Outreach

Councils on Aging (COA) are the principal agencies of local government that serve the elderly and were first authorized by special legislation in 1956.

The three core responsibilities of the Councils on Aging are:
  • To identify the needs of senior citizens as well as available resources within the community.
  • To educate the community-at-large regarding senior issues and advocate for the needs of its seniors.
  • To design, promote and implement needed services and to coordinate the efforts of agencies which serve seniors.
The Outreach staff is available to assist seniors with any concerns. The staff makes home visits to inform seniors of the programs and services available to them through the COA and other agencies. We provide information and referral.
For more information on the services available through the Outreach Department, please contact Jeanne Teehan at 978-671-0916 ext 2026.

Senior Housing Options:  Which One Fits Best?


Today, there are so many senior housing options. When it’s time to make a change in your older adult’s living situation, looking at all the choices might feel overwhelming.

Learn more about options for you or a family member, see Daily Caring's website:
dailycaring.com/senior-housing-options-overview/

Outreach Areas of Support

The goal of the Outreach Department is to provide services to seniors 60+ and their families
  • Information and Referral
  • Assessment and assistance/advocacy in accessing senior services
  • Support to seniors and family caregivers
Some senior services that Outreach may assist a senior or family caregiver to access include:
  • Home delivered meals
  • Transportation
  • Home care services
  • Social and adult day health programs
  • Food and fuel assistance
  • Financial and legal services
  • Housing
  • Support groups on-site and in the community
  • Educational programs
To schedule a confidential home or office visit or request information contact Jeanne Teehan at 978-671-0916 ext 2026. Outreach staff strive to identify seniors who may be isolated or homebound, listen to their needs and assist them in maintaining a high quality of life and independence by providing needed services directly or by collaborating with community agencies and resources. Outreach staff also respond to concerns regarding elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect.

Outreach Programs Available at the Senior Center

Caregiver Support Group

This facilitated group supports caregivers who take care of a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Bereavement Support Group

This group is facilitated by a Hospice Chaplain and is open to seniors who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Group meets the second Wednesday of every month.

Helping Hands Resource List

The COA makes no recommendation of any business. However, the Outreach department maintains a list of service providers proven to offer reasonable rates.


Is Your House Number Up?

Billerica has a new public safety program to promote the practice of posting visible house numbers.  This program is sponsored by the Billerica TRIAD.  If you are 60 years of age or older and would like to sign up to have your house number posted, or you need more information on this program please call Jeanne Teehan at the Billerica Council on Aging at (978) 671-0916.  

File of Life

When properly filled out, it provides Police, Fire and EMT personnel critical information should a senior have an emergency. File of Life cards are available in wallet form and as a refrigerator magnet pouch, and are available at the Senior Center.

Mens Group

This group, which meets monthly, is a fun way to enjoy good company and great conversation.
Volunteer Programs Available through Outreach
 Outreach offers the following through our volunteer program:
  • Medical Transportation
  • Friendly Visitors
  • Food Shopping
  • Telephone Reassurance
It is mandatory that all volunteers complete a Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) form. Also, volunteers are required to sign an “Acknowledgement of Receipt” form that they were given a Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law. All volunteers are trained and supervised.

The Friendly Visitor Program
Service to homebound seniors. Volunteers are assigned to visit seniors in their homes one hour a week.

Telephone Reassurance Program
Volunteer-based service that offers a friendly voice each day, or once a week, to any senior who may not have family or friends nearby. This program is a lifeline to many of our homebound elders.

Food Shopper Program
Food shopping provided for homebound seniors.

Medical Transportation Program
Transportation volunteers offer to drive homebound seniors to local medical appointments
  • Bedford Veterans Hospital
  • Billerica
  • Burlington
  • Chelmsford
  • Lexington Lahey
  • Lowell