Health & Wellness

NEW!   Dalton Community Outdoor Exercise Park

OUTREACH

The Outreach program is designed to define the needs of Dalton’s senior citizens and to facilitate access to medical services, health and prescription insurance, medical equipment and mental health counseling to name a few.  Pattie Pero has been Dalton’s Outreach Counselor for over 30 years and addresses the needs of those visiting the Senior Center along with identifying and advocating for those that are frail and isolated.  She works in collaboration with several area programs including Elder Services, Berkshire Elder Protective and Berkshire Mental Health, Dalton’s Police Department, Dalton Town Hall, area home health agencies and Veteran’s Services. The advocacy provided is instrumental in aiding Dalton’s elders to age in place and remain independent in their homes as long as possible.

SHINE (SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS FOR EVERYONE)

SHINE is a service program that helps individuals understand and navigate their health insurance options.  SHINE Counselors are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and meet monthly for continued training.  They provide free, unbiased and up to date health insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.  Pattie Pero has been a SHINE Counselor since 1988 and has been able to save Dalton’s senior residents thousands of dollars year after year by linking them to their appropriate coverage.

Pattie’s hours of operation are Monday and Thursdays 8am -4pm.
Appointments are highly encouraged.
Please call for holiday hours.

Monthly Foot Care Clinics
Beverly Dunn, RN offers foot care on the second Wednesday of the month beginning at 9 AM, by appointment only; $35 fee.

Blood Pressure Clinics are normally offered the first Thursday of every month 11AM – 12PM, no fee

Flu Clinics are normally offered in the fall.

Caregiver Support Group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory impairments.  Alzheimer’s Association registered and trained facilitators. Please call for more information.

Since June of 1996, the Dalton COA has offered this unique exercise program developed by Tufts University. Osteoporosis is a serious condition affecting both men and women in which bones become thinned, brittle and easily broken, but can be prevented or slowed by exercise, diet and sometimes hormone or drug therapy. American women over age 65 have a 50% chance of developing osteoporosis, while one in eight men older than 50 will suffer a hip fracture as a result of the disease.

Two classes are normally held each week: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30AM-11:00. Classes include exercises to improve balance as well as strength training for both upper and lower body using weights. A one hour orientation for those interested in attending is required, and can be scheduled by calling the COA Office.

Shake Your Soul Yogadance meets Wednesdays 10-11AM. Barbara Pastie. (fee)

Tai Chi meets Tuesdays at 11:15; classes are taught by certified instructor Sher Mindermann. (fee)

Line Dancing meets Mondays 10-11AM, classes are led by Cheryl Wendling. (fee)

NEW!   Dalton Community Outdoor Exercise Park – “Who says exercise should be work??” The first of its kind in the region!  Come with a friend and/or your music.  Designed with senior in mind, exercise will give a moderate work-out in about 30 minutes.  The park located around the Senior Center is free and open to the public.  Equipment includes: hip twister, stationary bike, pommel horse, skill trainer, ski stepper, rower, balance plank, chest press/lateral pull and double leg press.