File of Life
The File of Life (FOL) is a free kit where you list your mini-medical history and emergency contact information. The FOL is then attaches magnetically to your refrigerator door. In case of emergency, when you can’t speak for yourself or you are too distressed to recall important information, the FOL can save time in treating your emergency. Reading residents of any age are encouraged to pick up a FOL for each family member at the following locations: Senior Center, Town Hall - Community Service Office, Reading Police Department, and the Reading Fire Department.
Friendly Visitors
Volunteers are paired with seniors. Volunteers visit their senior friend for about 1 hour once a week with the goal of offering companionship to reduce loneliness and increase social contact. Activities may include taking a walk, playing cards or board games or just talking. If you would like to learn more about this program, please call our Coordinator of Volunteers at 781-942-6657.
Knox Box
The Knox Box is a home safety devise designed to provide a secure way for Reading Fire Department personnel to access a person’s home without having to damage doors or windows in order to gain access. This is especially important for a person who may have frequent need to call the Fire Department for assistance. For example, a person may be ill or have fallen and has called 911 for emergency assistance but can not open the door. The Knox Box will permit the Fire Fighters/EMTs to enter the home with a key.
The Knox Box is a sturdy well-built unit that is attached near the home’s main entrance door. Inside the Knox Box is a key that will open the main entrance door. Only Emergency Medical Technicians -EMTs –from the Reading Fire Department are able to open the Knox Box. If you would like to learn more about this program and perhaps purchase Knox Box for your home, call Marie Ammer at 781-942-6659.
Lifeline - Emergency Response System
Is a medical alert system that consists of a pendant or watchband devise and a table top unit that connects to your home phone. If you have an emergency you have direct contact to a company that will contact the appropriate emergency personnel immediately. There are several companies that offer this type of service. A few examples include:
Hallmark Health Visiting Nurse Association, Inc* - 781-338-7900
VNA of Middlesex East - Wakefield - 781-224-3399
All Care VNA of Greater Lynn - Lynn - 781-598-7066
*Reading residents may be eligible for financial assistance with Hallmark Health. Ask about the Reading Response program.
Medical Escorts
Volunteers are available to drive Reading seniors to medical appointments (Hospitals or Physician Offices) outside of Reading. Volunteers generally do not accompany a client into his/her appointment. If you would like to learn more about this program, please our Coordinator of Volunteers at 781-942-6657.
Money Manager
Money manager is a program of MVES. The program pairs specially-trained and insured volunteers with Reading elders who need assistance paying bills, balancing a checkbook, organizing their finances or establishing a budget. Volunteers are trained and fully supported by Mystic Valley Elder Service’s Money Management Program Coordinator and receive ongoing supervision. Call Larry Poirier, 781-324-7705 ext. 333 for additional information.
Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES)
MVES is a non-profit organization that provides information and services to elders and their caregivers. Services are focused on helping elders live safely and independently in the setting of their choice. We are a one-stop resource for elder care information, advice, services, and solutions for anyone… regardless of age or income. Please call 781-327-7705 or visit www.mves.org to reach MVES.
Shopping Assistants
Volunteers are available to shopping for Reading seniors. The volunteer will meet with a client at their home, review the shopping list and with the client’s money, purchases the groceries and/or prescriptions at CVS or Brooks and delivers them to the client’s home. If you would like to learn more about this program, please call our Coordinator of Volunteers at 781-942-6657.
Weather Warriors
A limited number of volunteers are lend a hand to seniors unable to rake leaves, perform general yard cleanup, shovel snow and other tasks related to our New England weather.
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