The center operates one afternoon a week at each site and is staffed by an MGH Senior Health Nurse Practitioner and a Resource Specialist. The sessions include health education on topics such as fitness, nutrition, home safety, and disease prevention; screenings for diabetes, hypertension, anemia, vision loss, and hearing loss; flu vaccinations; and blood pressure monitoring. Residents have an opportunity to consult with Frank Bellistri, GNP, the nurse practitioner, regarding their individual health concerns. Lindy Wilks, the program’s resource specialist, will offer consultation with residents on community services and referrals such as transportation and pharmacy assistance.

The program also assists the buildings’ residents with transportation and escorts to and from medical appointments and procedures by collaborating with Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly and Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers.

One goal of the program is to improve the social well-being of elders in the community. Because many older adults eat alone, isolated in their apartments, the program has enhanced the Senior Supper Club, with expanded hours and discounts. The new hours for supper at the Eat Street Café are Monday through Friday from 2:00-8:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00-7:00pm. Breakfast is now being offered, as well, both at Eat Street Café and Tea Leaves & Coffee Beans. Breakfast hours are 6:30-10:00am weekdays, and 7:00-10:00am weekends. Members of the Senior Supper Club will receive a membership card that entitles them to a 10% discount on meals, both eat-in and carry-out, educational programs throughout the year, and a 10% discount on merchandise at Images Hair Salon, the Flower Shop, and General Store (services excluded). Elders may sign up for the Senior Supper Club by coming to Eat Street Café during weekday supper hours or attending any of the Senior Supper Club programs, or by going to the Senior HealthWISE Wellness Center. They receive their membership card and benefits begin immediately.

There will be no charge for the services provided by this program. MGH Senior HealthWISE is not intended as a substitute for an individual’s physician or other health care provider, but rather it is designed to improve the individual’s health through education and support. Barbara Moscowitz also considers the program as a crucial means of identifying gaps in services for older adults, and an opportunity to seek solutions by joining with City and State advocates. She hopes to contribute to solutions for the community’s older adults and is attempting to do this by working with colleagues from Boston Senior Homecare, the Department of Public Health, and the City of Boston.

For further information about the program, please call MGH Senior HealthWISE at (617)724-6756.