Elderly Services

These are links to areas of interest on this page.

Senior Protection Officers
9-1-1 Disability Indicators Form
T.R.I.A.D. Program
Elderly Protective Services
Council on Aging
Fuel Assistance
Discount Utilities
Winter Survival Safety Tips
Are you OK Program
Links for Seniors
AARP
Money Management Program

The Brockton Police Department currently has 1 full time
Elderly Services Officer:

Off. Tom Donahue working the 4pm - 12am Shift 

and 1 part time Elderly Services Officer:    

Off. Al Gazerro working the 8am - 4pm Shift

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T.R.I.A.D. Program

      The Brockton Police Dept. participates in the local T.R.I.A.D.
      Program, working in Cooperation with the Brockton Council On Aging
      And the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office.
      T.R.I.A.D. is a cooperative effort between elders in the community,
      the Council on Aging, the Sheriff's Department, police, fire, business
      leaders and community service providers. The TRIAD program works |
      to prevent victimization of elders and helps increase their awareness of
      support services that are offered in the community.
      You can find more info about T.R.I.A.D. and other programs offered by
      the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office at their website. www.pcsdma.org

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Elder Protective Services Hotline 
1-800-922-2275

BROCKTON COUNCIL ON AGING
10 FATHER KENNY WAY
BROCKTON, MA. 02301
FY 2001
PHONE: 508-580-7811 
FAX: 508-580-1674

 Brockton Council On Aging

The Brockton Council On Aging, a branch of city government, is mandated to assess the needs and provide services to seniors age 60 and over and strives to improve their quality of life. The Council On Aging offers through its staff and volunteers easy access to an array of age-specific programs, socialization opportunities, support, advocacy and companionship.

The Brockton Council On Aging continues to afford senior citizens the opportunity to enjoy new programs, take trips, attend luncheons and enjoy wonderful holiday dinners at our senior center.

Our agency provides social and recreational programs as well as support services including but not limited to the following:

Seniors also have the opportunity to Participate in city-wide, community based activities such as Annual Harvest Festival, public school reading competition "Million Minute Read", Bake Sales, Annual Christmas Parade, etc. involving them with children and young adults.

The Center has provided nearly 3,000 individuals with an array of services and opportunities for personal growth, affirming the dignity and potential of older persons. The Center's program focuses on and evokes positive images of aging and self-help. The goal - - enabling seniors to enjoy a fuller, richer life

Our existing center is located at the geographic center of the City of Brockton, an area including more than 90,000 residents, 16,000 over the age of 60. In the very near future, the Center will move to a larger facility which will also be located in the Center of the City at Main and Father Kenney Way, for easy access as the number of members continues to grow.

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WINTER SURVIVAL . . . AT HOME

The following Information is being provided by the

City of Brockton Emergency Management Agency

City Hall 45 School Street • Brockton, MA 02301 (508)580-7123

 Morton Y . Schleffer Director

Jack E. Card Deputy Director

The winter season is a time of anxiety for many people who are concerned about home and family. This publication will help you survive and handle most emergencies during severe winter storms.

It is important that every citizen know the precautionary measures to take for winter survival. Individual preparedness is the key to your own survival, and that of others.

In time of emergency, your local Emergency Management organization (Police, Fire Department. Public Works, etc.) is the coordinating force to effect recovery. Its success depends upon your cooperation.

EMERGENCY KIT

1. Keep phone numbers you can dial for help.  (Police, Fire Department, local Emergency Management, hospital, etc.)

2. Food not requiring cooking or refrigeration

3. Battery powered radio for emergency  information. Store spare    batteries.

4. Flashlight and extra batteries, matches and  candles.

5. First aid supplies and extra medicines.

6. Extra blankets or sleeping bags

7. Fire fighting equipment; extinguishers, sand or baking soda.

PLAN FOR THE POWER OUTAGE

1. Check fuses. Keep spare fuses

2. Call utility company.

3. Turn off most light switches and unplug appliances

4. Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed

AT HOME

1.   Plan for emergency heating equipment to keep at least one room warm; such as a fireplace or a wood stove

Remember to provide for proper ventilation

IF YOU ARE WITHOUT HEAT

1. First step is to call for help - your furnace service company or landlord.

2. Collect drinking water and open faucets to a slow drip to prevent freezing.

3. Close off unneeded rooms, and use alternate heat source.

4. Dress warmly in layers of clothing rather than single. thick layer. Wool clothing next to skin is the warmest.

WINTER SURVIVAL ... OUTDOORS

Remember, people who venture outdoors in low temperatures and strong winds tire easily and become more susceptible to frostbite. A strong wind combined with above freezing temperatures has the same effect as still air 50 degrees lower. For example:

WIND CHILLS

                                     15 MPH Wind        30 MPH Wind        40 MPH Wind
 Temperature              Temp. Equals           Temp. Equals        Temp. Equals      
      30°F                              11°F                           -2°F                         -4°F              
      10°F                             -18°F                          -33°F                       -36°F           
     -10°F                             -45°F                         -63°F                       -69°F  

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Check weather information on radio frequently

2. Avoid overexertion - cold weather itself puts an added strain on the heart.

3. Dress warmly in loose fitting, layered wool clothing

4. Watch for frostbite, re-warm affected areas.

5. Avoid alcoholic beverages

6. Keep yourself and your clothing dry

OVEREXPOSURE

1. Get victim into dry clothing and a warm bed with mild heat source: water bottle, heating pad or warm towels

2. Concentrate heat on trunk of the body, keeping head low and feet high.

3. Give victim warm drinks - never alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers or pain relievers.

4. Keep victim quiet - do not massage or rub.

WINTER DRIVING

1. Keep your car in top operating condition. especially in winter. Check all fluids, tires, exhaust system, brakes, battery etc.

2. Plan a winter storm kit for your car: matches and candles, extra clothes, blanket, first aid kit flashlight, sand, shovel, tools, booster cables, canned nuts and fruits, etc..

NOTE: improvise, substitute a hub cap or visor for a shovel

EMERGENCY TRAVEL

1. Plan trip - select primary and secondary routes. Seek local police advice.

2. Travel with 2 or 3 people in the car.

3. Travel in company with another car

4. Always keep gas tank filled, especially in winter before entering open country.

5. If storm seems to much to handle, seek refuge.

TRAPPED IN A CAR

1. Do not panic.

2. Stay in the car. Do not attempt to walk in a blizzard.

3. Avoid overexertion and exposure from shoveling or pushing auto.

4. Keep a downwind window slightly open for fresh air.

5. Beware of carbon monoxide. Run engine and heater sparingly. Check exhaust pipe for blockade.

6. Exercise by clapping hands and moving around. Do not remain in one position for long.

7. Take turns keeping watch. Do not all sleep at the same time.

8. Turn on dome light at night as a signal to work crews.

YOU HAVE NO HEAT?

For help with heat, here are a few number to keep handy:

For Fuel Assistance:

Self Help Inc. Fuel Assistance Program (508) 588-5440

Citizens Energy Corp Fuel Program (Oil Heat)                                   
 1-877-JOE-4 OIL   1-877-563-4645

Salvation Army-Good Neighbor Fuel Fund (508) 583-1896

HELPLINE (508) 584-HELP (4357) This is one number you can call when you don't know who to call.

Note: Some of these programs require an application and your level of assistance may be based on you level of income. Income standards vary from program to program so don't be intimidated or ashamed to apply, the help you need to get through this winter may be there for you. Most programs require the following from you: last 4 pay stubs (or 2 if paid bi-weekly), Copy of S.S.I. or pension check, Social Security numbers for everyone in household, anyone 18 years of age or older must show proof of income (unless they are a student), and recent utility bills for the residence.

Remember, the Utility Companies have a moratorium from November 15th to April 18th where they will not shut you off or terminate your services unless you had made prior payment arrangements with them and fail to pay them.

The following information provided compliments of

BAMSI Helpline
     47 West Elm St, Brockton, MA 02301 (508) 584-4357

Utility Discounts

Many utility companies offer utility discounts for eligible customers. To be eligible, the household must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Food Stamps
• S.S.I. (Supplemental Security Income)
• T.A.F.D.C. (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children)
• E.A.E.D.C. (Emergency Assistance to Elders, Disabled and Children)
• Medicaid/Mass Health
• Veteran’s Benefits Fuel Assistance
• Mass Comm. Blind Benefits
• Head Start
• National School Lunch Program
• Public Housing
• School Breakfast Program

Eligible customers should contact their local utilities and ask about the utility discount program. Some of the utilities offering discounted rates are:

• Bay State Gas/Northern Utilities       1-800-882-5454
• NStar Electric & Gas                          1-800 592-2000
• Massachusetts Electric                     1-800-286-2000

• Verizon                                           1-800-870-9999
       Offers a telephone discount on the lowest local service
          available
       Lowest Local Service after the discount is approximately
          $7.35 per month
       Installation fees are offered at a discounted cost of
          $6.75 per line

• AT&T                                               1-800-222-0300
      Offers a telephone discount
      Lowest local service after discount is approximately
          $7.00 per month

• Comcast                                          1-888-633-4266
       Offers a telephone discount
       Lowest Local Service after the discount is approximately
           $7.00 per month
       Available in Brockton except in apartment buildings with
           more than 20 units

RE$OURCE$ TO $TRETCH YOUR DOLLAR$

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Calling the Police For Help

Remember, 911 is for Emergencies only.

The Brockton Police Non-Emergency number is (508)941-0200

Cellular Phone Users: It is important to know where you are when calling 911 on a cellular phone. Unlike your home of business phone which shows your location to the police when you dial 911, a cellular phone does not. You must know where you are to tell the police. At least know the route number of the highway your on, and possibly what direction you are traveling. In the city, know what street your on. Be as accurate as possible.

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ARE YOU OK? PROGRAM

The "Are You OK?" program is offered to all senior citizens and disabled residents of Plymouth County. 

The Program consists of a computer generated telephone call from the Sheriffs department to persons enrolled in the program. The call is made every day, 365 days a year, at the exact time of day each day to that person to check on their well being. To see if they are OK or if they need help.

The program has already been instrumental in saving many lives in Plymouth County and is working in areas all over the U.S.

For more information or to enroll in the program, call Sgt.  Joe Roycroft at 1-800-622-4300 ext. 256

You can find out more information about the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department here: Plymouth County Sheriff

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MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

      This is an AARP program and is run by the Old Colony Elderly
      Services Inc.
      The program offers money management services to help low income
      older or disabled persons who have difficulty budgeting, paying routine
      bills and keeping track of financial matters.
      The goal of the program is to prolong independent living for people who
      are at risk of losing their independence due to an inability to manage their
      financial affairs.
      The program uses volunteer bill payers to help keep track of the elders
      check book and bills.
      The program is always looking for volunteers. If you are able and would
      like to volunteer you can call the program at (800) 242-0246

_____________________________________________________

Links For Seniors

Social Security Administration Web Site
      Provides Retirement Calculators, Medicare Information, Disability and
      Survivor Benefit  Info, and more...

Administration on Aging
      Contains topics on: long term care, elder abuse and more...

Elder Net
      A seniors' guide to health, housing, legal, financial, retirement, lifestyles,
      news and entertainment information on the World Wide Web.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
      (Used to be the  Healthcare Financial Administration)
      The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a Federal agency within
       the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Programs for which CMS is
       responsible include Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance
       Program (SCHIP), HIPAA, and CLIA. To learn more about CMS, visit About CMS.

National Center For Elder Abuse
      The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a national resource for elder rights,
      law enforcement and legal professionals, public policy leaders, researchers, and the
      public. The Center’s mission is to promote understanding, knowledge sharing, and
      action on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

AARP
     What Is the Mission of AARP? AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership
       organization for people age 50 and over. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality
       of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to
       members through information, advocacy and service. AARP also provides a wide
       range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members.

AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program
      AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom driver
        refresher course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older. It is intended
        to help older drivers improve their skills while teaching them to avoid accidents
        and traffic violations.

AARP Tele-Marketing Fraud Info
      Contains details of scams and fraud alerts of interest to Seniors

Alzheimer's Association
      The Alzheimer’s Association, a national network of chapters, is the largest national
      voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing Alzheimer's research and
      helping those affected by the disease. Having awarded nearly $140 million in
      research grants, the Association ranks as the top private funder of research into
      the causes, treatments, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The Association
      also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition,
      their families, and caregivers.

Widow Net
      an information and self-help resource for, and by, widows and widowers.
      Topics covered include grief, bereavement, recovery, and other information
      helpful to people, of all ages, religious backgrounds and sexual orientations,
      who have suffered the death of a spouse or life partner.

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Some of the information on this page was found in the
11/03/2000 edition of The Enterprise Newspaper