Senior Center for all adult Natick residents as medically recommended. The date and time are announced in the fall of each year. Please call either the Senior Center at 1-508-647-6540 or the Board of Health at 1-508-647-6460 for the exact date, time and availability of vaccines.
Property Tax Work Program
This program allows seniors, who meet the eligibility requirements; to reduce property taxes by $1000 for the year by working for a department in the Town of Natick. The number of participants allowed each fiscal year is 50. Job opportunities can be in municipal or school departments, classrooms, offices, libraries, clinics, and other town departments. The jobs are based on departmental needs. Participants in the program will work a total of 125 hours at the rate of $8.00 per hr for a credit of $1000.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Age 60 or older
• Homeowner
• Own and occupy as a primary residence, the property to which the taxes will be credited.
• Gross receipts from all sources can not exceed $41,000 (single) or $51,000 (married).
For more information Click Here or call the Natick Senior Center at (508) 647-6540.
Support and Advocacy Services
Social Services
Our Social Service Staff (Elder Advocate, Community Advocate; Outreach Coordinator, and Clinical Social Worker) offer a number of support services at no cost, including:
• Links between older persons and resources available to them in the center and in the community
• Counseling for a variety of issues, including losses, transitions, depression, loneliness, isolation, self-esteem, and family conflict
• Outreach to older people, including home visits
• Assistance with applications to federal, state, and health care agencies
• Crisis intervention
• Computerized screening for eligibility to federal and state programs
• Depression screenings
Please call the Senior Center if you would like to make an appointment with a member of our social services staff. Telephone consultations are also available. (508) 647-6540
Bereavement Group
"Rebuilding After Loss"
Support group for adults of all ages who have lost a loved one within the past three years.
Day & Time: Usually the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm.
Diabetic Support Group
Day & Time: Varies, usually the second Tuesday @10:00 . Please call for exact date.
Support group for people with diabetes that offers a wealth of information aimed at empowering people to deal with this endocrine disorder more effectively.
