Project Access Program

The Project Access Program is designed to "furnish assistance to and promote the welfare of elderly women" facing significant hardship, and assist them in living in the community independently with a variety of services and programs.

Project Access provides socially isolated senior women with the opportunity to participate in social programs, including day trips, luncheons, community activities and other needed social support.

The program works to ensure that elderly women residing in the service area have access to all available community resources, including a social worker to provide assessments and counseling.

Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. does not deny delivery of service to any person on the basis of age, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental handicaps and sexual orientation, who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for the respective programs.

Eligibility Criteria
- Women aged 70 and over, preferably living alone.

- Women residing in our service area for at least 5 years.

-Low income women with liquid assets under $10,000.

Communities Served
- Acushnet

-Dartmouth

-Fairhaven

- New Bedford

- Westport

Determining Eligibility
A Project Access staff member will make an appointment to visit senior women interested in the program. During the visit the staff member will complete the assessment for services and discuss socialization programs with the client.

Project Access Services Include:

• Social Outings
• Counseling
• Transportation Coordination
• Household Organization
• Accompany Clients to Physician's Appointments When Needed
• Referral to Coastline Elderly Services Resources

Coastline Elderly Services Inc. Area Agency on Aging
Project Access clients will be referred to services offered through the Area Agency on Aging as needs are determined. These referrals will assist in ensuring that each client has the opportunity to benefit from all community resources available to them. Some of the services offered through the Area Agency on Aging include:

• Community Mainstream - community benefits, such as Food Stamps.
• Fuel Assistance - assistance with application process.
• Health Benefits Counseling - provides health insurance benefits counseling and assistance with completing application for drug insurance plans.
• Information and Referral - specialists provide current information on services available in the community for elders and caregivers.
• Money Management - strategies to ensure that bills are paid on a timely basis.
• Nutrition Services - providing Kosher meals, Meals on Wheels, nutrition education, emergency meals, and nutritional supplements.
• Services at Home - homemaker, chore, laundry, personal care assistance, community choices, care management.

Project Access is provided by Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., through a grant from a foundation who wish to remain anonymous.

To Join the Program or Make a Referral to the program, Please contact the Project Staff:

508-999-6400 x107

Sharon O'Malley, Coordinator
somalley@coastlineelderly.org

Project Access Quarterly Newsletter - Please Click Here**

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