Farmington Senior Services

Active & Vital…

To promote and support senior citizen involvement in a healthy and interactive lifestyle through programs, activities and services. To recognize when further support and services are needed for homebound seniors by providing outreach into the home.

Goals

• Social & Recreational Activities
• Educational Programs
• Health Screenings & Seminars
• Economic/Financial Services
• Transportation Services
• Nutrition Programs
• Volunteer Experiences

Objectives

• Bring seniors & resources together
• Meet social needs through interaction with peers
• Enhance lives through activity and knowledge
• Promote prevention measures that will encourage individual independence and health of seniors
• Meet personal needs
• Enrich, empower and involve seniors
• Age with dignity

General Information

The facility known as the Community & Senior Center is the property of the Town of Farmington and is under the supervision of the Community and Recreational Services. The facility is for the exclusive use of Senior Citizens during normal hours of operation. Exceptions to this use must be approved by the Director of Community and Recreational Services. Use on weekends and evenings must be scheduled with the Director of Community and Recreational Services.

• The Senior Center is open for senior activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Senior Center office is closed for Town holidays. Senior programs may be scheduled on a holiday or during evening/ weekend hours.
• When schools are closed for inclement weather, senior activities are canceled.

Membership

1. There are 2 membership categories:
• Senior Members - Residents 60 years of age and up
• Guest Members - Residents 50 - 59 years of age / Non-Residents 50 years of age and up
2. Senior citizens participating in programs will be asked to register by filling out a Senior Center card that includes emergency contacts and voluntary medical information. This information shall be held in strict confidence. Residents will have priority to sign up for programs
3. There is no membership fee.
4. Non-Residents may be charged a higher fee for events, classes, activities and trips. Participation will be based on availability of space after resident registration.

Attendance

Attendance shall be taken for each activity and used for department statistics.

Eligibility

1. Senior Center programs are designed for the independently functioning older person. The facility is handicapped accessible. The Senior Center Coordinator, in consultation with staff members, reserves the right to assess the ability of participants to safely and appropriately use the Senior Center. This is in order to insure the health and well being of all attendees.
2. For those needing assistance for participation, a home health aide, companion, escort or family member must accompany them.
3. Individuals with conditions that cannot be managed by staff, health aide or other members will be excluded from participation.

Parking

1. Parking is provided for staff, members and visitors as follows:
• 3 Handicapped Spaces in front of Community & Senior Center
• 3 Handicapped Spaces in adjacent area between C&SC and Police Department
• Parking spaces at C&SC and spaces in adjacent area to Police Department
2. Parking is allowed in designated areas only.

Publications

Information about Senior Activities, Programs and Services shall be available at the Senior Center and through published periodicals.

Memorial Gifts & Donations

Memorial Gifts and Donations to the Senior Center will be placed in a special fund to be used for the benefit of senior programs and services.

Telephone & Telephone Numbers

A telephone for local calls by the public is available in the main hallway near the lobby and instructions are written on use of the phone. Telephones are located in every room for emergency use, 911. Personal information shall be kept confidential.

Solicitations/Information Dissemination

• Selling items/services in the Center or on the grounds during Senior Center hours is prohibited unless approved by the Senior Center Coordinator or is under the auspices of a Senior Center sponsored program.
• Fundraising events during Senior Center hours are prohibited unless approved by the Senior Center or is under the auspices of a Senior Center sponsored program.
• Groups or individuals disseminating information to the public are prohibited from interrupting senior center activities.
• Persons interested in providing or displaying public information must obtain approval from staff.
• All outside groups, organizations or individuals are required to submit a request for approval and scheduling of activity. Senior Center Coordinator may survey the Senior Center Committee to assess interest. The Senior Center Committee may assist staff in program ideas and implementation.

Announcements/Displays

1. Announcements of Community & Senior Events or other handout information shall be approved for display by the Senior Services Staff and posted at the discretion of the staff. Space is limited and the following restrictions may apply:
• Announcements shall be dated and posted for no longer than 30 days
• Announcements shall be clearly marked as to the sponsor, contact person etc.
• Limited to local non-profit organizations
2. Displays will be considered on a case to case basis. Applications are available in the Senior Center office and will be reviewed for approval by the Senior Center Staff.
3. The Senior Center is not responsible for materials posted or on display and does not necessarily endorse that which is posted/displayed.

Senior Travel

1. Flyers:
• Will be posted with appropriate information: date of posting, sponsor, trip details, cost, method of payment and contact numbers.
2. Sign up:
• Town of Farmington senior residents will have the first seven (7) business days to exclusively sign up for trips sponsored by the Center. After that time, the trips may be open to non-resident seniors and adults.
3. Seating:
• Seating is arranged according to the order in which sign ups are taken. If you wish to sit with a special friend you must sign up together or you will be reassigned a seat according to whoever signed up last. Particular seating needs will be accommodated when possible. Payment is expected at time of sign up.
4. Handicapped Needs:
• Effort will be taken to accommodate handicap needs when possible.
5. Trip Cancellation:
• On one (1) day trips, if you must cancel, please notify the Center as soon as possible. We will try to assist you to find a replacement, but we do not always have a waiting list. Trip insurance on overnight trips may be available through the Tour Company. NO REFUNDS will be made after the tour company's deadline for payment.
6. Trip Parking:
• Cars shall be parked along the perimeter of the parking area starting near the bridge. Spaces in the middle of the parking lot and near the front of the Center shall be left available for those using the building for Senior Activities. The tour leader shall report to the Farmington Police Department, the number of cars that will be left for overnight parking and the day of return. The Town of Farmington will not be responsible for any theft or damage.
7. Departures:
• Be on time for departures. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.
8. Coffee Stops:
• May be scheduled as appropriate. If a medical condition such as diabetes requires food at certain times, remember to bring snacks on the bus.
9. Bus Policies:
• No smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages.
• Recline your seat only with permission of the person behind you.
• When stopped, please stay with your group and return to the bus as scheduled.
• No walking around while the bus is in motion except to use the bathroom (For Your Safety)
• When you go on one of our trips, please remember you are a personal representative of the Farmington Senior Center and we ask that your actions be a positive reflection for all of us.

Computer Lab

This facility allows senior citizens to have the opportunity to learn technology and use computers.

Kitchen and Equipment

This is a full fledge commercial kitchen with commercial appliances. Use of the kitchen during Senior Center hours is arranged with the Senior Center Coordinator.

Senior Center Newsletter

Outreach Services

The Town's Outreach Services provide information and support to our resident's who are homebound. Our worker visits individuals and families in their home to assess the situation and provide referrals or information on a variety of subjects, such as: financial assistance, medical help, insurance information, home care and counseling. Throughout the year, a variety of information seminars are offered to provide information for families caring for older relatives.

Call our office for your free copy of our Farmington Senior Resource Guide (a complete listing of services and programs in the Farmington Valley). Call 675-2390 for more information.

Contact Us