Public Health Nurse
Sarah Fiske offers free services on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 am -1 pm or by appointment, in the Shutesbury Senior Lounge (lower level Town Hall). She can be reached at 413-531-0657 or sarah.fiske@greenfield-ma.gov. Services include (but are not limited to):
- blood pressure or blood glucose screenings
- advice on medication management
- consultation on wound care and assistance with wound dressings
- foot care consultation and referrals
- advice on mobility issues (uses of walker, cane)
- risk reduction and injury prevention
- prenatal and postnatal care, and general parent health education
- diabetes care and management advice
- nutrition and exercise consultation
- tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse referrals
- help with navigating medical and social services
- home visits as needed
- referral to other health providers and resources.
Medical Equipment Loan Program
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office TRIAD Program offers medical equipment loans in an effort to keep people in their homes as long as they can safely live there. TRIAD provides/delivers donated medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, commodes, canes, walkers and rollators. All equipment is free of charge. Call 413-774-4726.
Transportation to Medical Appointments
The Franklin Regional Transit Authority can provide transportation for ambulatory persons 60 years or older, who reside in Franklin County and need to travel outside of Franklin County for a medical appointment. Volunteer drivers who have completed a vetting process with the FRTA provide consumers with transportation using their own vehicles. For more information view the Med-Ride brochure.
To schedule a ride, please contact the FRTA customer call center during regular business hours at 413-774-2262, or 888-301-2262, and dial 0 for a representative.
Village Neighbors is a non-profit member/volunteer-run organization serving adults 60 and older in Shutesbury, Leverett, New Salem and Wendell. It can assist its members with free transportation. To learn more, call 413-345-6894, write to Village Neighbors, P.O. Box 501, Shutesbury, MA 01072, or email generalinfo@villageneighbors.org.
Understanding Options for Medicare, Medicaid, and MassHealth
LifePath offers education and assistance in these areas through the SHINE program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders).
Valley Eye Radio
This non-profit member of MAIN (Massachusetts Audio Information Network) covers Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. Valley Eye Radio volunteers read aloud for broadcast from 30+ different local newspapers and other publications, including featured event recordings, free of charge to people who are blind, visually impaired, or who have difficulty in reading independently for themselves due to another disability or health condition. Call 413-747-7337 to request a specially tuned radio.
Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The objective of this program is to help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, family members, caregivers, and professionals on how to address healthcare errors, fraud and abuse.
Call 800-892-0890, or email info@masmp.org or help@masmp.org.