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1. What age do I have to be to participate?

Various programs have different guidelines such as: 55 plus years for Beechwood, Town Bus and NKSA membership; 60 years plus to participate in Nutrition and Meals on Wheels with spouses and handicapped granted exceptions. Some State and Federal Programs such as RIPAE, Housing, Medical Assistance, Heat and Energy have other restrictions such as income.

2. Do I have to join the North Kingstown Senior Association dba Friends of Beechwood to participate in activities and services at the center?

No, all programs and services are available to members and non-members alike. However, we encourage you to join the North Kingstown Senior Association (Friends of Beechwood). For complete information about joining, visit the North Kingstown Senior Association Page.

3. What are some of the benefits of joining NKSA (Friends of Beechwood)?

Receive your newsletter in the mail, receive voting rights on issues and business conducted at the NKSA Annual Dinner Meeting. Membership is renewable annually in January. Become a part of a 1,000 plus member organization well-known for supporting North Kingstown Senior Services in providing lower cost programs and activities to benefit the older adult population in North Kingstown.

4. Is North Kingstown residency required?

Yes and no. NKSA Membership and any programs supported by Federal and State dollars are open to all. The Senior Bus is limited to North Kingstown residents.

5. What types of programs does the Senior Center offer?

As a recreational center, Beechwood offers a variety of programs and classes to enhance the enrichment of older adults. These include many exercise classes, recreational activities, and health/wellness programs. Popular activities at Beechwood include social events, art programs, cards, Bingo, health clinics and screenings, Reiki, Reflexology, weekly local trips, as well as monthly day trips. Please call our office at 268-1590 for further information or view our programs page.

6. What does the Social Services Department provide?

1. Staff in the Social Services Department can assess problems brought to their attention by concerned parties. If Social Services can solve the initial problem, no further action is taken other than to continue to monitor the situation. If the case involves abuse or self-neglect, state law requires additional reporting to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. Then, the case is usually referred to a regional office and to a coalition of community agencies serving South County who together develop an extensive case plan to best serve the client.
2. Social Services can assist in advocating for seniors who may need various types of services. The Senior Center attempts to assist seniors and their families in areas of need.
3. People caring for loved ones receive assistance through a bi-monthly support group.  A Caregivers Support Group meets twice a month at Beechwood. Referrals can be made for respite care and information is provided on various issues involved in care giving.

7. How do I determine if I am eligible for medical assistance?

Call Medical Assistance at 855-697-4347 or go to the DHS Website.

8. How do I apply for SNAP benefits and/or medical assistance?

SNAP benefits information can be obtained by calling 1-855-697-4347 for Eligibility Requirements go to the DHS Website.

9. Are meals available at the Senior Center?

Absolutely. Lunch is served daily in Seabreeze dining at Noon. Please visit our Seabreeze Dining/Nutrition Services page for costs, reservations and this month's delicious menu. Please call the Dining Room Manager at 401-268-1592 at least one week  in advance to make a reservation. The recommended donation for Seabreeze Dining is $3.00, however no one is turned away for lack of payment.

10. What should I do if I need transportation?

Call the Center Office at 401-268-1590 for more information or requests regarding transportation services. The Town bus, provides transportation into the Center and local medical appointments within town. Your appointment can be scheduled if requested at least 48 hours in advance. View Transportation for more information.

11. How would I get Meals-On-Wheels if I ever needed it, or if I have a neighbor who I think would benefit from it?

In North Kingstown, the local Meals on Wheels is a branch of Meals on Wheels of RI, which maintains an office in Providence. A local Volunteer Coordinator schedules drivers. To receive Meals on Wheels, certain criteria must be met and there is a recommended donation of $3.00 a day, usually collected weekly. Again, as with our noon meal, no one is turned away for lack of payment. To enroll in Meals on Wheels, you must call the Providence office at 401-351-6700.

12. Where does the funding come from for the Center's many programs and services?

The various programs and services require many funding sources:

1. The Town of North Kingstown provides the major funding for staffing, bus, supplies, inside & outside maintenance, heat, light, electricity, and of course the building and allied insurance.
2. Seabreeze Dining, under Westbay Community Action, is federally funded by The Older Americans Act.
3. The North Kingstown Senior Association (Friends of Beechwood) provides funding for programs, supplies, and newsletter mailing in the amount of approximately $20,000 per year, plus funding for special projects.
4. The remainder is funded through federal, state and private grants, as well as donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses.

13. Does the center accept donations from individuals?

Yes.

1. A person can donate a lump sum to Beechwood through the Town of North Kingstown. North Kingstown Senior & Human Services has two escrow funds (carried over year to year) that are set up through the Town to provide for Beechwood's needs not met with other funding.
2. Individuals may also donate to the North Kingstown Senior Association (Friends of Beechwood). Please contact the Beechwood about donating to this organization.

14. What other services are available to someone who is homebound?

Our Social Services Office coordinates two visitation programs. 

1. The Senior Companion Program offers weekly visits by another senior who can provide assistance to the home bound senior. They also may provide respite to the family. Senior Companions are all over the age of 60. To request a companion, please call the Senior Companion Coordinator at 401-462-0569.
2. Social Services may also be contacted to problem solve unmet or unusual transportation needs.

15. Are there volunteer opportunities available at the center?

Yes.
Call the Volunteer/Program Coordinator to discuss volunteer opportunities at Beechwood at 401-268-1594. We appreciate and value volunteers and their contributions. Beechwood collaborates with local schools for intergenerational programs and volunteer assignments through LINKS(Layman in North Kingstown Schools).