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SENIOR SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES
An attorney from Western Mass. Legal Services provides legal advice free of charge. Attorney's provide advice and representation on issues concerning *tenant's rights (private and subsidized) *durable power of attorney and health care proxy documents *rights of elder homeowners to get property tax exemptions and declaration of homestead protection. Appointments are available for seniors on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9:30-11:30am. Please call the COA at 562-6435 for an appointment.

*Appointments will resume in the Spring of 2009*

INCOME TAX SERVICES
AARP volunteers are at the Council on Aging during tax season to assist seniors with Income Tax services free of charge. Any senior who would like assistance in filing their income tax return can call the Council on Aging to make an appointment.

Appointments will be scheduled on Monday and Wednesday mornings beginning in early February and running through mid-April 2009. Please call the Senior Center at 562-6435 or stop by the office to set up an appointment. A list of documentation will be provided when your appointment is made.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
Ginny Sinkowski, Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association is available for individual meetings at the Senior Center. Please call the Council on Aging for an appointment with Ginny. We also have a resource library.

BROWN BAG DISTRIBUTION
This food commodity is for senior citizens 55 years of age and over, who meet specific low income requirements. A form must be filled out and mailed to the Western Mass. Food Bank, Inc. The distribution is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Ely/Dolan Community Center on Noble Street from 10:00 to 11:00am. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Please contact Karen at the Council on Aging at 562-6435 for more information about this commodity. Applications are also available at the Council on Aging.


FUEL ASSISTANCE
Fuel Assistance applications for the 2008/2009 heating season are available at the Senior Center. There are eligibility requirements. Please contact Karen at the Council on Aging, 562-6435 for more information and/or schedule an appointment to fill out the application.


FOOD STAMPS
The Westfield Council on Aging has Food Stamp applications available upon request. There are eligibility requirements for this program, please contact Karen at the Council on Aging for more information or to schedule an appointment.

**ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL**

ADVISORY FROM THE COUNCIL ON AGING
As always, there may be a number of agencies, insurance companies, prescription drug plans and others contacting Medicare beneficiaries. To help protect this vulnerable population from scams, it is important to know the legitimate agencies that may be calling and what seniors should do to protect themselves against scams.

*Do not give personal information over the phone (SS number, Medicare number, credit card information, bank information, address).

*Ask caller for their name.

*Request the caller give you a call back number.

*Report any suspicious calls to the local police and the Council on Aging.

*Do not be pressured to take action at the time of the call

*If you are not sure who you are talking to HANG UP.


**If you are suspicious of a call you have received, please call your local police or Council on Aging.**