The Council on Aging is a department of municipal government that strives to serve the senior population of Northfield , age 60 and over, or families with senior issues. It is overseen by a director appointed by the town and an advisory board comprised of a minimum of seven, voluntary members from the community who are appointed to three year terms. The Council on Aging board has also welcomed two new board members, Genevieve Clark and John Blazejewski, both of Northfield . Suzanne Sweeney, of Northfield , has been director since Sept. 2005.

The Council on Aging board and the director meet monthly to identify, evaluate and update senior programs and services in Northfield . They work in cooperation with the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging to provide services as mandated in the Older Americans Act of 1965, in addition to other state and federally legislated programs, and community based social events and activities.

We work with area agencies such as Franklin County Home Care Corporation, the Community Health Center of Franklin County, Franklin Community Action Corporation and FRTA who help us to provide transportation, services, information, referrals, programs and assistance to seniors, or families with senior issues.

Services include but are not limited to:

Information, education and referral regarding healthcare, insurance, fuel assistance, legal and financial management, transportation, outreach, congregate and home delivery of meals, podiatry, blood pressure screenings, health clinics, exercise classes, group social activities and outings.

Figures from the 2005 town census report Northfield has 641 people over the age of 60, and another 570 that are in the 50-59 year old category. Combined, these two age groups together equal over one third of Northfield ’s total population.

This year the Council on Aging has been proactive in highlighting the resources necessary for seniors to stay in their homes. Rising costs in healthcare and recessional hikes in fuel and heating costs have made this a greater issue than ever for seniors. We started educating and advocating early. As a result, we have not any emergency assistance requests for heating this year.

Below are some figures showing growth comparing calendar years 2006 and 2007:

• Outreach calls and mailings have increased 136%
• Meals on Wheels 6% decrease.
• Brown Bag program, income eligible food program sponsored by the Food Bank of W. MA : 12% increase in participation.
• Number of special programs offered at the Senior Center increased by 26%
• The number of average participants attending special programs increased by 39%
• Exercise program participation increased by 86%
• The number of volunteers increased by 11%
• Emergency heating assistance decreased by 100%
• 2007 Fuel assistance intakes increased by 150%

We eliminated calls for emergency heating assistance. 2006 had one regular fuel assistance intake and two requests for emergency heating cost help.

In summary, the Senior Center has increased its programming, average number of participants, and advocacy. We have advocated for the safety of seniors in our community that have been in need and utilized services to meet those healthcare and living needs in conjunction with other aging agencies in the area.

We continue to demonstrate the ever present need for an independent Senior Center where space to indulge in their growing interests and a sense of ownership will attract the growing sub-sets of  seniors in our community.  

For more information on specific services or contact information please call or go to the website at http://www.northfield.ma.us.

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne Sweeney

Director