Resources & Services for Aging in Place

Aging in Place 

Aging in Place refers to the ability of a person to remain in their own home while receiving the necessary support and services to maintain their independence and quality of life. 

Given the choice, 90% of adults would prefer to age in place independently and comfortably.  Aging in place can provide an enhanced quality of life with seniors remaining in familiar surroundings which contributes to emotional well-being and life satisfaction.  Staying in one’s community also allows for continued engagement with established social networks. Finally with the average Massachusetts assisted living residence and private nursing home costing $6,400 and $13,400 per month respectively, investments in modifications to stay at home can be more cost effective than relocation. 

Solo Aging - Seniors Aging Alone

Aging without the support of adult children or close family members presents unique concerns. To plan for the future, solo agers need to be more intentional about forming and maintaining a network of community and professional support. The Jenks Solo Agers Network offers a series of workshops and programs that offer valuable information for both Solo Agers and Caregivers. They offer resources, advocacy, and social connections to help solo agers navigate the challenges of aging alone.  Come join the discussion. Learn more about Jenks Solo Agers.  

• Solo Agers - What if You Don’t Have a Healthcare Agent or Power of Attorney? Lean more 
• SoloAllies.com - SoloAllies.com is a website that provides a directory of professionals who help seniors plan for aging alone. Learn more about the range of national services available and the range of topics from housing to healthcare to legal and financial supports. Learn more

Legal & Financial Preparation

Create a File Box or Binder of Key Documents Before You Need it

Gather important documents and keep them in a file box or safe. It’ll save time and stress later. Discuss with a family member, legal advisor or close friend the contents, location and access directions for documents. Consider including: 

• Contact information for family and friends, church or spiritual advisors. 
• Contact information for doctors, pharmacy and other healthcare providers, 
• Contact information for financial service providers such as tax accountants, estate planners, and legal advisors. 
• Health insurance information, as well as other insurance policies.
• Banking and other financial information with password or access information, safety deposit keys and locations 
• Living will, Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, DNR, Last Will and Testament 
• Timeline of health history, surgeries
• Passwords for computers or cell phones 

Here is a program that can help you to “organize your life” all in one binder: 

Life Transition Binder Project- A project for aging seniors or in partnership with caregivers led by Sandra Batra.  The  Life Transition Binder is an organizational tool. It is a resource that pulls together important details from all areas of life. Many refer to it daily since all their information is at their fingertips. It is a gift for family too and can bring peace of mind knowing loved ones can assist if help is needed. What's more, it complements estate planning, and the collection of necessary documents when preparing for any moves to assisted living or when providing family members with the details needed to settle an estate. Learn more 

***NOTE - Winchester plans to host a Life Transitions Binder Project Workshop for more information email Suzanne Norton at snorton@winchester.us

There are several topics important to an individual aging alone.  Many of these resources, tips and services have been summarized in the Resources for Caregivers section.  Topics there, and therefore not duplicated here, include the following:

Financial Planning
Healthcare & Mental Health
Housing
Legal & Estate Planning

Healthy Living & Aging

Better Health While Aging (formerly Geriatrics for Caregivers) – Practical information on aging health and on helping older parents. Includes information on healthy aging, preventing falls, medication safety, managing Alzheimer’s, planning for end-of-life, and coping with common caregiving challenges. 

• How to Promote Brain Health: The Healthy Aging Checklist, Part 1, Learn more
• How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2 https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/how-to-promote-physical-health-for-healthy-aging/
• 7 Commonly Neglected Problems to Address for Healthier Aging:The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 3 https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/7-commonly-neglected-problems-to-address-healthy-aging/
• How to Age Better by Optimizing Chronic Conditions:The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 4 https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/optimizing-chronic-conditions-healthy-aging-checklist-part-4/
• 27 Recommended Preventive Health Services for Older Adults: the Healthy Aging Checklist Part 5 https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/preventive-health-services-for-older-adults-healthy-aging-checklist-part-5/
• Addressing Medical, Legal, & Financial Advance Care Planning:The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 6  https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/addressing-medical-legal-financial-advance-care-planning-healthy-aging-checklist-part-6/

Foot health is crucial for seniors because it impacts their mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Maintaining healthy feet can help prevent falls, reduce pain, and improve their ability to remain active and independent. Additionally, foot problems can be early indicators of more serious health issues like diabetes or poor circulation, requiring timely intervention.  For this reason, Jenks provides monthly podiatry appointments.  Learn more and sign up. 

• Executive Office of Health and Human Services - Provides children, youth, adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and the elderly access to needed services such as support with housing, long term services, nutrition and financial benefits and so on. 1 Ashburton Pl. Boston, MA, Phone: (617) 573-1600 https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services    
• Healthy Living Programs- Minuteman Senior Services (serves Winchester) - Education programs for seniors around chronic disease self-management. Also offer services for caregivers. One Burlington Woods Drive Suite 101, Burlington, Ma 01803 Phone: (781) 221-7095 https://www.minutemansenior.org/our-services/healthy-living/overview
• Jenks Blood Pressure Clinic- The Jenks Nurse will offer blood pressure checks at the center and an appointment time is necessary. Please register for a time slot. Phone: (781)721-7136 www.jenkscenter.org 
• Medicare. A national health insurance program that provides health insurance for the disabled and for Americans aged 65 and over.Phone: (800) 633-4227  www.medicare.gov 
• North Suburban YMCA - Offers a variety of exercise and wellness programming for all ages. Financial assistance for membership is available. 137 Lexington St. Woburn, MA, Phone: (781) 935-3270, http://ymcaboston.org/northsuburban
• Winchester Hospital Center for Healthy Living, Offers a variety of fitness classes, a weight management program, and health education for community members. , 200 Unicorn Park Drive, Suite 401 Woburn, MA, Phone: (781) 756-4700, http://www.winchesterhospital.org
• Winchester Hospital Weight Loss Support Group - Support group meetings (optional) focused on different weight management topics, www.winchesterhospital.org, Phone: (781)756-6760
• Winchester Public Health - Flu Clinic, Seasonal flu clinics for families and children, accepts private and public health insurance. Held at the Jenks Center. 109 Skillings Rd. Winchester, MA, Phone: (781) 721-7121, https://www.winchester.us/392/Public-Flu-Clinics

Safety 

Avoiding Falls

The number one action driving seniors from independence is a fall. Each year 1 in 4 older adults experience significant falls with approximately 50% of these occurring in their homes. With current trends and falls the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults, we can expect 7 fall deaths every hour by 2030. (CDC). 

Most of this section addresses the controllable issues of modifying homes to avoid falls, but the following articles are also important to address underlying medical conditions that may also be causing falls.

• Preventing Falls in Aging Adults - https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/falls-topic/
• 8 Things to check after a person falls - https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/8-things-to-check-after-fall-in-aging/

Safety Plans & Home Modification   

Aging in place typically requires creating a safe environment and conducting a space risk assessment.  Nine of 10 homes do not have modification in their home to support safe aging in place.  According to the CDC modifying the home can reduce fall risks by up to 40%.  Several organizations are available to conduct these assessments, but the Winchester Council on Aging recommends looking to Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy organizations, such as Healthy Aging Physical Therapy to work with you and or your loved ones to develop a personalized plan that helps you proactively and cost effectively create safe, functional and personalized living spaces where you can age in place. 

• Most common fall hazards: poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, changes in flooring materials, activities in the bathroom and bedroom. 
• Fall prevention preparations: Exercise, health management, balance training, and home modifications. 
• Modifications: Depending on living arrangements there are certain modifications that can make a home safer to reduce the risk of falls. Here are some simple tips. 
  • How to Modify Your Home for Safety with Tips on Equipment and Strategies for Today!,  Lean more
  • AARP HomeFit Guide - LINK 

***Tip - “Home safety evaluations should be collaborative, client-centered and customized.  A professional should not be entering your home with a one-size fits all prescriptive approach, but rather should take time to get to know you and what challenges you are facing.  They should take a problem-solving based approach, that takes into account a client’s values, activities and roles.” - Shannon Hardy, OTR/L,Healthy Aging 

Quick ideas: 

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach. 
• Rug Tape - “Rug Grip” Yellow Tape 
• Anti Slip Tread to Steps (also adds contrast for visual cues) 
•  Install handrails on both sides of stairs or install a chair lift 
•  Clear clutter and arrange furniture so there’s room to walk 
• Get rid of loose rugs and keep electrical cords out of the way in tubs - AmazonSticky tread that can be applied 
• Raised Toilet Seats (elevator) with handles on either sides 
• Shower Chair (In case you’re fatigued in the shower 
• Hand held shower mounted to wall with easy bin for shampoo and conditioner 
• Put rubber bands around shampoo and conditioner so you know which is which. 
• Use nightlights and motion detection lights. especially where you are walking at night in between spaces. 
• Bed rails can really help getting in and out of bed. 
• Add risers to chairs to make it easier to get up and down from furniture or add a cushion 
• Purchase a couch cane to make it easier to get up from a chair. 
• Have an organizational sleeve on the couch so you can always find remote. 
• In kitchen always use armed chairs 
• Electric tea kettles that tilt more easily if it’s too heavy. 
• Sock grabbers 
• Rolling carts for laundry, soap pods vs big jug soap 
• Mirror on top of laundry to make it easier to see if there is something inside of top load washer... 🙂 
• Wall holder for hair dryer if you can’t raise hands above from shoulder injury. 
• Sub out elastic shoe laces 
• Button hook in case you have arthritis or snap clothes instead of buttoms. 
• Auto food and water dispenser for pets. 
• Leg loop to help get your left leg into the car 
• Hook to pull down the seatbelt 

Isolation & Loneliness as a Medical Risk 

Social isolation and loneliness are serious health risks for older adults. They can lead to a higher risk of physical conditions, such as: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune system, and Type 2 diabetes. They also lead to mental risks, including: anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and self-harm. Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as a priority public health problem. 

• How social isolation impacts health of older Americans - Learn more  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Read about loneliness and social isolation as a public health issue. - Learn more

To avoid isolation when aging alone, seniors must focus on actively maintaining social connections by reaching out to family and friends regularly, joining community groups or clubs based on their interests, volunteering, exploring new hobbies, utilizing technology for communication, and considering pet companionship if suitable.  Caregivers should help their loved one remain open to trying new activities and seeking support from local organizations or senior centers when needed.  

Engaged seniors don't wait for others to reach out, they take initiative to connect with people and be open to new experiences. Help ensure your loved one has reliable means of transportation to attend events and activities. Stay positive and optimistic with them. Maintaining a positive attitude can help to engage with others and overcome feelings of isolation.  See section on Research on Aging and Super agers for more information.

***Tip: There are many volunteer opportunities in Winchester, especially with the Enka Society, Winchester Library, local food banks, and Winchester Hospital. The Jenks is always looking for drivers to assist others with transportation needs or volunteer greeters at our front desk.   Volunteering at the library or in schools not only gets seniors out of the house, but may also offer some financial relief through Winchester’s Tax Abatement program.  (See Financial And Legal Services for More Information - LINK). And if you don’t live in Winchester look for volunteer opportunities for seniors in your community at Volunteermatch.com 

Resources: 

• ForAllAges - Intergenerational Programs to End Loneliness - Learn more
• Massachusetts Councils on Aging - Find Senior Centers across the Commonwealth.- Learn more 
• Commit to Connect Campaign: Learn more about the national effort to combat social isolation led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). - Learn more
• Commit to Connect Activities and Resources: View and share these ACL resources to help older adults stay connected. - Learn more
• Eldercare Locator: Use this free national service to find local resources for older adults. - Learn more
• Engaged: National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults: Find information, resources, and strategies to promote social engagement in your community. - Learn more

For more information on how to avoid isolation when aging alone 

See Socialization and Education section 
under General Information

In-home services 

What are the different levels of In-home service providers? 

Home Care Workers are non-medical care providers that assist with shopping, escorting, errands, cooking, and companionship, in addition to cleaning and laundry. Some home care workers may also be trained to provide some personal care such as dressing, bathing or grooming but it is not their primary function. 

Home Health Aides. These care providers most often perform personal care tasks including assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. Home health aides may also perform some minimal homemaking tasks but it is not their primary function. 

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) – These care providers most often perform personal care tasks including assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. CNA’s, must also pass a state certification exam that allows them to provide personal care to clients in their homes as well as in nursing homes assisted living facilities, and hospitals. 

Questions to ask when hiring a home care service provider 

• How proficient is the caregiver, and/or how long has this agency been in operation? 
• What skills does the caregiver possess in caring for people with mild cognitive decline
or Alzheimer’s? If your loved one is living with a chronic disease, what training does
the caregiver have in providing for your loved one’s specific needs? 
• What testimonials exist on behalf of the caregiver or the agency? 
• Does the caregiver have a criminal background? How is the caregiver’s driving and
work history? How carefully does the agency screen its caregivers?
• Are there any minimum hour commitments? 
• Financial Considerations 
  • What services does the agency offer and what, if any, are the associated fees? Are
contracts required? Is a minimum fee necessary for service? 
  • Does the agency deliver written statements itemizing all costs and payment

    options related to the home care? 

 Home Healthcare 

• Home Healthcare - There are several options for private home health care in the area; the Jenks Center is happy to provide information and referral for these agencies- contact 781-721-7136 
• Minuteman Senior Services can also provide references.
• BILH Help at Home - Nonprofit home care agency that provides medical, rehabilitative, and assistance with daily activities. Accepts health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.  - 41 Highland Ave. Winchester, MA - Phone: (781) 756-2488 - website 
• Conduct a Search for Aging Caregivers Nationally

***TIP - Note many private home care agencies have a minimum number of hours for which you must contract in order to use their services. Please be sure to ask in advance about any minimum hour requirements. Some agencies also accept long term care insurance.  

Cleaning Services 

• ED Storck Cleaning: Provides residential cleaning, moving services, post construction services, turnover cleaning services, and office cleaning.  - Waltham, MA - Phone: (781) 296-3701 - Website
• Maidpro : Offers a full range of house cleaning services - Phone: (781) 643-1063 - Website 
• PQ Cleaning & Organizing: Provide home and commercial cleaning along with support organizing/decluttering homes.  - Medford and Surrounding Areas - Phone: (781) 518- 3262 - Website
• Lucy Vieira Cleaning Services - Professional Residential Cleaning - Move in/Move out, Regular or one-time available, 617/529-4162 Email: luvieira2009@hotmail.com

Handyman Services 

• Jenks Center Handyman Program : The Jenks Center has a handyman volunteer program in which elderly volunteers provide basic handy work and small household repairs. Ask for the social worker.  - 109 Skillings Rd. Winchester, MA  - Phone: (781) 721-7136 

Plowing and Snow Removal 

• Enka is providing snow removal and plowing services for seniors in need.  Contact them for more information. info@enkasociety.org, 781.729.6146, learn more

Personal Care & Companionship 

• Hair 2 Go- In-home Haircuts - Suzanne Hickey - Based in Westford, MA. Wet down cut $40 Wash blow dry $50 - Phone: (978) 457-0390 
• Seniors Helping Seniors (Boston Metro North): Matches seniors with older adults to provide assistance with daily living activities and companionship. Reading, MA - Phone: (781) 205-4930 - LINK 
• PACE – Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly is a MassHealth/Medicare program designed to help eligible seniors receive home care as alternative to nursing homes.  Contact: Fallon Health - Summit ElderCare PACE Program - 10 Chestnut Street, Worcester, MA 01608 - Phone: (508) 723-4382  - LINK 

Nutrition 

General Topics 

• Improving Nutrition to Support Healthy Aging -Link
• Menopause and Good Nutrition - Link 
• Dehydration in Seniors: Why It’s Different and What You Need to Know, - Link

Resources

• Nutrition with Jessy - Join registered dietician Jessy McNeil, once a month, to learn which foods are beneficial to a person’s overall health and well being. Learn simple, nutritious, easy-to-prepare recipes. Calendar of events is available HERE. Please Register online or call the center at 781-721-7136 for assistance. 
• The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Indian Tribal Organizations to operate CSFP. 135 Santilli Highway - Everett, MA - Phone: 781-338-6480 

Congregate Dining/Shared Meals 

• Jenks Center Congregate Dining “Meet Up Mondays” - The Lunch Bunch meets on Mondays every month.  A $2 donation is recommended. Transportation is available upon request. Please register online or call the center at 781-721-7136 for assistance. Menu available Here 
• Traveling Chef - A few times each year, Jenks host a special meal. Whether its a carving staion on New Year’s Eve, or Breakfast for lunch or a true Southern BBQ, this is always a highlight.  Sign up for the Jenks newsletter to hear about our next Traveling Chef event. 
• Lex Eat Together - Free dinner every Wednesday night at Church of Our Redeemer for individuals and families. No proof of residency

  or need required. 6 Meriam St. Lexington, MA 
• The Dwelling Place Soup Kitchen - Operated out of the United

  Methodist Church, serves hot dinners for free every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. 523 Main St. Woburn, MA Phone: (71) 369-5230   Email: thdwellingplace1987@gmail.com 

Grocery shopping and/or meal delivery assistance 

• Heart to Home Meals 508-500-8392 - Website
• Mom’s Meals: Website
• Magic Kitchen: Website
• Personal Chef To Go: : Website
• Meals on Wheels: (781)720-8353 - Website
• Winchester Meals on Wheels - Providing home-delivered meals to any
 Winchester, Massachusetts resident unable to shop for or prepare their own
 food. The nutritious meals are supplied by Winchester Hospital’s Catering Service under the direction of the staff dietitians who plan and supervise the meal preparation. 4 Socrates Way. - Winchester, MA 01890 - Phone: (781)516-1900 - Email: winchestermow@gmail.com - Website 
• Minuteman Senior Services 781-272-7177 - Website
• GoGo Grandparent: Rides, Groceries, Meals & More: Built Better For Older Adults And People With Disabilities. - Screened & monitored services from Uber, DoorDash, Instacart and more, with or without a smartphone, 24/7. - call 1 (855) 464 6872 ext 35249 - Website 

Transportation 

Resources 

• Jenks Shuttle Service, and Van Trips: Free round-trip, door to door shuttle service to and from local shopping centers and other venues is provided by the Jenks Center for Winchester residents.  With volunteer drivers, residents can also travel anywhere in Winchester Monday-Friday from 9-4pm for medical, dental, grocery shopping and banking needs.  Patrons can also utilize services for neighboring communities for medical purposes or to access food pantries. All ride requests must be received by 2pm on Thursday of the previous week.  Please contact Jenk’s full-time transportation coordinator, Sue Clarke for more information. 781-721-7138 x17 
• Taxi Vouchers - In partnership with Woburn Checker Cab, taxi vouchers are available to Winchester Seniors to purchase at a reduced rate of $5 each. Vouchers are valid between Winchester and neighboring communities. Maximum monthly allowance is 10 vouchers.  Please stop by the Jenks on Tuesdays between 10 and 1pm or contact the Jenks for mail order. 

***Tip - If the time has come to stop driving. Seniors might consider passing down cars to a grandchild with the understanding that the grandchild promises to take their grandparent to appointments or just “drive Miss Daisy” once a week. This partnership provides an opportunity for grandparents to spend time together and to also get out and socialize and avoid isolation. - Cathie Jackson, RN and former Mt. Vernon House Executive Director 

Driver Safety 

• Educational Programs ( (Mature Driver Improvement, driver rehab, defensive driving) 
• AARP Driver Safety Program - The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. - Wilmington - Phone: (888) 227-7669 - Website 
• NSC Online Mature Defensive Driving Course - Website 
• Massachusetts Mature Driver Improvement -Website 
• Safe Driving for Older Adults - Website

***Tip - In Massachusetts, drivers age 75 and older must renew their license in person and pass a vision test every five years. They may also be asked to take a written or road test. Illinois and New Hampshire are the only states that require older drivers to retake a road test when renewing their licenses. Vision tests are also required at that time. 

General Topics 

• How to outfit cars for mobility, active park assist 
• Travel Clubs for Aging 
• Handicap Placcards - To obtain a handicap parking placard nationally, you'll need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the application, get a medical certification from your healthcare provider, and submit the completed application to the DMV. 

Transportation Assistance 

• The Jenks Center: www.jenkscenter.org 781-721-7136 Ask for Sue Transportation Coordinator 
• The RIDE Eligibility Center www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride Contact (TREC) at 617-337-2727, or email us at trec@paratransit.org. 
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: www.nadtc.org 

Private Transportation Services, Ride shares 

• Bob’s Taxi Co. - Phone: (781) 729-5353  
• Charlie Card (senior discount) - (617)222-3200 - Website 
• Checker Cab of Woburn, Inc - 289 Rear Salem St Woburn, MA - Phone: (781) 937-6000 - Email: checkercabwoburn@aol.com - Website 
• QuickLivery - Provides local transportation and transportation to Boston Logan Airport. A 10% discount is available to those that request transportation online. Phone: 617-833-2333. Email: Quicklivery@Quicklivery.net - Website
• Yellow Cab -  955 Main St Winchester, MA 01890 - Phone: (781) 729-6666 
  • Seniors and Nutritional Concerns - Website