Franklin (MA) Senior Center - May 2014 (updated)
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The Franklin Senior Center aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by identifying their needs and creating relevant programs, advocating for services, and serving as a community resource. It offers a variety of programs including health, wellness, nutrition, caregiver support, and social services, with an active participation of 1,200 individuals and daily visits averaging 130. The center also fosters intergenerational connections and volunteerism, contributing to the well-being and engagement of the senior population.
Franklin (MA) Senior Center - May 2014 (updated)
- 1. Independence, Information & Connection FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER
- 2. MISSION STATEMENT To enhance the quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by: • Identifying their needs and creating programs that meet those needs. • Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well- being. • Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community. • Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and federal resources for older adults and their families.
- 3. DEMOGRAPHICS • There are 5,461 residents 60 years of age & over in Franklin per the town’s 2013 census. • The UMass Gerontology Institute projects an increase to 6,667 elderly residents in Franklin by 2020 and 9,217 by 2030 (27% of the population). • The average number of visitors to the Senior Center per day is 130. • There are 1,200 active participants at the Center.
- 5. PARTICIPANTS 50’s 1% 60’s 21% 70’s 46% 80’s 31% 90+ 1% AGE DISTRIBUTION
- 6. WE OFFER… • Nutrition Program • Health & Wellness • Caregiver Support • Social Service Coordination • Socialization & Recreation • Education • Volunteer & Intergenerational opportunities • Tax Work Off Program • Amenities
- 7. NUTRITION • Affordable, healthy breakfast & lunch daily • Monthly social events • Enhances social interaction • Often the only freshly prepared meal of the day • FYI: A University of Montreal study found a correlation between food intake and social interaction. Seniors who live alone often say that it is “just too much trouble” to fix a nutritious meal for one, and they may skip meals or get in the habit of snacking on junk food. (McKenzie, Kergoat, Ferland, 2009)
- 9. HEALTH & WELLNESS • Health Clinics: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Podiatry, Flu Vaccinations, and Vision & Hearing screenings. • Evidence-based programs: Developed through rigorous research, EBP’s provide clear physical, psychological, and social benefits with measurable outcomes, e.g, reducing doctors visits and hospitalizations. • Fall Prevention: Evidence-based seminars, Gait Assessments, Fall Risk Assessments, Medication Management & Home Safety evaluations. • Fitness: Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chair Exercise, Walking Club, Bocce, Line Dancing, Chair Volleyball, Reiki, Reflexology & Meditation. • Support: Eye Health, Weight Loss, Caregivers Support Groups, individual consultations & Senior Expo.
- 10. HEALTH & WELLNESS STATS
- 11. CAREGIVER SUPPORT FYI: AARP reports that 42% of U.S. employees have cared for an older relative or friend in the last five years, and 19% of retirees stopped working to provide elder care. • Supportive Day Program, “The Sunshine Club” offers a structured, stimulating environment for frail elders • Companion Caregivers, in-home respite • Caregivers Support Group meets biweekly • Powerful Tools for Caregivers; evidence based prog. • CareGiving Metrowest: www.caregivingmetrowest.org http://blog.aarp.org/2012/10/24/21lly-abrahms-working-caregivers/
- 13. SOCIAL SERVICES • Legal Clinic with Elder Law Attorney (54 clients) • Tax assistance – AARP & Circuit Breaker ($58K) • SHINE – Serving the Health Information Needs of the Elderly (149 clients) • Social Service Coordinator – Provides assistance with housing, employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Mass Health, Supplemental Security Insurance, etc.
- 14. SOCIAL SERVICE STATS: Nov’13 – Apr’14 Home Office Phone Total >60 residents 15 32 33 80 >60 interactions 23 58 75 156 <60 residents 4 11 13 28 <60 interactions 8 24 52 84
- 15. SOCIALIZATION • The Center offers many opportunities for socialization including our Café, social events, recreation, fitness, and learning activities. FYI: A recent study found that “Social contact may be as effective as physical activity in improving mood and quality of life” and that “Social participation and support networks are paramount to long-term positive outcomes and psychological well-being for older people.” (Kerse, Hayman, Moyes, Peri & Robinson, 2010)
- 16. RECREATION • Day Trips • Cards & board games • Arts & Crafts • Social Events • Brain Games • Movies • Chorale Group, The Silvertones
- 17. EDUCATION • Computer, Tablet & Phone Instruction • Italian Conversation Group • Current Events Discussion Group • Lecture Series with Dean College & others • Arts & Crafts Instruction • Writers Group – Senior Scribblers • Book Discussion Group • Smart Driver Classes
- 18. VOLUNTEERS • Last year, 144 dedicated volunteers contributed 11,190 hours of service to the Senior Center. • Volunteers are a critical component of running our Café, Gift Shop & much of our social and recreational programming. • Volunteering reduces social isolation. FYI: Research found that volunteers report greater life satisfaction and better physical health than non-volunteers, and their life satisfaction and physical health improves at a greater rate as a result of volunteering. (Van Willigen, 2000) http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/07_0506_hbr.pdf?tbl_pr_id=687
- 19. INTERGENERATIONAL • Charter School helps our Friends group send gift cards to homebound elders. • Vocational School’s Health Services freshmen come to the Center for 2 months training. • Horace Mann students visit & participate. • Seniors work with Parmenter School’s “Book Buddies” • FHS National Honor Society Spring Fling. • Xavarian & FHS students intern each year. • ECDC students visit our the Sunshine Club. • Last year, 60 students volunteered 1,130 hours at the Senior Center.
- 20. TAX WORK OFF PROGRAM 2011 2012 2013 Workers 88 93 93 Hours completed 7,159 8,469 8,495 Total Credit $57,272 $67,752 $67,960 • Homeowners 60 and older receive a credit up to $800 off their annual real estate taxes by working 100 hours in various town departments at the minimum wage. • Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis as there are a limited number of slots for the program (95).
- 21. AMENITIES • Hairdresser/Barber/Manicures • “Ben’s Bounty” Gift Shop • Free Medical Equipment & Supply Loans • Fitness Equipment • Franklin Connection Newsletter • “Senior Circle” Cable Program • Recycling – Batteries & Light bulbs
- 22. ADVOCACY The Council on Aging has observed a significant need for the following services: • Affordable, Accessible Housing • Transportation (evenings & weekends) • Tax Relief
- 23. OUTCOMES Research by the National Council on Aging found that, “Older adults who participate in Senior Center programs experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being.” http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/FactSheet_SeniorCenters.pdf