Outreach/SHINE
Role and scope of Outreach Program
The Hamilton Council on Aging (COA) serves seniors, age sixty and older and their family members in the Town of Hamilton by providing information, support and assistance in assessing needs and accessing senior services. The COA Director, Assistant Director, and outreach staff provide services through telephone contacts, home or office visits, and community presentations. COA staff abide by client confidentiality and mandated reporting policies.
Referrals:
- Referrals to contact seniors or family members are accepted by COA staff from seniors, family members, service providers, volunteers, and the general public. The referral source should be able to share basic contact information with staff, as well as, reason for referral. It is preferable that the senior be aware of the referral prior to staff making the initial contact.
- Staff work to identify and serve seniors who may need Outreach services, especially those who are homebound, socially isolated or low-income. Outreach staff work closely with other town departments regarding seniors who may be in need of services.
- If a referral is determined to be inappropriate in relation to the scope of the work of the Outreach Program, staff will do their best to give an appropriate referral to a community resource.
Initial Telephone Contacts:
- Following receipt of a referral, Staff will attempt to make a telephone contact with senior/caller in a timely manner. Contacts are normally made within 48 hours.
- Staff will offer information via telephone contact or offer an office or home visit.
Home & Office Visits:
The primary responsibility of the Outreach Program is to assess seniors’ strengths and needs, provide the senior with information, or assist in accessing services. Home or office visits may be offered to provide outreach services.
The COA’s staff respects the senior’s right to self-determination and their choice not to disclose information. However, this may limit the COA’s ability to provide appropriate referrals.
Staff and senior will determine a plan of action at the end of the visit. If needed, Staff will research appropriate referrals and may make contact with the referral source on behalf of the senior and provide any additional information as appropriate. Participants will be asked to sign the “Release and/or Exchange of Information Authorization”, which will give COA staff permission to communicate with third parties deemed appropriate.
Confidentiality:
Any and all information regarding participants or individuals served by the Hamilton Council on Aging will be held in complete confidence by staff and volunteers. “Information” includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, medical information, emergency contact information, or attendance records. In addition, personal information confided to staff volunteers with a reasonable expectation of privacy is also considered to be confidential.
MA General Laws Chapter 40 Section 8B states that the names, addresses, telephone numbers, or other identifying information about elderly persons in the possession of the council shall not be public records.
If/when a person wants to give permission to have information communicated (verbally, in writing, or through other means) with another individual or agency the “Release and/or Exchange of Information Authorization” must be completed and signed by the person receiving services.
Limits of confidentiality
Council on Aging Directors and Outreach staff are mandated reporters for adult protective services. Mandated reporters are required by law to report cases of suspected abuse when they have justifiable suspicion that a person is the victim of abuse or self-neglect.
Documentation:
All interactions with seniors, caregivers and service providers and senior center staff are documented in My Senior Center Software, Services Section. Any “hard copy” screening tools and forms are filed in a locked filing cabinet in the Director’s office.
SHINE – Medicare Counseling
The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies, councils on aging or public and private community-based organizations. Certified SHINE counselors help people navigate the complex Medicare insurance system and are trained and certified volunteers. This program is free for Massachusetts residents with Medicare or who are about to enroll in Medicare or their families.
Hamilton now has a SHINE counselor!
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone…on or eligible for Medicare) can help! A certified SHINE counselor is now also available at Hamilton Senior Center, and offers free, unbiased, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on or eligible for Medicare. A SHINE counselor will also assist to help you understand Medicare and your options. Or, if you find yourself enrolled in a plan that is not in your best interest, a SHINE counselor will review your coverage and help to determine if you are qualified to make a change at this time of year.
To schedule a SHINE appointment in Hamilton: call 978-468-5595
To schedule a SHINE appointment in Wenham: call 978-468-5534
Call for Volunteers – SHINE training
AgeSpan in Lawrence provides free training to become a certified SHINE counselor. In an effort to recruit volunteers with this growing need for our residents, the Hamilton COA offers travel scholarship* funding to reimburse the transportation costs of driving to and from the Lawrence training center. As a SHINE counselor, you give back to your community, sharpen and build skills, and stay engaged and connected in your community. SHINE program staff screens, trains, and certifies all volunteers so you don’t need a background in health insurance to get involved. All you need is integrity, a willingness to learn, a desire to help others, and the time to give. For a SHINE counselor application packet call 978-946-1374 and leave your name and mailing address with a request for the application. Or to register for the info session, email: [email protected].
*Travel scholarships must be pre-approved before training begins and include a commitment to support the Hamilton COA. Questions should be directed to the Town Manager’s Office.
