Supportive Day Programs and Respite Program for Seniors |
Is there a supportive day or respite program for seniors on Nantucket?
Yes, The "ACDC" Adult Community Day Care Center provides a supported day program three days per week. The program is offered each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM. Mary Richrod, RN is the ACDC Program Manager. Funding and administration is provided through the Town of Nantucket. All correspondence for the Program Manager must be mailed to ACDC c/o Our Island Home, 9 East Creek Road, Nantucket, MA 02554. Elder Services may provide funding for eligible clients. This program is designed to enhance the physical, emotional and social well-being of senior adults, especially those who are socially isolated due to physical or emotional limitations. The staff is trained to help those who may need some assistance in self-care, such as stroke victims, people with Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's and other age related limitations. The ACDC senior day program center is held in Father Griffin Hall at 15 Cherry Street and provides regular periods of respite for participants families and care givers. For more information call 508-325-5349.
Elder Abuse Prevention and Reporting Programs |
What agency should I report suspicion of elder abuse or neglect?
In an emergency always dial 911 for immediate response. If this is NOT an emergency please call Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. to file a report with their Protective Services staff from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at 1-800-224-4630. If you are calling after hours please call the State's Elder Abuse HOTLINE at 1-800-922-2275. All inquiries and reports are kept confidential.
Is there a place where I can call for general advice and referral for elder issues?
Yes. Massachusetts elders and their families can access the Commonwealth's premier one-stop connection to state and local programs and services even on nights and weekends. Thanks to federal action, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs' toll free telephone line, 1-800-AGE INFO (1-800-243-4636) is available. Sometimes a question is just too important to wait for an answer. 1-800-AGE-INFO offers up-to-date information on prescription drug assistance, health insurance, caregiving, transportation and other consumer issues. It also provides callers with a direct link to the nearest Home Care and Protective Services agency. The telephone line joins a companion web site, http://www.800ageinfo.com in providing round the clock information and assistance on elder care issues.
Is there a Meals on Wheels program on Nantucket?
Yes, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Cape Cod & the Islands. ESCCI provides meals for homebound individuals 60 years and over and for disabled persons. Enjoy a high quality meal with special celebrations for birthdays and holiday monthly. For more information please contact Mark Budaj the ESCCI Nutrition Coordinator at 508-228-4647.
What is Congregate Lunch and where is it served?
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Cape Cod & the Islands. ESCCI provides a social nutritional lunch which also celebrates birthdays monthly and holiday meals. This program called, "Congregate Lunch" for individuals 60 years of age and over or disabled persons, weekdays at noon at the Saltmarsh Senior Center, 81 Washington Street. For more information and to make or cancel a reservation for lunch, please call Mark Budaj, ESCCI Nutrition Coordinator at 508-228-4647. A voluntary donation of $2.00 is suggested.
What is the Nantucket Emergency Food Pantry and where is it located?
The Nantucket Emergency Food Pantry program makes nutritious food and stables available to anyone who does not have financial resources to buy food for themselves or their family. This food is intended to supplement their present food resources. The program is administered by Andy Reis and operates out of the Greenhound at 10 Washington Street on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In the summer season they reloacte to Saint Paul's Parish House at 20 Fair Street If these days and hours are not convenient for seniors, Andy can make other arrangements including transportation or delivery. Please call 508-228-7438 for information.
Is there a Telephone Reassurance Program on the island?
Yes, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. offers a free Telephone Reassurance Program for elders who want to have a daily check in with a responsible person. For more information about this or any of their programs, please call the Nantucket office of Elder Services at 508-228-4647 to be put on their list.
Is there a Fuel Assistant Program on the Nantucket?
Yes, the Town of Nantucket Human Services department has applications for fuel assistance. Fuel assistance is available for those who have low income, fixed income or suffering financial hardship. Eligibility is determined by a combination of size of household and income. If you think you may be eligible please inquire. Nantucket fuel assistance program is administered by Pam Meriam and Ann Medina of the Town of Nantucket's Human Services Department. Their office is located at the Saltmarsh Senior Center at 81 Washington Street. Appointments are necessary, although, much of the information needed may be gathered over the phone and they will determine what additional information is needed. Please call Pam Meriam or Ann Medina at (508) 325-7559 for more information or email them at:
How do I obtain a handicapped parking permit for Nantucket?
Applications for local use placards can be obtained at the Nantucket Police Department or through the Nantucket Disability Commission facilitator, Brenda McDonough at 508-228-8085.
How do I obtain a handicapped license plate for Massachusetts?
State licensed handicapped plates may be obtained through the Registry of Motor Vehicles at 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA.
Holiday and Storm Closing Policy |
Which holiday closings are observed at the Senior Center?
The Saltmarsh Senior Center is closed on all Federal and State holidays. These include: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Patriot's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When a holiday falls on a Saturday then we will close the day before on Friday. When the holiday falls on Sunday we will close on the day after which is Monday.
What storm or emergency conditions call for facility closings?
In the event that Nantucket Public Schools are closed or delayed opening because of snow, unsafe weather conditions or other emergency situations, programs at the Saltmarsh Center will also be canceled. School closings and state of emergencies are announced on the local TV and radio stations. Should school be canceled or delayed, announcements will be made before 7:00 AM through the following radio stations:
Am I required to have safety detectors in my house?
Yes, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required by Massachusetts State law. Please contact the Nantucket Fire Department for more information.
Are there home care services available on the island?
Yes, there are many options both public and private for home care services on the island. Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI) provides funding through two state programs for elders who are no longer independent but with to remain in their homes. The ESCCI HOME CARE PROGRAM requires that an elder be at least 60 years old, and need assistance with at least one critical task such as bathing, personal care, meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, transportation and must fulfill income requirements. The ESCCI RESPITE PROGRAM requires that an elder must be at least 60 years old, need assistance with at least one critical task and have a daily care giver. Payment for both programs is on a sliding scale. To inquire more about these programs, please contact the Nantucket Manager for Elder Services,
Sheri Hunt at 508-228-4647.
Is there a Visiting Nurses program on Nantucket?
Yes. The Nantucket Visiting Nurses Department is Medicare/Medicaid certified as well as accredited with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). As a home health agency, Nantucket Visiting Nurses serve community members of all ages who require at-home, skilled care from registered nurses, physical, occupational and speech & language therapists, medical social workers and/or home health aides. Post partum, well-child visits are also offered. Nantucket Visiting Nursing Associates will work closely with your family and your doctor to provide the services you need. Referrals may be made by yourself, a family member, friend, or other party, however, a local physician's order is required. Please call 508-825-8300 for additional information.
Is there an Emergency Life Line Program on Nantucket?
Yes. Philips Lifeline is available on Nantucket. By calling 1-800-635-6156 a local representative will install a personal emergency response system which allows elderly people to remain independent in their own environment with a medical emergency call system. Life line systems are leased at $40/month, along with an additional charge of $30 for the installation fee. For more information please call 1-800-635-6156. If you register yourself or loved one with the Nantucket Fire Department as a Lifeline participant, you may leave a key at the Nantucket Fire Department which will enable them ready access when called by the Philips Lifeline company for dispatch.
Where can I find information about affordable housing?
Susan Bennett Witte is the Housing Planner/Specialist in the Town's Planning Office. A central clearing house for information about all of the island affordable housing programs and opportunities for person of all ages is available. Sign up to get on the "A" List (A is for affordable) and get email notifications of news, events, programs, and vacancies of affordable units on the island. Susan's office is located at Two Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket, MA 02554. Her direct line is: 508-228-7295 and email address is
sbwitte@nantucket-ma.gov Visit the web at www.tinyurl.com/ACKqualify or http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/Pages/NantucketMA_Planning/forms/Household%20Income%20Eligibility.pdf and see if your income qualifies and what affordable programs you may apply for.
Where can I find information about housing assistance?
The Nantucket Human Services office has information regarding fuel assistance and temporary rental assistance. You may reach Pam Meriam Director of the Town of Nantucket Human Services office by calling 508-325-7559 for more information. The Human Services office is located at the Saltmarsh Senior Center, 81 Washington Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
What options are there for housing for Elderly on Nantucket?
We have many options available for the housing needs of our older community residents. There are independent living options as well as supportive and full care facilities on the island. These include: Academy Hill, Landmark House, The Homestead, Sherburne Commons, Fairgrounds House, Nantucket Housing Authority, Nantucket Housing Office and Our Island Home.
Academy Hill Apartments - 4 Westminster Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Margaret Farrell at Hall Keen
Phone: 1-508-746-1509
The Academy Hill Apartments provide 27 housing units (12 affordable-subsidized units) for elderly residents of Nantucket. Applicants must be 62 years of age or older. Please call to request an application to be preapproved and to be put on a waiting list.
Fairgrounds House - 42 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket MA 02554
Allison Avery, Director
Phone: 508-325-5771
Fairgrounds House is a supportive residential program for persons 18 years old and over needing a structured environment. Fairgrounds House also provides a rehabilitative program for adults to develop and enhance their living skills.
The Homestead - 115 Main Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Tish Coull, Director
Phone: 508-228-1135
The Homestead provides a comfortable and caring home for older men and women who cannot maintain a home on their own. The applicant must be ambulatory and in reasonable good health, capable of participating independently in activities of daily living, as the Homestead does not provide nursing care. Please call to request an application to be preapproved and to be put on a waiting list.
Landmark House - 144 Orange Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Cheri Goulding, Director
Phone: 508-228-6888
The Landmark House provides apartment housing for persons aged 62 years and over, handicapped or disabled and have low to moderate income requirements. Please call to request an application to be preapproved and to be put on a waiting list.
Nantucket Housing Authority - 3 Manta Drive, Nantucket, MA 02554
Renee Ceely Executive Director
Phone: 508-228-0296
The Nantucket Housing Authority administers Miacomet Village and other family housing. Some of the housing units are made accessible to meet the specific needs for those who might have physical limitations. Please call to request an application to be preapproved and to be put on a waiting list. .
NHA Properties, Inc. d/b/a Housing Nantucket (formally known as Nantucket Housing Office) - 15 Teasdale Circle, P.O. Box 3149, Nantucket, MA 02584
Anne Kuzspa, Executive Director
Phone: 508-228-4422
The Nantucket Housing Office provides housing opportunities for affordable rentals, property ownership and house recycling.
Our Island Home - 9 East Creek Road, Nantucket, MA 02554
Rachel Chretien, Administrator and Gail Ellis, Director of Nursing
Phone: 508-228-0462
Our Island Home is a 24-hour elderly nursing care facility and is licensed to provide Level II and Level III nursing care to 45 residents. Our Island Home services also include rehabilitation program, social services and activities programs.
Sherburne Commons - 40 Sherburne Commons, Nantucket, MA 02554
Chuck Gifford Executive Director; and Ella Finn, RN Director Resident Care
Phone: 508-228-4080
Sherburne Commons is a Nantucket community planned around the preferences of older adults, aged 62 years and over. Sherburne Commons is located on 20 acres off of South Shore Road, which is only a short distance from Surfside Beach. A full range of services is provided for a continuum of care for the elderly, including 24 hour staffing and on call support.
Is there a way I can see an attorney for a non criminal matter on Nantucket?
Yes. Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
Richard McMahon, Executive Director
Raymond Yox, Managing Attorney for the Hyannis Office
460 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 1-800-742-4107 or 1-508-775-7020
Legal Services will send an attorney to the island on the first Thursday of each month. Their usual schedule is from 1:00 to 3:00 PM by appointment only and they rotate between the Saltmarsh Center, A Safe Place, Nantucket Behavioral Health Services at the Family & Childrens Counseling Center and the Town Building. Legal Services provides legal representation to low income and elderly clients in the ares of housing, government benefits and family law and elder law. Please all to check eligibility and to schedule an appointment at 1-800-742-4107.
Is it possible to get assistance to help me with paying my bills on time or help me with my check book?
Yes. Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. has a Money Management program to help you. The ESCCI Money Management Manager will assign a trained, supervised volunteer to assist you with bill paying and monitor bill payments. For further questions about this program contact the Money Management Manager at Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, Inc. at 1-800-244-4630
Social Security, Insurance, Medicare Assistance and Transitional Assistance |
Is it possible to see a Social Security agent on Nantucket?
Not at this time as their funding for travel was eliminated. Representatives from the Social Security Administration in Falmouth may assist you by phone or you may travel over to see agents in Hyannis, Falmouth or Boston during their hours of operation which is Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 3:30 PM. Appointments are not given as individuals are seen on a first come first served basis. You may call the Hyannis Social Security office at 1-508-775-7501 or the Falmouth Social Security office at 1-508-548-8150 for additional information.
Social Security agents will not be coming in 2012 unless funding for transportation is appropriated. If it is they hope to visit one day in May or June 2012. Please call the Falmouth office at 1-508-548-8150 for more information.
Can I get Social Security forms and assistance on the Internet?
What is SHINE?
SHINE stands for Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders: This program provides free health insurance information, assistance, and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their care givers. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs supports the SHINE program in partnership with elder service agencies and Councils on Aging. SHINE is partially funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The SHINE Program ensures that healthcare consumers have a competent, committed, and compassionate consumer-focused network of staff and volunteers who provide accurate and objective information through innovative community programs at the state and local levels.
What do SHINE Counselors do?
SHINE counselors are dedicated community volunteers who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to explain many areas of health insurance including Medicare, Medigap, Medicare HMO's, prescription drug programs, MassHealth (Medicaid), and other health care assistance programs. SHINE counselors help seniors and all Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and their other health insurance coverage. Counselors also review present coverage, provide written benefits comparisons, prevent consumers from buying unnecessary or duplicate coverage, and help prepare health benefit claim forms, appeals, and applications. All information is kept strictly confidential. If you have questions concerning health insurance, Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, etc., call the Saltmarsh Center
office and make an appointment to meet with our SHINE counselors at 508-228-4490
How can I reach the Department of Public Welfare or Department of Transitional Assistance office?
The Department of Public Welfare offices administers programs to persons needing cash assistance, emergency assistance, food and medical assistance forms including: Emergency Assistance for the Elderly, food stamps, housing services and shelter.
The local offices of the Department of Transitional Assistance, J-Tech and Career Opportunities for Change are all located in Hyannis at 77 High School Road, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone: 1-508-228-0470 or 1-877-626-6800
Is there a support group for Alzheimer's on Nantucket?
Yes, there are two support groups held each month on Nantucket. A support group for Alzheimer’s meets at Our Island Home-at 9 East Creek Road on the last Friday of every month from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Please call Sheila Barrett at (508) 228-0462 for more information.
Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, Inc. provides services periodically to the island. For more information about their services, informational forums, memory screenings or support meetings and their guest speakers, please call the Alzheimer’s Services office by dialing 1-508-775-5656.
Is there a support group for Parkinson's on Nantucket?
Yes, there is a support group that meets on the third Friday of each month at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital founder's building from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. To learn more about Parkinson's disease or the monthly support group, please call Charlene Chadwick at 508-825-8190.
Is there a support group for Caregivers?
Yes, Hospice Care of Nantucket provides monthly sessions, private consultations, and a variety of support for family members who provide care for others. This support may include requesting an overall evaluation of the situation, including an assessment of the person they help care for, and can receive information support and education about various topics, e.g., the disease process (including Alzheimer's Disease); managing medications; giving personal care; maintaining safety; planning for future health care needs; caring for themselves while caring for someone else, etc. Please call Hospice Care of Nantucket at 508-825-5325 for more information.
Where can I get a copy of the "NRTA" - Nantucket Regional Transit Authority fixed route seasonal schedule?
Is there an accessible transportation door-to-door service for the elderly?
Yes, Your Island Ride is a program that provides transportation for the elderly and disabled via a door-to-door service for the elderly and disabled year round. Three month passes are available for $50 or you may be charged $1 per each trip. For reservations and information please call Cindy Clarkson, Trip Dispatcher or Paula Leary NRTA Administration directly at 508-325-7516 or visit their web site at http://www.shuttlenantucket.com/van/index.html Email address: yir@nantucket.net
Where can I get assistance for Veteran's Services?
Nantucket's Veterans Agent, Arnold Paterson is at the Saltmarsh Center Thursday mornings from 9 AM to Noon. Mr. Paterson may be reached at home by calling 508-228-6149.
| 
