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Programs & Services
Caregiver Support Grant
This grant is administered by the South Hadley Senior Center. If you need respite services for a loved one diagnosed with memory loss, dementia ,or Alzheimer's Disease, please consider applying for this grant. The grant provides financial assistance up to $500. per calendar year for paid, in-home, or in a facility, respite support to families in South Hadley who are caring for an older adult who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Please call the Center at (413) 538 - 5030 for information. This grant is made possible by donations from South Hadley citizens, local businesses, the Koske Family, and from the Cares Act from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. A partnership between the South Hadley Council on Aging and WestMass ElderCare.
Council on Aging “Stay Well” Wellness Scholarship
This grant is administered by The South Hadley Senior Center. Start the New Year off in a Healthy Way! Stay Well “wellness grants” are available to low- and moderate income South Hadley seniors. Interested individuals need to speak to Ann Andras in the Senior Center to fll out a simple means-test form. A maximum of $150 yearly can be used to cover the cost of any exercise classes.
South Hadley Council on Aging’s Lifelong Learning Lecture Series
The South Hadley Council on Aging’s Lifelong Learning Lecture Series was developed with a vision for an affordable, accessible, inclusive, collaborative community-based Lifelong Learning Program to serve South Hadley seniors aged 60 and over.
Working with Mount Holyoke College, the Senior Center has access to a variety of wide-ranging topics and interests. As for qualified speakers, Mount Holyoke College is able to draw from the Mount Holyoke College community, which includes active professors, retired professors and professors from the Five College Consortium that Mount Holyoke is part of, but could also include undergraduate and graduate alumni.
The lectures are held monthly at the Senior Center and are free to the public. The South Hadley Senior Center is grateful to the South Hadley Council on Aging Travel Club for sponsoring the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. The Senior Center asks for a suggested donation of $10 to $15 per lecture, made payable to the Senior Center Activity Fund.
Lifelong learning is the "ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. It is important for an individual's competitiveness and employability, but also enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development.
“I’m still learning.” ~ Michaelangelo at 87
Tech Time With Sandy
In December Sandy will be at the COA on Wednesdays. Please call or visit The Welcome Desk to make an appointment.
Sandy our technology wizard can answer your questions. Examples of things she can help with include setting up your iPhone, iPad, tablet, or laptop. She can also help you with accessibility features, Bluetooth connections, or an Alexa! Call the COA to make an appointment with Sandy!
Recreational Activities
- Billiards
- Bingo
- Book Club
- Cards
- Circuit Training
- Cornhole
- Crafts
- Dance
- Fiber Arts Club
- Fitness with Heidi
- Games
- Gratitude Journal Group
- Healthy Bones & Balance
- Jewelry Making
- Line Dancing
- Mah Jongg
- Maurice "Fitz" & Margaret Fitzgerald Fitness Center
- Movies
- Quilting
- Speakers
- Support Groups
- Tai Chi & Qigong for Health and Relaxation
- Veterans Group
- Watercolors
- Yoga
- Zumba
Services
- Blood Pressure
- Brown Bag
- Exercise & Personal Training Programs
- Files of Life
- Foot Nurse
- Health Programs & Screenings
- Low Vision Group
- Monthly Newsletter
- Newspapers
- Outreach
- Food Stamps and Food Programs
- Fuel Assistance
- Prescription Advantage
- RMV Near Me: Assistance with Registry of Motor Vehicle on line services
- SHINE (Health Insurance Assistance)
- PVTA Bus Tickets
- Tax Assistance
- Travel Club
Support Programs
The support programs listed below are made possible by funding from the Older Americans Act through the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs and the Administration for Community Living.
Call the COA at 413-538-5030 for more information.
Caregiver Support Group:
Meets first and third Wednesday of the Month. Are you a Caregiver to a senior living with a chronic illness? Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. No two Caregivers are on the same journey. With the help of Council on Aging Social Service Coordinator, Ann Andras, this group will explore all facets of Caregiving. The group will be encouraged to share experiences with their peers as well as lend support during difficult times. This program is made possible through funding from The South Hadley Council on Aging.
Companion/Escort Transportation Program:
For individuals who qualify. Free transportation to medical appointments in South Hadley and outside of South Hadley. This program is made possible through funding from WestMass Eldercare and The Services Gift Fund through The South Hadley Council on Aging.
Daily Mini-Bus Service:
To and from the Council on Aging. In-town appointments and grocery shopping on Tuesday & Fridays. Make a reservation by calling 413-538-5030. This program is made possible through funding from The South Hadley Council on Aging.