Council on Aging is here to help with anything seniors need

By Meghan Parpos

The Wayland Council on Aging, COA, is a hub of real, practical support, staffed and powered largely by Wayland residents, for the town’s seniors. Here’s a closer look at some of the resources they provide.

Health insurance is complicated, and for people on Medicare, the stakes are high. That’s where SHINE comes in. This federal program offers free, one-on-one counseling to Medicare-eligible residents and their caregivers, helping them understand their options and find real savings on premiums and prescription drug costs. All SHINE counselors are trained to provide non-biased, objective recommendations. Wayland has four certified SHINE counselors available year-round. For anyone overwhelmed by navigating Medicare, this is exactly the kind of personal help available.

Staying well-nourished matters, and the COA’s partnership with Open Table makes that easier for residents who need a little extra help getting food on the table. Every week, a dedicated group of COA volunteers takes grocery orders and delivers them directly to participants’ homes. It’s a simple idea with a meaningful impact. Fresh food, reliably delivered, by people who are happy to do it.

Sometimes the to-do list around the house feels a little out of reach. A door that won’t close right, a screen that needs to be changed, or a burnt-out ceiling light. That’s exactly what the COA’s Fix-It Program is for. Volunteers are matched with older adults who need a hand with small but meaningful home projects. It’s neighborly help, made official, and it’s completely free.

Recovering from surgery? Helping a parent come home from the hospital? Before heading to a medical supply store, check with the COA first. Because of Wayland residents’ generosity, the COA maintains a lending inventory of donated medical equipment, available free of charge.

The COA’s Outreach Coordinator, Maura Snyder, LCSW, can listen, offer guidance, and connect seniors with the right resources, whether it’s something the COA offers directly or a service elsewhere in the community. No question is too small, and no situation is too complicated.

These are just a few examples of what the COA offers. In addition to programming events, many more services and resources related to social security, caregiving, mental health, and legal clinics are available. Check out the COA website, call, or stop by. Chances are, they know just the right resource for what is needed.

Meghan Parpos is Communications & Community Relations Coordinator at the Wayland COA.