New Bedford Council on Aging Offers New Programs This Fall

Like many Councils on Aging on the SouthCoast, the New Bedford COA is upgrading its programs for seniors.

A number of changes will take place in October, and COA Director Pamela Amaral-Lema visited Townsquare Sunday to outline the new programs coming next month and what's happening now at the COA's three senior sites.

Amaral-Lema has served as COA Director for the past year, after working 10 years as the Assistant Director.

"When I started with the Council on Aging, older adults would walk into senior centers and pretty much stay there all day," Amaral-Lema said. "Now seniors are more active and really focused on health and wellness and exercise programs at the senior center."

Centers at Hazelwood Park and Brooklawn Park both serve as Supported Social Day Care facilities.

"Those are structured and supervised programs for older adults in need of socialization, while providing caregivers and loved ones with some time for themselves," Amaral-Lema said. "It's a valuable resource for caregivers, knowing that their loved one is being cared for in a safe and welcoming environment."

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The Buttonwood Park Warming House is the COA's Senior Center, serving those seniors that might want to come in for one program and then leave, or stay for something else.

Amaral-Lema said some new programs will be added at Buttonwood starting in October.

"We are adding a nutrition clinic, manicures, a game room, tech classes, specialized arts and crafts, line dancing and afternoon movies, along with a new bingo machine and smart board at the senior center," she said.

"Our ultimate goal is to just help older adults to thrive in the community," Amaral-Lema said.

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