How Can We Help?
Looking to hire a good plumber, need an elder law attorney, completely overwhelmed with the decline in health of your Mom, your Dad needs transportation to doctors’ appointments as he can no longer drive, not sure how to start to apply for housing in Billerica, you believe there is elder abuse occurring but not sure what to do, you are unsure of how to get Meals on Wheels, you feel lonely but cannot get to the Senior Center and MORE.
Pick up the phone and contact Jeanne Teehan, LSW and her TEAM at 978-671-0916, extensions 2026 or 2006. You will be very happy with the overall quality of support, the depth of knowledge, the attention to detail and the comprehensive nature of responding to your need.
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.
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 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
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. For information on their schedule, contact us. This group meets monthly at the Billerica Public Library, and is open to all adult ages.
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.
Home Fire Safety Program
Are your smoke alarms more than 10 years old? Are they battery operated? Do you have old or nonexistent Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
If you answered YES to either of these questions, please call the BCOA Outreach Department at 978-671-0916 and put your name on the list to receive free smoke alarms and CO Alarms installed in your home by a team from the Billerica Fire Department led by Captain Billy Paskiewicz. A representative from the BCOA Outreach Department will visit as well.
Is Your House Number Up?
Billerica has a 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 BCOA 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 on the 3rd Thursday, is a fun way to enjoy good company and great conversation. The men's group gathers to converse about news-worthy topics, get updates from speakers invited from town departments, and share resources.
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
Please see our Transportation page for information on transportation to medical appointments.