The Heart of the Commonwealth
Worcester Senior Report
Worcester · Massachusetts
Because getting older should come with better information, not less of it.
Services & Resources
City and state programmes, benefits, meals and the Senior Center.
Worcester's city government and local nonprofits run a ton of programs for seniors that most people don't even know exist — fuel assistance, property tax exemptions, meal delivery through Elder Services of Worcester Area. Our news service tracks application deadlines and policy changes so nobody misses out on benefits they’re entitled to.
Information and referrals, benefits help, caregiver support, transportation help, meals, fitness and wellness programs, social activities, computer classes and advocacy.
128 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
No membership is needed. Free registration is encouraged, and required to use the Fitness Center.
Volunteer commission that advises the City on issues affecting older adults. Reached through the Senior Center.
128 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604
City services: housing and neighborhood concerns, public works, and referrals to city departments.
City Hall, 455 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608
If 311 does not connect from a cell phone, dial 508-929-1300. For emergencies, call 911.
Free computer and internet access, technology help, large-print books, social-service information and classes.
3 Salem Sq., Worcester, MA 01608
The library's online guide to local help with housing, transportation, legal questions, food, veterans' services, benefits and disability support.
The city's health department. It handles communicable diseases, flu prevention, safe disposal of needles and sharps, and reports of food poisoning, and lists Worcester's free clinics.
25 Meade Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
For non-emergency requests the city asks you to use Worcester 311 (already listed). In a health emergency ring 911.
The city office for registering to vote and voting by post. It can send a mail-in (absentee) ballot to older or disabled voters who cannot get to the polls, and says every polling place must be accessible and have an accessible voting machine.
City Hall, Room 208, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Monday, 8:45am to 5pm. Tuesday to Friday, 8:45am to 4:15pm.
You may bring someone of your choice to help you vote. Mail-in ballot applications can also be emailed to votebymail@worcesterma.gov or faxed to 508-799-1137.
Worcester's Aging Services Access Point: home-care assessments, homemaking and personal care, caregiver support, care management, nutrition, and information and referral for older adults living at home.
67 Millbrook St., Worcester, MA 01606
Toll-free: 1-800-243-5111. TTY: use Mass Relay 711.
Report suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation of an older adult. ESWA's Protective Services directs reports to this hotline.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Home-delivered meals for eligible homebound older adults, plus group meals and nutrition education.
508-799-8070 (lunch reservations)
Breakfast, lunch and snacks, open every morning through early afternoon. The menu is in the monthly Senior Scoop newsletter.
128 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604
Reserve lunch by phone between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., at least 2 days ahead. Donations accepted.
Regional planning and funding for senior programs: caregiver support, nutrition, transportation, legal and support services, and referrals.
330 Southwest Cutoff, Suite 203, Worcester, MA 01604
Toll-free: 800-244-3032. TTY: 711.
A free volunteer advocate for people aged 60 and over living at home who have a complaint about home health care, state-funded home care or community MassHealth programmes. They listen and help work towards a solution.
mass.gov prints this number with the word 'TTY' after it. For problems in a nursing home, rest home or assisted living, use the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (under Housing) instead.
Free statewide information and referral for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers: home care, housing, transportation, meals and caregiver services.
Free, unbiased counseling about Medicare, MassHealth, Medigap, prescription coverage, appeals and health-insurance bills.
Reached through MassOptions.
Retirement, SSI, disability, Medicare enrollment, replacement cards and benefit questions.
TTY: 800-325-0778.
Health coverage, long-term services and supports, eligibility, transportation-related coverage and senior benefits.
TTY: 800-497-4648.
State help paying for prescription drugs, for eligible Massachusetts residents 65 and older and people with disabilities.
Reached through MassOptions.
Help with heating bills and energy costs for eligible households. Applications go through local agencies such as the Worcester Community Action Council.
Fuel assistance for heating costs, tax help, and other programs that help households get back on their feet.
18 Chestnut St., Suite 500, Worcester, MA 01608
The state agency that helps people with disabilities find or keep work, including older workers who have developed a disability. Anyone with a disability can ask for help, and family members or doctors can refer someone.
50 Southwest Cutoff, Suite 1A, Worcester, MA 01604
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Ring and ask for the 'Counselor of the Day', who will do a short telephone interview and invite you to an orientation, held on Wednesdays. It used to be called the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Free parking. TTY: 508-767-9265.
The state office for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Worcester and nearby towns. It arranges and oversees services, and handles complaints. Useful for older parents planning care for an adult son or daughter.
324R Clark Street, Worcester, MA 01606
Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm.
People must first be found eligible by DDS. Parking is available.
Public housing for eligible older adults and people with disabilities, Section 8 vouchers, and housing applications.
630A Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Helps WHA residents with support services, food bags in an emergency, and free rides to the Senior Center.
Homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, housing search help and rental assistance referrals.
18 Chestnut St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01608
Use the 2nd floor reception entrance. Parking at 1 Maple Place. For an older adult who is homeless, about to be evicted or unsafe at home, call the Senior Center, ESWA or this office as soon as possible.