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1. What is the difference between the Winchester Seniors Association (WSA) and the Council on Aging (COA)?

The WSA is a private not-for-profit organization which maintains the Jenks Senior Center which is owned by the WSA Trust. In addition, they plan for all the travel and activities which are offered at the Jenks Center.

The COA is a public not for profit town-appointed board which hires a professional staff to provide social services, health services, legal and financial services, education, and advocacy for all Winchester seniors.

2. What does the COA charge for its services and programs?

The COA does not charge for its programs or services. At times, donations are requested to help defray the cost of programs. However, no one is excluded by his or her inability to donate.

3. What kind of transportation is available for seniors?

The COA provides transportation within Winchester and to contiguous towns for medical appointments 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This transportation is provided by senior volunteer drivers. To arrange a ride, one must call 2 working days before the ride is needed, the number is 781-721-7136.

The COA provides medical transportation for medical appointments and treatments in Boston and other areas outside of Winchester. To arrange a ride please call a week in advance of the appointment.

Transportation is provided to our nutrition site courtesy of Salter Health Care. Transportation can be arranged when calling to sign up for meals.

4. Do you provide nursing, home health, and homemaker services?

The COA has a registered nurse who visits people at home, helps seniors make plans for community care, and consults with family and physicians. She does not provide physical care. The COA does not have home-health aides or homemakers but the nurse or social worker can help you find these services.

5. Can you help with health insurance problems?

Yes! The COA has trained volunteers called SHINE Counselors who help seniors explore the options and complications of the various kinds of insurance and prescription drug programs. They are available to answer all health benefit questions.

6. What is the Community Service Reimbursement Program?

This program has been set up by the town and is run by the COA. For seniors 60 years or older who own their own home and are income eligible, jobs are available in the schools, library, and Town Hall. For doing 125 hours of community service a year, the senior receives $1,500 off their property tax. This is a program which accepts middle-income seniors.

7. Can you help with housing problems and handyman problems?

Our social worker will discuss with seniors and families the housing resources available and the factors to consider when making a change. We also have senior volunteers to help do handyman chores for the price of the supplies required.

8. Do you have support groups available?

Our social worker conducts a caregivers group on the 4th Thursday of every month at 11:00am and a Low Vision Support Group on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 11:00am.

9. What kinds of educational programs do you offer?

The COA presents programs with financial, legal, and service resource information essential to seniors. Programs are held to educate seniors on health insurance, Social Security, and other entitlements. The Savvy Senior Symposium and the Brennan Lecture, which are presented yearly with the WSA, address subjects of vital interest to seniors.