COA&HS Policies

The Lincoln Council on Aging & Human Services is an inclusive and welcoming community. We serve all religions, ethnicities, preferences/identities, foreign language speakers, old and young. Our goal is to offer help where help is needed.

 

Inclement Weather Policy

If the Lincoln schools are closed due to weather, activities at the COA&HS are cancelled. If the schools are delayed or close early, it is at the discretion of the COA&HS staff and individual instructors whether a particular activity will be held. Every effort will be made to reschedule classes and presentations that are cancelled due to bad weather.

 

Behavior Policy

It is expected that folks who enter the COA&HS, participate in COA&HS activities, or accept COA&HS service will conduct themselves appropriately. 

 

The flowing rules apply:

 

  1. People are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and cooperative manner.

 

  1. Behavior which infringes on the rights of others to enjoy the activities and services of the COA&HS will not be tolerated.

 

  1. If one does not comply in response to an appropriate warning, that person may receive a suspension from the COA&HS, either for a designated time or permanently.

 

  1. It is the responsibility of the Council on Aging Director, or their designated assistant, to enforce the above stated policies.

 

Transportation Policy

The Lincoln Council on Aging and Human Services (COA&HS) provides free transportation to medical and other appointments, local shopping (e.g. Lincoln Mall), and COA&HS activities through volunteer drivers (LINC) and taxis Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. 

 

LINC transportation is intended for those who have no other means of transportation. Those who can drive themselves, are eligible for “the Ride,” or who have family or friends who can drive them should use these resources before asking for a ride from LINC. If you need help applying for the Ride, please call Carlee Castetter at 781-259-8811.

All COA&HS transportation is free. Council on Aging & Human Services taxi rides to medical appointments are supported by funds from, CHNA 15, First Parish Church, and the Friends of the Lincoln COA. Donations are gratefully accepted.

To arrange for a ride, please call Transportation Coordinator, Carlee Castetter at 781-259-8811.

Please call to schedule your ride at least three business days in advance, but not more than one month in advance.

The only exception to ride scheduling guidelines is in the event of an extreme medical emergency that requires urgent attention. Our ability to provide rides even under these circumstances is very limited.

COA&HS capacity to provide rides is very limited. Essential destinations (e.g. doctor appointments, food shopping, etc.) take priority over non-essential destinations (e.g. hair dresser, volunteer opportunities, etc.). We know finding transportation can be stressful. We will strive to meet the needs and transportation requests as they arise. 

All riders must provide up to date emergency contact information and abide by the COA&HS Behavior Policy while accepting services.

If you have questions about LINC or our ability to provide a particular ride, please call the COA&HS at 781-259-8811 and speak to Carlee Castetter or Abigail Butt. 

Riders should call the COA&HS with concerns or for information. Due to privacy concerns, we cannot provide the phone numbers of drivers. Riders must call the COA&HS to cancel/reschedule a ride.

The COA&HS will call riders at least 24 hours in advance if we are not able to provide a ride. Otherwise, riders can assume their ride request will be filled.

We respect the privacy of our drivers. If a driver does not wish to reveal their private phone number to riders, they are not required to call riders to confirm their rides.

Scholarship Program Policy

The Lincoln Council on Aging & Human Services’ (COA & HS) Scholarship Program is available to seniors who otherwise could not afford to participate in a COA&HS activity, trip, program, event, or class. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the need for financial assistance either by participation in one of the means-based programs listed in the application or by the description of any extraordinary financial obligations, medical hardship, and/or lack of income (e.g. 250% Federal Poverty Level or below). The COA&HS reserves the right to request supporting documentation that describes proof of need.

 

The Scholarship Program will consider up to two applications per person, per fiscal year with only one request per application, not exceeding $300 granted to any individual person per fiscal year.

 

Applicants must be 60 years old or older and a Lincoln resident or a regular Lincoln COA&HS participant (attendance documented in MySeniorCenter database) if from another community. Applicant will furnish evidence of age, address, or income if requested.

 

Political Campaigning Policy

As per the Lincoln Council on Aging Board of Directors’ policy below, we ask candidates for public office to please refrain from campaigning at Council on Aging (COA&HS) events or in Council on Aging & Human Services space during operating hours.

In accordance with MGL, Chapter 55 and long-standing COA&HS tradition, political campaigning, as defined by MGL Chapter 55 (including fundraising, asking for votes, and display or distribution of political campaign literature, among other activities fitting the Chapter 55 definition), is not to take place in Council on Aging & Human Services space during our hours of operation or at Council on Aging events at other sites or at other times. Obviously, this is not meant to restrict anyone who happens to be a candidate or supporters from accessing COA&HS programs and services when their visit does not relate to their political activities or normal discussion of current events that may happen among Lincoln residents coming for COA&HS programs and services.

 

Dog Policy

There are those who come to the Lincoln Council on Aging & Human Services with dog allergies, including those that are potentially life-threatening. So, unfortunately, we need to ask everyone to please leave their dogs, except for service dogs, at home. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Podiatry Clinic Policy

Due to the demand for podiatry clinics, Lincoln residents will have priority for signing up for clinic appointments. Non-residents may be placed on a non-resident waiting list and will be called the day before the clinic should clinic slots be available that have not been taken by Lincoln residents.