Pepperell Council on Aging

POLICY: Standards of Independence for Senior Center Participation

Our programs are primarily designed for and targeted to seniors in the Town of Pepperell. Others may participate when the staff has been consulted. Please note the following standards of independence and behavior with respect to senior center attendance. If a participant cannot meet the required standards, staff is available to share resources and discuss options. The staff is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for as many community seniors as possible.

Participants at the Senior Center must:

1. Provide the staff with the name and telephone number of a person to contact in case of an emergency. If a participant experiences a medical problem while on the premises, it is expected that the participant will follow the recommendation of the Senior Center staff to seek appropriate medical attention.

2. Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal substances on the premises. Participants who are inebriated will be asked to leave immediately.

3. Take responsibility for their own personal care and be responsible for their own personal health and medical care. Senior Center staff can not be responsible for providing assistance with personal care, medication, and other personal health and medical care.

4. Be reasonably oriented, capable of decision making, and attending to their own activities.

5. Avoid causing disturbances or disruptions, show respect for others, building facilities, and personal property of others. Physical and non-physical abuse will not be permitted, and may result in the participant being requested to leave the premises. If inappropriate behavior is witnessed or reported, the staff, with appropriate discretion, will take corrective action.

If such abuse is of a magnitude that requires more drastic response, the Director will determine whether a suspension of the participant's Senior Center privileges is in order. The Director shall have discretion to impose such suspension for a period of up to three days, but any longer period (including a permanent exclusion) shall be imposed only after a hearing has been held by the Council on Aging, at which hearing the subject participant shall be allowed full opportunity to present his or her case.

If a participant experiences a mental health episode a request for reasonable accommodation will be considered. In the absence of such request, the procedures regarding suspension may be followed.

Adopted 2/12/01

Revised 3/14/05