Programs & Services

Carlisle Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

The Carlisle Council on Aging and Human Services and the Carlisle Affordable Housing Trust are pleased to announce the launch of a new rental assistance program in Carlisle. This program will combine American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to provide eligible households with rental assistance of up to $4,800 for 12 months. For more information:

• Carlisle Rental Assistance Program Flyer
• Carlisle Rental Assistance Application

Educational Programs

The Council on Aging (COA), often along with the Friends of the COA and the Carlisle Library, offers educational series that are free to all Carlisle residents and include such topics as Art, Health, History, Legal Issues and Computer Education.

File of Life

The Carlisle Firefighter’s Relief Association and the Friends of the Carlisle Council on Aging, has purchased “FILE OF LIFE” kits for Carlisle seniors. The “FILE OF LIFE” contains a mini medical history posted on the outside of one’s refrigerator. In an emergency the “FILE OF LIFE” card enables emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to obtain a quick medical history and vital personal information when a patient is unable to offer it. These are being provided free of charge.

The “FILE OF LIFE” cards are available at the Council office at Town Hall. If you are unable to pick one up or have any questions about the “File of Life” program, please call 978-371-2895.

The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled “File of Life,” lists the patient’s name, emergency contacts, health insurance policy and social security numbers, health conditions, medications including dosages, allergies, recent surgeries, religion, doctor’s name and whether or not there is a health care proxy or living will. The entire pocket is held, with a magnet, to the outside of the refrigerator for easy access in an emergency.

Fitness Programs

We have several low-cost exercise programs designed specifically for seniors.  Currently, these include Zumba, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Fitness, Cardio and SAMA (Senior Approach to Maintaining Agility), as well as Tap.  Call the COA to sign up for these classes. You are welcome to attend a class for free to see if it is something you would like to attend regularly.

Health & Wellness

The COA offers blood pressure clinics several times a month that are free to the seniors and are announced in the monthly newsletter and are visible on the Town website HERE. Other clinics that we provide are for podiatry and vaccinations. 

Intergenerational Programs

The COA offers many interesting and fun programs and activities that bring the whole community closer together.

Medical Equipment

We have many pieces of medical equipment available to the community that include but are not limited to: wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, shower chairs, transfer benches, grabbers and commodes. The equipment is lent out free of charge to anyone in Carlisle.

Nutritional Programs

The COA offers several nutritional programs including monthly lunches, breakfasts, and coffees. The COA works with the local schools, senior housing facilities, and churches that provide venues for these events. We also provide Meals on Wheels for those who are home-bound and cannot provide for themselves.

RUOK®

If you live alone, you may want to sign up for the FREE RUOK® Telephone Reassurance System. The system will call you at the predetermined time you request. When you answer, you’ll hear a short pre-recorded call message. If you don’t respond after several tries, the police will personally try to reach you, and if there is still no reply they will stop by and check on you at home. This system has saved lives. Call the Council on Aging to sign up at 978-371-2895. For more information, click here (PDF). 

Senior Tax Worker Program:

If you are a Carlisle property owner and sixty years old or older, you are eligible to apply for our Senior Tax Worker Program. If you live with a Carlisle senior who qualifies, you can work on their behalf. Approved applicants provide work assistance to town departments such as the Council on Aging, School, Police, Library, and Town Clerk’s office. Tax workers can earn up to $1,000 working their hours at the current minimum wage. For more information and an application, click here (PDF). 

Yellow Dot Program:

Many cities and towns across the United States use the Yellow Dot Program. If you were in a car accident and unresponsive, what would you want first responders to know? Do you or a loved one have a medical condition? Or do you take a medication that can’t be mixed with other meds? Fortunately, there is a way to share your medical history with first responders without saying a word. Participants in the Yellow Dot Program place the yellow sticker on the bottom left corner of their vehicle’s rear window. This sticker alerts emergency response crews to check the vehicle’s glove compartment for important medical information about the driver and/or passengers. While it is especially important for seniors and those with chronic illness or disabilities, and any life-threatening allergy, this program is for anyone. If emergency professionals are aware of your condition, they are in a better position to correctly treat you, which could make the difference between life and death. If you would like to pick up one of these envelopes with a form and sticker, call the COA office at 978-371-2895 or stop on in during office hours.