Senior Citizens

The Senior Dine Restaurant Program is available for Bethlehem senior citizens (60 years of age or older).  Those interested can eat lunch at the Painted Pony Restaurant for a suggested donation of $3.50 - $5.00 per meal.  Reservations are not required.

For information call 203-266-6699.

Senior Dine is sponsored by NOW Inc. Senior Nutrition Services.

Senior Bus Schedule:

• Mondays am - Shop in Southbury / Woodbury
• Wednesdays:
• 10:45 am - 12:15 pm - Blood Pressure Check at North Purchase
• 11:00 am - Morris Bingo & Shop in Bantam
• 1:00 pm - Senior Dine
• Fridays am - Shop in Torrington / Watertown / or Waterbury
• Tuesdays, Thursdays and Third Friday - Medical Appointments
  
  

Take Note:

Based on the number of seniors signed to go on the trip. 24 hours notice is required for pickup by the bus. The bus service will not operate on holidays or snow days. For more information call 203-266-6699. Leave a message with name and phone number.

Passenger Guidelines:

• Eligibility:  All Bethlehem residents 60 years of age or older and disabled residents are eligible for the Senior Shuttle Service.  Passengers must fill out an information sheet, which may be obtained at the Bethlehem Town Hall, Tuesday through Friday, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, or from the bus driver.
• Types of Rides:  The shuttle will provide service for medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking and recreational trips.  Advance registration is required.  Note: Medical Appointments are given priority but must be scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday.
• Courtesy Rules:  For both pick-ups and return  trips, passengers should be ready to leave when the shuttle arrives.  Delays in pick-ups will cause the shuttle to be late for its next scheduled stop.  As space on the shuttle is limited, passengers should limit themselves to two carry on bags labeled for identification.
• Safety:  Passengers must remain seated while the shuttle is moving and until the shuttle comes to a complete stop.  In case of injury, the town's insurance carrier requires that you contact your doctor within 24 hours of such injury in order to ensure coverage.
• Service Hours:  See schedule
• Snow Days & Holidays:  The Senior Shuttle Service will observe cancellations and delays as provided by the Region 14 School District.
• Donations:  In order to comply with federal and state laws, the Town of Bethlehem is required to give each senior citizen the opportunity to contribute to the cost of providing the Senior Shuttle Service.  The suggested donation is one dollar for each ride.  This donation is requested but is not required.

Residents of Bethlehem, Woodbury, Southbury and Middlebury who are age 60 and older and who need help to take care of their own housecleaning or yard work may be able to receive assistance from New Opportunities, Inc.’s Chore Program.

Program participants are asked to contribute toward the cost of this service.  The suggested contribution is based upon income.  The Chore Program is funded by the Western CT Area Agency on Aging, New Opportunities, Inc. and by client donations.

The Chore Program which can provide up to 8 hours/month of household help is currently seeking qualified part-time workers living in the 4-town area.  

Interested persons are asked to contact Johana Jaramillo, 203-575-4268. 

September 18, 2023, marks the beginning of National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falling among older adults aged 65 and over is common, costly and preventable. Each year, there are about 37 million older adult falls and 3 million emergency department visits due to falls. 

The Town of Bethlehem is holding Bend and Stretch classes for our seniors with a licensed physical therapist to help build awareness around the importance of balance and mobility in preventing falls. To register for our Bend and Stretch classes held on Fridays from 10:00-11:00 at Memorial Hall, please call Marilia Jose at 203-266-7510 XT 226.

 

How to Find a Balance and Strength Exercise Program for Falls Prevention (ncoa.org)

 10 Myths About Older Adults and Falls (ncoa.org)

5 Ways to Improve Eye and Ear Health to Reduce Falls Risk (ncoa.org)

 

NCOA Falls Prevention: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall - YouTube

NCOA's Falls Free CheckUp