Up-Island Council on Aging

Community / Congregate Meals September 25, 2019

Provides social, educational and cultural services to people 55 years of age and older to meet specific needs and interests.

Up-Island Council on Aging programs include:

Health Maintenance

• Free Monthly Blood Pressure Checks
• Health Talks
• Podiatry Clinic
• Annual Flu Shot
• Health Promotion Visits
• Medical Equipment available for use on a free-loan basis.
• Stretchercise – Gentle Pilates, Balletics, MELT Method, Qigong, Yoga
• File of Life cards: File of Life is a magnetic card which contains personal medical information and is kept on your refrigerator, accessible to EMT’s should they arrive on an emergency call.

Caregiver Support

Parkinson’s Disease Caregivers Support Group

Education and Consultations

S.H.I.N.E.
Provides elders with free information, counseling and assistance on health insurance and health benefit options.

Tax Preparation Assistance
IRS Tax Aid Program Volunteers help to prepare simple state and federal tax forms.

Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
Free consultation with an Elder Law Project attorney.

Notary services available free of charges. Call ahead.

Transportation Services

The Lift – Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. Providing transportation to Island destinations by prior arrangement. Nominal fee is charged.

Medivan to Boston Area – Transportation for seniors and handicapped individuals traveling off-island for medical appointments. Service available on Tuesdays (Wednesdays on a limited basis).

Vineyard Transit Authority – Fixed route public bus system. Year-round residents, 60 years of age or older can purchase an annual pass for $10.00 through the Up-Island Council on Aging.

Steamship Authority ID Cards – Available to people 65 years of age or older. Passenger tickets are half-fare. Residency requirements apply.

Meal Programs

Senior Dining Program – Thursdays at 12:30 pm at Howes House. Reservations must be made by 10:00 am of the previous day. $2.00 donation is requested.

Wednesday Lunch – Seniors are invited to bring a brown bag lunch on Wednesdays. The Council on Aging will provide beverage and dessert.

Monthly Luncheon – The Culinary Arts Department of the Regional High School provides a full course monthly luncheon during the school calendar year.

Surplus Food Distribution – All COA Senior Centers have a small pantry to serve visitors. The UICOA distributes surplus food sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education. Financial guidelines apply. Food Pantry: Supplies are delivered to all centers on the fourth Friday of the month.

Social and Recreational Activities

• Discussion and Book Groups
• Arts and Crafts
• Cards and Games

Contact Information

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