Selectwoman Candidate Parker Supports More Resources For Seniors

A release from Raymie Parker, Candidate for Stoneham Selectwoman:

The Council on Aging is one of the integral parts of Stoneham’s municipal departments. This department is underfunded in my honest opinion. I have said this before, and I will continue to say it until we figure out how we can fully support this department. Maureen Canova is the COA Director, and has done an amazing job since she took over full time for the department in 2010. My confidence in her ability to make do with what she has is unwavering. I have known Maureen for many years, and her love and passion for our seniors is quite evident.

The Senior Center is located on Elm Street in the wonderful historic Almshouse, built in 1852. The Center serves 900 to 1000 seniors a week, more than most departments. The Senior Center is a place where seniors and their families can access an array of social, health, recreational and educational programs for men and women ages sixty and above who live independently in Stoneham. They offer over fifty ongoing weekly programs. “We are always open to new suggestions and changing our programing to best fit the needs of our current population. We are a home away from home for many seniors for socializing, learning, wellness, giving back, and just a reason to get out of the house,” says Maureen Canova, COA director.

My work on the STAC (Stoneham Transportation Advisory Committee) has brought me closer to our seniors as our monthly meetings are often held at the Center. Maureen participates in the STAC, and she continually advocates for our senior population.

There is no quick fix when you talk about results that are actually tangible and meaningful. With the support the COA receives from STAC, the COA was able to secure funding for a second van through an Accessible Connectivity grant from MassDOT’s Mobility Assistance Program. The van will provide transportation to medical appointments for our seniors. This is a triumph for Stoneham, a concerted effort to reach a long range goal through the persistence of many stakeholders including the COA, Town Administrator, Town Planner, School Superintendent, Stoneham CDC, MassDOT, Rep. Michael Day, Sen. Jason Lewis and STAC.

The COA offers a number of programs to residents including SHINE counseling, nutritional programs, outreach services, health screenings, transportation, and congregate meal site/ meals on wheels. The COA also works very closely with MVES (Mystic Valley Elder Services) so that our seniors are connected to services that are above and beyond what the Senior Center can do.

Recently the COA worked in conjunction with the Stoneham Housing Authority and MVES to hire a Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) for residents living in senior housing. The benefits of having a support staff from MVES on site are numerous. The full time RSC provides all residents living in the apartment buildings with on-site services that support their independence, safety, enjoyment, and wellbeing. The RSC works to ensure that the services offered fit the needs and desires of the residents.

The COA is also part of TRIAD, an initiative of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department. They have monthly meetings and offer many outreach programs for our seniors, such as Prescription drug take back days, scam presentations, Caring for Our Aging Parents Forum, and fall prevention just to name a few.

Maureen and her staff and the COA have done amazing things for our seniors and with continued discussion for the future of our seniors, I know more is possible. I encourage anyone with any resources to help this important department to reach out to her directly.

#Wearebettertogether