Mental Health and Wellness for Seniors
Welcome to the Brookfield Board of Health's resource page on mental health and wellness for seniors. As we age, it's important to prioritize both physical and mental health to maintain a high quality of life. Here are some resources and tips for seniors in Massachusetts to support mental health and wellness.
Senior-Focused Support Groups
- Wisecrackers Peer Support Group: Supports mental health advocates over 50 with pure peer support practices. Learn more about Wisecrackers.
- Women 65+ Discussion Group: Hosted by the Cambridge Women’s Center, this group meets monthly for discussion and support. Learn more about the Women 65+ Discussion Group.
Brookfield Council on Aging Programs & Meetings
Senior Meetings:
The Brookfield Council on Aging will be meeting on Tuesdays at the Congregation Church for Coffee Hour 10 AM to 12 PM.
Foot Care Clinic:
Foot clinics are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Congregational Church from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you wish to participate, please call Patty King at 508-867-2930 ext. 23 for an appointment. If necessary, leave a message and Patty will get back to you.
Chair Yoga & Coffee Hour: The Council on Aging is offering FREE Chair Yoga Tuesdays, from 9AM to 10AM at the Congregational Church, immediately followed by Coffee Hour until Noon! FREE Blood Pressure and Glucose Screenings for Seniors
The Brookfield Board of Health, in collaboration with the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition and the Council on Aging is pleased to offer FREE blood pressure and glucose screenings for our senior community. Regular screenings are vital for early detection and management of health issues.
When: The second Tuesday of each month
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM during the coffee hour
Location: Coffee Hour Venue at The Brookfield Congregational Church
Health Benefits:
Blood Pressure Screening: Helps detect hypertension early, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Glucose Screening: Aids in the early detection of diabetes or pre-diabetes, allowing for timely intervention to prevent complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Details:
A registered nurse (RN) will be available to perform the screenings.
We can accommodate approximately 12-15 seniors each month.
If you are not signed up, it will be first-come, first-served, depending on the number of people signed up for that day.
How to Participate:
Sign up during the coffee hour, or
Contact the Council on Aging (COA) at:
Phone: Patty at 508-867-2930 ext. 23
We encourage all seniors to take advantage of this opportunity to monitor and manage their health. Regular screenings can lead to early detection and treatment, improving your overall well-being. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible benefit from this program!
Ice Cream Social: Tuesday August 23, 2022 at the Congregational Church beginning at 1PM. RSVP Patty King at 508-867-2930 ext. 23 or Lois O'Leary at 508-867-2930 ext. 24
Tai–Chi Classes:
Wave good bye to sweating, puffing, and panting, and say hello to feeling cool, calm, refreshed and energized! Experience the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi and treat your whole body to gentle and relaxing workout. Each 8-week session is $35, or $5 for each individual class. Tai Chi occurs every Thursday morning, at 8:30 AM, on the Common through October 1st.
Medi Car:
Call the West Brookfield Senior Center (508-867-1407) if you should need transportation to a doctor's appointment. They will also wait for you and give you a ride home.
Brookfield Food Pantry:
The Brookfield Food Pantry is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. The pantry is located in the basement of St. Mary's Church in Brookfield, at the rear of the building on the Howard St. side.
Library Services:
Delivery services of library materials are available on Fridays. If you are interested in this service, or if you have any questions, please call the Brookfield Merrick Public Library (508-867-6339).
https://www.brookfieldma.us/council-aging/pages/programs-meetings
Regional Support for Older Adults and Caregivers
- Aging and Disability Resources Consortia (ADRC): Provide information and referral, options counseling, and assistance with decision support and service planning. Find your ADRC (pdf).
- Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs): Regional agencies that support older adults living in the community. Find your ASAP.
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Coordinate services to help older adults remain in their homes. Find your AAA.
Mental Health Resources
- NAMI Massachusetts: Offers resources and support for older adults facing mental health challenges. Contact NAMI Mass Compass Helpline at 617-704-6264.
- Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH): Works to improve understanding of mental health conditions and access to services. Learn more about MAMH.
- MassHealth for Seniors: Provides health insurance for seniors and people who need long-term care services. Learn more about MassHealth for Seniors.
Other Resources
- FriendshipWorks: Connects volunteers with older adults for friendship and support. Learn more about FriendshipWorks.
- Healthy IDEAS: Supports seniors in the community struggling with depression. Learn more about Healthy IDEAS.
Prioritizing mental health and wellness is essential for seniors to enjoy their later years fully. These resources can help seniors in Massachusetts find the support and services they need.