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Social Services

Veterans and Friends Support Group at a lunch outing

The Council on Aging provides and encourages connection for Cambridge seniors in a variety of ways: social connection through our Support and Social Groups; physical connection through transportation resources; health and wellness connection through referrals to local organizations, and much more.

Our Client Services team takes a case management approach to helping residents age 60 and older with accessing the resources they need. While the team does not provide direct clinical or medical services, they refer seniors to local agencies that do.

Below is an overview of COA Social Services. You can also reach out to our Client Services team at 617-349-6220 for more information or to set up an appointment.

SHINE Program

Are you new to Medicare? Are you turning 65 soon or losing employer-based health insurance coverage? The SHINE program will help you understand your Medicare health insurance coverage options, and we offer free consultations. Call 617-349-6220 to make an appointment.

 

Outreach Case Management

Council on Aging Outreach Case Management can provide short-term case management and follow-up to elders who need assistance navigating the elder care system.

If you have any questions about Outreach Case Management, or need additional information please call 617-349-6220.

 

Transportation Resources


The Council on Aging Shuttle Bus is an accessible bus that brings older adults living in Cambridge to and from the Cambridge Senior Center in Central Square.  The shuttle bus operates Monday through Thursday. Please call 617-349-6220 for more information.

Door2Door Transportation by SCM is available to Cambridge residents who are 60 years or older or residents who have a disability. The service is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and provides door-to-door rides to local non-emergency medical appointments and trips to the grocery store in Cambridge and surrounding communities, including Brookline and Boston. For additional information, call Door2Door by SCM at 617-625-1191.

The Cambridge Taxi Discount Coupon Program provides reduced taxi fares to Cambridge residents 60 and older or disabled residents. For more information, visit the program webpage or call 617-349-6220.

Support and Social Groups

Navigating Loss Support Group

In this informal conversational group, we explore grief and how it impacts our lives. We will also share resources, coping strategies and personal experiences around loss.

This in-person, three-part series is offered at the Cambridge Senior Center biannually.

If you have questions or you are looking for additional types of support, please contact Vincent McCarthy at vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6220.

Take Care Support Group for Non-Professional Caregivers

“Take Care” is a virtual informational group for non-professional caregivers. The goal of the meetings is to provide practical information and suggestions about meeting the needs of the person receiving care as well as the needs of the caregiver.

Participants will learn about available resources in the Cambridge area, how to navigate various care systems (including medical and legal systems), and more! This five-week series is offered in the spring and fall. 

Registration is announced on COA's homepage before each series. If you have questions or you are looking for additional support, please contact Vincent McCarthy at vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6048.

Veterans and Friends Support Group

This group welcomes veterans and non-veterans to check in, share stories, discuss life experiences, socialize, and discuss military culture in a nonjudgmental space. The focus is on promoting self-care, wellness, and peer support.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 1– 2 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.).

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Dee Cannon at dcannon@ cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6048.

Film & Discussion Group

The Film & Discussion Group meets monthly to view a current popular movie together. The viewing is followed by a facilitated conversation to discuss the film and the topics that were presented. An effort is made to choose films that cover important issues. Past films have included topics such as aging, health & wellness, housing, LGBT+ issues, racial equity, and substance use.

This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.).

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Vincent McCarthy at vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6216.

LGBTQ+ Film Series

This is an LGBTQ+ friendly space for us all to view and discuss movies with LGBTQ+ themes and content. Friends, family members, caretakers and allies alike are encouraged to participate.

This group meets at 10 a.m. on the last Tuesday of every month (except December) at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. The LGBTQ+ Film series is a collaboration of the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission and the Cambridge Council on Aging. 

For more information, please contact Phoebe Hallahan, Programming Leader for the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, at phallahan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-9177.

Senior Men’s Group

The Men’s Group is a facilitated monthly meeting that offers senior men a chance to gather in an informal setting for coffee & conversation.

This group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10am – 11:30am.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Vincent McCarthy at vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6216.

Senior Women's Group

The Women’s Group is a facilitated monthly meeting that offers older women a space to gather for conversation. As we navigate through our later years, it's often helpful to bounce our feelings and ideas off each other in a safe and supportive place.
Humorous or serious, it's great to share our stories.

This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1 - 2:00 pm.

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