Health and Wellness: Breakfast, lunch, blood pressure checks, foot care, educational programs, massage therapy, flu clinics, strength training, Tai Chi classes, Zumba, power hour, light movement, chair yoga, and on-site exercise equipment.
Support Services: Monthly Memory Café, volunteer drivers, veteran agent, brown bag, Meals-on-Wheels, Farm Share, farmer’s market coupons, senior tax work abatement, and a S.H.I.N.E counselor.
Recreation and Socialization Activities: Cards games, movies, Wii bowling, marathon bingo, pool table, painting classes, dominoes, pitch tournaments, crafts, parties, celebrations, and picnics
Congregate/Home Delivered Meals Programs: Congregate Meals: Lunch served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. Breakfast is served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.Reservations for Breakfast and Lunch MUST be made 24 hours in advance by calling the Senior Center at (413) 283-2670. A nominal fee is charged for meals.
Meals On Wheels: Home-delivered meals are for homebound elders who cannot attend a congregate meal site, prepare an adequately nutritious meal, and do not have family or friends to assist them. Hot meals are delivered 5 days a week. Call the GSSSI Nutrition Department for more information at (413) 781-8800.
Transportation: The vans are available Monday-Friday from 8:30-2:30 to and from the center, errands, medical appointments, and trips with activities. (No van service from 11:30 AM. – NOON). The vans come off the road at 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly. Donations are appreciated. All appointments need to be made 48 hours in advance to give the center time to schedule the van. All ages 60+ and disabled under 60 accepted. A donation of $3.00 is requested in Palmer. A donation ofv$5.00 and up outside of Palmer. Van services include transportation to the Senior Center, Big Y, medical appointments, bank, pharmacy, post office, library, door to door services, long distance trips, and Walmart, and. NO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON HOLIDAYS OR WEEKENDS.
Medical Advocate: The center offers a driver who can help you at the doctor’s office. This advocate will accompany you into the office and be your ears and eyes. This program is only for those who need help because they do not hear well or do not understand what the doctor is telling them. If needed, call and schedule an appointment. We will also have you sign off, giving permission for this person to accompany you to the office. All the information is completely confidential for this service.
Volunteer Drivers: Available Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, when the regular vans are in use for medical appointments or any other transportation needs. Please call the center to schedule your appointment. Donations appreciated. NO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON HOLIDAYS OR WEEKENDS.
Outreach Services: The Outreach Coordinator is S.H.I.N.E. certified and can assist our elders with health insurance (Medicare/Mass Health). Hours available are Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:00. Please call to schedule services. Services that our provided include application assistance, caregiver support and education, free cell phone services, case management, file for life, fuel assistance, sewer abatement, utility discounts, property tax exemptions, health care proxies, SHINEservices, snap applications, Knox box, elder abuse, GSSSI referrals, caregiver support, and protection services.
Senior Community Service Employment Program: The center has a contract with SCSEP that offers assistance to 55 + year old seniors who are looking to get back into the workforce or start a new career. SCSEP is the largest program offered by the Center for Workforce Inclusion. If anyone over 55+ is interested in getting back into the workforce, please stop by the center to fill out an application, and we can connect you with the employment program from Springfield. The SCSEP program is under Title V of the Older Americans Act, as well as state and local grants, which enable it to help thousands of low-income individuals, age 55 and older. The participants are placed in the community service positions (like the center), they are paid through the program, but provide a service at the center, which assists our Activity/Volunteer Coordinator.
Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc (GSSSI), For many, the frailty of advancing age and chronic illnesses makes it impossible to live at home without outside help and support. The mission of G.S.S.S.I. remains the same today as it was in 1972 when the non-profit organization was founded. To keep people aged 60+ living at home safely and independently by aiding and accessing a comprehensive range of services. Services include Case Management, Home Care, Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Meals, Money Management, Congregate Housing and Adult Day Care. GSSSI is at 66 Industry Avenue, Suite 9, Springfield MA 01104 at (413) 781-8800.
Senior Tax Relief Work Abatement Program: The center also offers a work abatement program for Palmer and the surrounding villages’ seniors when volunteer hours are available. Participants must be at least 60 years of age, there is a $ 750.00 maximum limit per household, and qualifications are established by the annual adjusted income (for exact numbers, please see the Senior Center Director). If interested, please stop by the center and fill out an application
