Welcome to the
Bedford Council on Aging
A Department of the Town of Bedford serving Bedford residents 60 and older, their families, and our multi-generational community
Located in the Town Center Building
12 Mudge Way, Bedford , MA 01730
781-275-6825 (-5673 fax)
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Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m.
• have a cup of coffee and chat in the Kitchen Table Room
• use computers, find resources, read a book in our Library
• take fitness classes including aerobics, weight strengthening, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, line dancing, and walking
• attend informational programs on health, legal, financial and other issues
• expand your horizons with art classes, humanities lectures, trips and many other educational, social, and recreational events!
• play pool, bridge, and other games in the Game Room
• learn about and arrange in-home care for yourself or family members
• call for transportation to medical appointments, to talk about concerns about yourself or a family member, or for help with other aging-related difficulties
• talk about your life challenges and interests with others who understand in support and discussion groups
• receive health services, including screenings, podiatry, flu shots, and more!
Those 60 and older are eligible for all services and activities; All Bedford residents are eligible for assistance with elder service coordination for themselves, their family members, or others; all may attend programs if space is available. All programs and services are offered free except for classes, trips, and some workshops.
Inclusion of a service provider in this Directory does not constitute an endorsement of that service provider by the Town of Bedford , the Bedford Council on Aging or the agents of either.
Books
Bedford Public Library
781-275-9440; bedfordlibrary.net
Library books, videos, tapes delivered to and retrieved from homebound Bedford residents.
Emergency Services
Bedford Fire Department
911 for emergencies or
781-275-7262
Emergency medical care and medication and oxygen delivery during storms.
Bedford Police Department
911 for emergencies or
781-275-1212
Assistance in crime and violence-related emergencies.
Emergency Information
Elder Watch Program
Bedford Fire Department
911 for emergencies or
781-275-7262
An opportunity for residents to provide information about medical needs for use by EMTs in an emergency.
File of Life
Bedford Council on Aging,
781-275-6825
Bedford Fire Department
911 for emergencies or
781-275-7262
An information sheet and holder for emergency medical personnel available at the Bedford Council on Aging or the Fire Department.
ESL and Other Services for Those Whose First Language Is Not English
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
English-as-a-Second Language Classes and other programs for all Bedford seniors.
Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
617-357-0226; Gbcgac.org
A variety of services. Call for eligibility.
Bedford Public Library
781-275-9440; www.bedfordlibrary.net/
A variety of materials in various languages.
Family Caregivers
Information and Referral
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Information and referral to local, statewide and national resources; classes.
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
Information and referral to resources, care advisement, assistance planning, caregiver training.
Bedford Public Library
781-275-9440; www.bedfordlibrary.net/
Information on resources.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Access to screened providers of discounted in-home services such as maintenance, plumbing, landscaping, in-home health care, housecleaning, etc. Membership fee.
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116; www.eldercare.gov
Referral to service agencies nationwide for elders and those with disabilities.
Respite Care
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
In-home care; Call for eligibility, costs.
Walden Rehabilitation
978-369-6889; www.Waldenrehab.com
Respite, short-term in-patient care; Call for eligibility, costs.
Billerica Crossings
978-667-0898; www.benchmarkquality.com/Communities/Billerica/index.asp
Respite, short term in-patient care; Call for eligibility, costs.
Atria Longmeadow Place
781-270-9008;
www.atriaseniorliving.com
Respite, short term in-patient care; Call for eligibility, costs.
Support Groups
Emerson Hospital
978-369-1400; www.Emersonhospital.org
Variety of support groups
Lahey Clinic
781-744-5100; www.Lahey.org
A variety of support groups
Cooperative Elder Services
781-863-1166; www.Elderdayservices.com
Caregiver support group
Financial Assistance
Money Management
Money Management Program
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
Assistance in paying bills and managing money, organizing bills, writing checks for client's signature, balancing checking account for those who meet income and age requirements.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
1-866-9347; www.creditcounseling.org
Counseling and other assistance to help reduce debt and learn money management.
Employment
Wiser Worker Program
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Job matching for Bedford residents 60+.
The Career Place
781-932-5500; TTY 781-932-5552;
www.careerplacejobs.com
Job placement assistance.
Food and Nutrition
The Bedford Café
Minuteman Senior Services
781-275-8542; www.Minutemansenior.org
Nutritious lunches served 3 days per week (M-W-F). $3 donation requested. All those 60 and over are eligible. Sign up at least three days in advance.
Meals on Wheels
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
Lunches and dinners delivered five days per week. $2 donation requested for lunches, $2 for cold dinners. Frozen dinners for weekends. Homebound and 60+ are eligible.
Bedford Community Table and Pantry, Inc.
781-275-7355
Groceries and a weekly supper at 5 p.m. on most Thursdays at the Town Center . The supper is not held in the summer. You must meet income requirements and be a Bedford resident for pantry; all may come to the supper.
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Department of Transitional Assistance
866-950-3663/Mass.gov/dta
Provides discount food coupons to those who meet eligibility requirements, including income limits.
Government Benefits
Health Insurance
Medicare
1-800-633-4227; www.Medicare.gov
Health coverage for in-patient and out-patient care for those who are 65 and meet eligibility requirements.
MassHealth/Medicaid
Mass Office of Health and Human Services
888-665-9993; www.Mass.gov/Masshealth
Health coverage for costs not paid by Medicare for those who meet income and other eligiblity requirements. Call MassHealth for an application or call for a SHINE appointment for assistance with application.
QMB/SLMB (Senior Buy-In)
Mass Office of Health and Human Services
888-665-9993; www.Mass.gov/Masshealth
QMB and SLMB programs pay Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles for those who meet eligiblity guidelines, including income guidelines. Call Masshealth for an application or make an appointment with SHINE for assistance in filling out application.
Financial Benefits
Fuel Assistance
Community Teamwork, Inc.
An annual cash benefit to help pay for heating fuel for those who meet income and other requirements. Those 60 and over may apply by making an appointment at the Council on Aging, 275-6825. Those who are younger than 60 should call Bedford Youth and Family Services at 781-275-7727.
Social Security
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213; www.Ssa.gov
Cash benefit to retirees who meet age and working qualifications.
Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213;
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/index.htm
Supplement to Social Security for Social Security recipients who meet income requirements.
Veterans and Military Retirees Benefits Assistance
Veterans Agent
781-275-1328
Help with veterans benefits and other issues, available Thursdays from 2 till 7 p.m. for unscheduled appointments and other days as necessary.
Retiree Activity Office
Hanscom AFB
781-377-2476; hanscom.af.mil/rao/index.asp
Help with military retiree benefits.
Health
Alzheimer's Disease
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177
www.Minutemansenior.org
Free in-home consultation and caregiver training for those who meet eligiblity requirements.
Alzheimer's Association
1-800-272-3900; www.Alzmass.org
Information and referral,other services.
Cooperative Elder Services
781-863-1166; www.Elderdayservices.com
On-site daytime care at area sites.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Access to screened providers of discounted in-home services such as maintenance, plumbing, landscaping, in-home health care, housecleaning, etc. Membership fee.
Complaints about Health Care and Coverage
MassPRO
1-800-252-5533; www.Masspro.org
Resolves complaints about inadequate hospital care, including early discharges for all Medicare beneficiaries. Call MassPRO immediately when you have a concern about a discharge or other Medicare coverage-related situation.
Medicare
1-800-633-4227; www.Medicare.gov
Questions/complaints about claims for all Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare Advocacy Project
Greater Boston Legal Services
1-800-323-3205; www.Gbls.org/map
Advice and legal representation to Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with Medicare coverage.
Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Quality
1 800-462-5540; www.State.ma.us/dph/dhcq
Resolves complaints about inadequate care and abuse in hospitals and nursing homes.
Dental Care
Middlesex Community College
781-280-3250; www.Middlesex.mass.edu/DHclinic
Low cost dental hygiene by supervised students in Lowell .
Services for Those with Disabilities
Massachusetts Office on Disability
800-322-2020; www.State.ma.us/mod
Information, technical assistance, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
1-800-882-1155;
1-800-530-7570 TTY;
www.Mass.gov/mcdhh
Case management, sign language classes & support groups.
Mass. Comm for the Blind
800-392-6450; www.Mass.gov/mcb
Variety of services for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Perkins School for the Blind
617-924-3434; www.Perkins.org
Variety of services for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
800-245-6543; www.State.ma.us/mrc
Vocational rehabilitation, ind ependent living, employment services, van and home modifications, home care assistance.
Fitness Programs
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825;
Aerobics, weight strengthening, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, line dancing classes for Bedford residents. A class fee is charged. Sign up at the COA.
Bedford Recreation Department
781-275-1392; www.Bedfordrecreation.org
Classes and sports, seasonal swim lessons and swimming for all Bedford residents. A class fee is charged. Sign up by calling the Recreation Dept.
Massachusetts Senior Games
413-748-3812; www.Maseniorgames.org
Athletic competition for all Massachusetts seniors. Call the Senior Games to sign up.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Fitness activities. Membership fee.
Hospice
Palliative Care Federation
1-800-962-2973; www.Hospicefed.org
Referrals to hospice programs.
Information
Bedford Council on Aging
Free brochures, pamphlets and flyers. Programs on various aspects of maintaining and enhancing health for all Bedford residents.
Emerson Hospital Library
978-287-3090; www.Emersonhospital.org
Health information, journals.
Insurance Coverage and Benefits
SHINE/Minuteman Senior Services, available at Bedford COA
Counseling on health care coverage and related benefits. Call the COA at 781-275-6825 for an appointment.
Drug Assistance Programs of various drug companies
Free or low-cost drugs to those who meet guidelines. Contact physician.
Medical Equipment Loan
Bedford Board of Health
781-275-6507
Loan of small durable medical equipment such as canes, walkers, commodes, and shower seats to Bedford residents.
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825;
Wheelchair loans for up to 3 months.
Health Services
Bedford Board of Health
781-275-6507
Free influenza and pneumococcal immunizations for Bedford residents. Medicare and/or HMO Insurance cards are needed for reimbursement (to the Town) purposes.
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825;
Basic foot care, health screenings.
Mental Health Services
Bedford Youth and Family Services
781-275-7727
Confidential individual, family and group counseling related to family life and adjustment issues for all Bedford residents. Resource and referral information about entitlement programs and other resources.
Eliot Community Mental Health Center
1-978-369-1113
www.Eliotchs.org
Services for adults and families: individual and family treatment, group therapy, support groups, medication
consultation.
AAD Counseling Center
781-275-2122; www.aadcounselingcenter.com
Mental health counseling.
Support Groups
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Discussion and information sharing on various topics for all Bedford residents 60+. Call COA to find out topics and when the groups will be held
Emerson Hospital
978-369-1400
www.Emersonhospital.org
A variety of support groups.
Lahey Clinic
781-744-5100; www.Lahey.org
A variety of support groups
Grief Services
Spousal Loss Support Group
Emerson Hospital
781-894-1100; www.Emersonhospital.org
Support group for all those who have recently lost a spouse or significant other.
Home Safety
Council on Aging, Board of Health, Fire Department, Police Department
Home visits to make safety recommendations regarding fire, crime, and injury prevention. From fire department, assistance maintaining smoke detectors. Call Council on Aging at 781-275-6825 to set up.
Housing
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825;
Information about housing options.
Bedford Housing Authority
781-275-2428; www.Bedfordhousing.org
Subsidized housing for the those who meet age/income requirements. Call to receive an application or download from the website.
Carleton-Willard Homes
275-8700; www.Carleton-Willard.org
A Continuing Care Retirement Community with independent living, assisted living and nursing care. Call for an application or a tour.
In-Home Care
Home Health Care
Metropolitan Home Health Services
781-643-9115
Home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, overnight care, skilled services - RN, PT, OT.
LivHome
617-527-1663; www.livhome.com
A variety of home care services
Minute Women, Inc
781-862-3300; www.Minutewomeninc.com
Referral and placement for home health aides,homemakers,companions,
cleaning, child care.
VNCH (Visiting Nurse and Community Health)
781-643-6090, ext. 1308
www.Thevisitingnurses.com
Skilled nursing, PT, OT, ST, MSW, home health aides, case management, nutrition, homemaker.
Emerson Hospital Home Care
978-287-8300; www.Emersonhospital.org/support/home_care/
Skilled nursing, PT, OT, SP, MSW, Psych. Nursing, home health aids, disease management programs.
Right at Home
781-275-1400; www.bostonnorthwest.rightathome.net
Home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, overnight care, skilled services - RN, PT, OT.
Mommies on the Move
978-663-6667
www.mommiesonthemove.com
House cleaning, organization, errands
Elder Day Care
Cooperative Elder Services
781-863-1166; www.Elderdayservices.com
Supervision by R.N.s; social/recreational activities; specialized services for Alzheimer clients; respite; transportation; hot lunch. There are a number of sites in area locations.
Information and Referral/Evaluation, Service Arranging and Coordination
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Information and referral to local, statewide and national resources to Bedford residents and Bedford residents who are caregivers of elders who may or may not live out of state. Assistance in finding and arranging in-home services.
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
Free information and referral to local, statewide and national resources, will do home visit and consultation. Free case management to those who meet income and age requirements. Private pay case management is available to those over income.
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116; www.Eldercare.gov
Referral to service agencies nationwide for elders and those with disabilities.
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
1-800-243-4636; www.800AGEINFO.com
Statewide information and referral for elder services on a wide range of home care services.
Bedford Board of Health
781-275-6507
In-home health assessments, evaluation, information and referral, emotional support and reassurance, and other nursing services (non-hands-on) for Bedford residents.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Access to screened providers of discounted in-home services such as maintenance, plumbing, landscaping, in-home health care, housecleaning, etc. Membership fee.
Legal Assistance
Information
Bedford Council on Aging
Resource Library
781-275-6825
Free brochures, pamphlets and flyers; free loan of books and videos on health, financial, legal, housing and other issues. Call before coming to ensure that the Library will not be in use.
Bedford Council on Aging educational programs
781-275-6825
Presenters on health, financial, and legal issues. Watch for programs in the COA newsletter or newspapers.
Legal Services
Bedford Council on Aging legal counseling
781-275-6825
Answers to basic legal questions by a volunteer attorney by appointment.
Greater Boston Legal Services
617-371-1234; 617-603-2700; www.gbls.org/elderly/index.htm
Legal services on housing, guardianship, benefits, and other issues for those who are eligible.
Nursing Home Services
Information and Referral
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Information and referral about local facilities and choosing a nursing home.
Aging Information Center
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177;
www.Minutemansenior.org
Information and referral to local, statewide and national resources for all.
Free pre-admission Screening for Medicaid recipients or applicants and private pay screening for others.
Advocacy for Hospital Patients and Nursing Home Residents
Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Quality
1 800-462-5540; www.State.ma.us/dph/dhcq
Resolves complaints about inadequate care and abuse in hospitals and nursing homes.
Eliot Community Health Services Ombuds Program
781-861-0896; www.Eliotchs.org
Advocacy for nursing home residents and families who have complaints or concerns about the facility and to have their complaints addressed.
Repairs and Odd Jobs
Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging Fix It Shop
781-275-6825
Repair of clocks, watches, lamps, and a variety of items for the cost of parts and, sometimes, a minimal charge for labor. Donations welcome. Tues/Weds. 9 a.m. - noon. Closed in the summer.
Bedford Youth and Family Services
781-275-7727
Matching of Bedford youth to residents needing assistance with odd jobs, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, babysitting, and other chores.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Access to screened providers of discounted in-home services such as maintenance, plumbing, landscaping, in-home health care, housecleaning, etc. Membership fee.
Social and Recreational Programs
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825;
Social events, trips, classes, groups
Friends of the Bedford CO A
781-275-6825
Social events, trips, volunteer opportunities for members. The fee is $3 for single or $5 for a family.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Social and recreational events. Membership fee.
Elderhostel
800-454-5768; www.Elderhostel.org
Trips for those 55 and older.
Bedford Recreation Department
781-275-1392; www.Bedfordrecreation.org
A variety of activities including mystery walks and classes on arts and crafts, music, gardening, financial issues and much more! A fee is charged. Sign up by calling the Recreation Department.
Bedford Public Library
781-275-9440; www.bedfordlibrary.net/
Movies, lectures, and other programs.
MILES
Middlesex Community College
800-818-3434;
http://www.middlesex.mass.edu/CareerTraining/Miles%20info.htm
A program offering college-level courses to seniors taught by volunteers on a wide variety of subjects. Fee.
Security
Bedford Police Department
781-275-1212
Well-being checks, security checks of home, extra patrols when homeowner away; assistance with concerns about crime prevention, traffic, etc. Go to station to set up checks of homes while away; Call Police for well being checks and other immediate concerns. Call Officer Kristen Dineen at 781-275-1212 for concerns and questions.
Transportation
General Destinations
Bedford Local Transit
781-275-2255
Wheelchair accessible van door-to-door within Bedford and to destinations via fixed route. A fee is charged (discounted card available). Call 781-275-6825 for info.Partially funded by MBTA.
THE RIDE from the MBTA
1-800-533-6282; www.Mbta.com
Wheelchair-accessible rides for those with disabilities who qualify. Purchase of tickets required at nominal fee. Call COA or MBTA for an application.
MBTA Bus
617-222-3200; TTY 617-222-5146
www.Mbta.com
Bus service between Bedford , Lexington , Arlington , and Alewife.
SCM Community Transportation
617-625-1191; Scmtransportation.org
Wheelchair accessible transportation to medical appointments. A fee is charged.
Alter-Ride Van Service
978-758-9490; www.Alter-ride.com
Wheelchair accessible. A fee is charged. Call to arrange rides.
To Medical Appts. (non-ambulance)
Bedford Council on Aging
781-275-6825
Some rides are in taxis funded by Carleton-Willard Village , others by volunteers. Bedford residents 60+ who have no other means of transportation and who are able to enter and leave vehicle unassisted are eligibile.
American Cancer Society
781-894-6633, x. 2631; www.Cancer.org
Offers rides by volunteers to cancer treatment centers. Call the ACS.
Ride-Right
978-534-6696
Wheelchair accessible transportation to medical appointments. Fee is charged.
Trinity Ambulance/Chair Car
978-441-9999
Wheelchair accessible transportation to medical appointments. A fee is charged; accepts Medicare and Medicaid.
Carleton-Willard At Home
781-276-1910; www.cwathome.org
Access to screened providers of discounted in-home services such as maintenance, plumbing, landscaping, in-home health care, housecleaning, etc.. Membership fee.
Violence and Abuse Prevention and Response
Protective Services Program
Minuteman Senior Services
888-222-6171; 781-272-7177 (after business hours, call 800-922-2275)
www.Minutemansenior.org/protect.html
Comprehensive Services for elders living at home who are self-neglectful and those who are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited by family, caregivers, or others.
Bedford Police Department
911 in emergencies, or 781-275-1212 for non-emergencies; Bedfordpd.org
Assistance in situations involving violence and abuse. Officer Kristen Dineen is the Senior Liaison Officer and can be reached at 781-275-1212.
Reach
781-891-0724 (main number during business hours)
800-899-4000 (hotline, always open)
www.Reachma.org
Support group, help with police and court procedures, and emergency shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Program (DVVAP)
888-399-6111; www.dvvap.org
Assistance to families with domestic violence issues
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