COA Launches Accreditation Process With Dinner And Information Session

     Bourne Council on Aging wants to become an accredited center. COA Director Sandra A. Vickery told selectmen Tuesday that the agency is set to pursue accreditation by the National Councils on Aging and the National Institute of Senior Centers.
     On Monday from 5 to 6:30 PM the council on aging will launch the accreditation process with a free light dinner, followed by an informational program by Sharon Lally, the director of the Rochester Senior Center and a member of the National Institute of Senior Centers executive board.
     The public is invited to join council members to hear about the benefits and requirements of accreditation, as well as how people can assist in the process.
     Ms. Vickery said her board and the Friends of the Council on Aging voted to start the nearly year-long process. Jacqueline Loring, the Bourne senior center’s accreditation coordinator, and Ms. Vickery told selectmen that the process will entail six to nine months of assessment, including accreditation team visits.
     Selectmen heard that several different committees would be looking at the center’s programs, events, the physical building, and other factors, measuring the operation against national standards.
     Stephen F. Mealy, chairman of the selectmen, asked how many councils have met those standards. Mr. Mealy heard that 11 or 12 Massachusetts councils have become accredited to date.
     Selectman John A. Ford asked about the cost of the process and was told by the COA representatives that the Friends had already set aside money to help defray any costs, which might include, for example, paying the hotel bill for any accreditation visitor who needed to stay the night.
     Selectmen heard that the Friends contribute more than $100,000 a year to the COA’s budget. The money set aside for accreditation was earned by the Friends; no donations were used.
     Ms. Vickery said the accreditation would provide extra security for elders, families, and caregivers, letting them know they are being provided with a high level of services.
     To R.S.V.P. to join the council for dinner on Monday or for more information, call Ms. Loring at the center, 508-759-0653 or 0654.