The agency is responsible for responding to community needs through its in-house programs and community grants. The Nursing Home Ombudsman Program uses citizens trained and certified by the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs to act as advocates for residents of licensed nursing and rest homes. Ombudsmen visit each long-term care facility at least once every two weeks. All information is held in confidence. Ombudsmen listen to residents' concerns and problems, taking appropriate action only with a resident's consent.
Ombudsmen provide information to residents and families regarding resident rights.
This program provides employment and training to people 55 and older who meet income eligibility guidelines. The mission of the program is to help seniors find meaningful work and receive job counseling and training. Senior aides are placed as trainees in municipal and nonprofit organizations and are paid a wage by the program. This program offers free legal counseling and specialized services for people over 60 through Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Island's Elder Law Project. This program, in cooperation with many of the local councils on aging, offers congregate midday meals to people over 60 at 13 sites throughout the Cape, and, through its Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to people who are homebound.