Services and Programs

DROP-IN CENTER –

The Senior Center is open Monday-Friday, from 8:30-4:00. Feel free to drop in any time to chat with friends, to read a book or newspaper, to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or refreshment, or simply to just check us out and see what’s happening here! Everyone is welcome.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL –

Need to find out about available property tax programs? How about a list of local home care agencies? Perhaps you want to know about various prescription drug plans, available health care plans for seniors, or housing options available in the local area? Whatever the topic, if it is a service or program for seniors, we have the information you’re looking for; or else we’ll know where to look for the answers or who to refer you to so that you may get the answers yourself! We have lots of printed resources on hand, and know where to look for resources we don’t have. Let us be your first stop when looking for the information you need!

OUTREACH & COUNSELING –

The Council on Aging is here to serve Rochester Seniors, age 59 and over, and their families and/or caregivers. Currently, the seniors comprise almost 25% of the Town’s population. The Council on Aging is a department within the Town of Rochester government, and we are here to serve you as a result of the taxes you pay to this Town. Please use us! Our goal is to know each one of our seniors. Our challenge is two-fold: to seek out those who are isolated in their homes, either by social or physical limitations, and or to attract/draw those newly retired seniors and the oncoming baby boomers who are reluctant to participate and identify with the Senior Citizen stage of life! To that end, our outreach efforts may involve 1-1 friendly visiting, clinical counseling when necessary, participation in support groups, and a fair amount of marketing efforts by way of community presentations, agency networking, public visibility and presence, and/or contact through newsletter mailings.

TRANSPORTATION –

The Council on Aging operates three vans, one of which is lift-equipped and handicapped accessible. We provide daily transportation for Rochester Seniors to and from the Senior Center and home, for medical appointments in the local area, for grocery shopping, and errand shopping, as well as weekly social trips. Call the Senior Center for a complete schedule of Transportation Opportunities, and/or to sign up at least a day in advance for your trip. We try to accommodate everyone! Our priority is for Seniors who no longer are able to drive, and for anyone who is a disabled non-senior. This service is free, but donations are gratefully appreciated!

HOT – MEAL 3 X WEEK –

Thanks to Coastline Elderly Services, our local ASAP/Homecare, the Rochester Senior Center offers a hot noon day meal on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays each week. Advance registration by noon of the following day is necessary in order to receive a meal. A suggested donation is $2.00. The menu is printed monthly in our newsletter, and is available at the Senior Center as well. Why not come for a nutritious meal, socialize with friends, and maybe check out some of the programs scheduled that day. We’d love to have you!

DAY TRIPS –

The Council on Aging offers a day of fun shopping each Monday to a different shopping area each week. Sign up in advance, if you’d like to join us. Come for coffee and refreshment at the Senior Center before the trip leaves for the day. At least once a month, an additional day trip is planned to a special destination, such as to a museum, or special attraction site. Trip suggestions are always welcome!
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EXERCISE PROGRAMS –

Need to stay in shape? Want to take off a few pounds? Find the need to better your balance? Not to worry! Sign up for one of our exercise classes here at the Senior Center. There is something for everyone, and we are continuing to expand our offerings. Stepping and Stretching, Lite Aerobics, Weight Resistance Training, Yoga, T’ai Chi, etc….. Check our monthly newsletter to sign up for whatever interests you! Feel free to suggest and/or recommend new ideas and potential leaders, if you know of anyone!

WELLNESS CLINICS –

The Council on Aging sponsors routine blood pressure clinics at the Senior Center, courtesy of the Community Nurses, and the Health Science students from the Old Colony Vocational School. Occasionally, scheduled flu shot, pneumonia shot, hearing, vision, podiatry, and glucose screening clinics are also held. An annual Wellness Fair is held at the Senior Center, which offers many available resources to Seniors from the local area.

FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM –

Trained Friendly Visitor volunteers are matched up with homebound and/or isolated Rochester seniors for weekly social visits and conversation. The Program is operated by the Council on Aging. New volunteers are always welcome, and new client participants are quickly matched up with a volunteer. Call our Outreach Worker at the Senior Center for moré information, or to sign up for a visit or to be a visitor.

SHOPPING –

Transportation for grocery shopping is provided on Wednesday to Shaw’s and/or Stop & Shop in Fairhaven. Efforts are underway to expand the options to Trucchi’s and Hanniford. Call in advance to reserve your spot on the bus. Volunteers are also needed to assist seniors in the store with the shopping, and also with the carrying of the packages from the van to the house. If interested in volunteering, please call the Senior Center. Regular non-grocery shopping trips are made on Mondays to a different shopping area each week. You must make an advance reservation to save your seat. On the first Friday of every month, a prescription run is also made to CVS and Brooks in Fairhaven, as well as to Walmart for general shopping. Let us know if there is an area you’d like to shop at! We travel all over, and generally will stop for lunch at a restaurant nearby to our destination. Please join us!