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Policies and Procedures

Essex Council on Aging Policies:

Behavior Expectations Policy (approved 02/07/2023)

The Essex Senior Center is committed to the safety of our center participants, volunteers and staff.  To ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants and guests, the following expectations are required for all events, activities and services sponsored by the Essex Senior Center:

  1. Any and all interactions, in any format, with our staff members, volunteers, vendors and other participants must be respectful at all times. This requires refraining from:
    • Verbally abusive language
    • Derogatory or threatening remarks
    • Racial/cultural insults
    • Inappropriate language
    • Cursing
    • Raised voice
    • Unwanted physical touching
    • Physical violence\Sexual harassment
  2. Participant (or in cases where assistance is needed, the caregiver) takes responsibility for participant’s personal care (including hygiene, toileting, medication, special diets and feeding) and maintains a level of personal hygiene consistent with generally accepted standards of health and safety.
  3. Participant (or in cases where assistance is needed, the caregiver) functions independently without one-to-one assistance or supervision from the staff. 
  4. Shows respect for building facilities and personal property of others.
  5. No smoking, use of alcohol or illegal substances are permitted within the building or during Senior Center sponsored events.
  6. If a participant witnesses or is involved in a conflict, or feels threatened in any way, the participants should report the incident to a staff member. Staff will attempt to gather information about the complaint or concern and make every effort to resolve the concern. Staff are required to submit an incident report to the Director. 
  7. Staff may exercise a variety of sanctions in an effort to resolve the conflict. Those involved may expect one or more of the following actions:
    • The participant(s) may be asked to abstain from inappropriate behavior.
    • The participant(s) may be asked to leave the premises for the day.
    • The participant(s) may be issued a verbal or written warning.
    • The participant(s) may be suspended from the Senior Center for a certain period of time.
    • The participant(s) may be barred from returning to the Senior Center.
    • The incident may be referred to the Essex Police Department, Board of Health and/or Adult Protective Services. 
  8. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be called for any falls or significant injuries and participants do not have the option of asking to have any such calls curtailed. Outside of basic first aid efforts, staff or other individuals present are generally unable to provide support in these situations.  Given that an injury sustained from a fall or otherwise could worsen if a participant moves or is moved, the participant will be kept as comfortable as possible in the place where the injury was sustained until EMS arrives to assess the situation, unless not moving the participant could result in even more serious harm.

Policy approved 02/07/2023

Please click here to download a copy of the Essex Senior Center Behavior Policy

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, the Senior Center will follow school cancellations.  If school is closed due to snow, then Senior Center events that day will be canceled.  There may be other times during which specific events or meals may be canceled.  The Senior Center will utilize our automated calling system to notify individuals who have signed up for these events.  Please note that transportation cancellations are determined by Cape Ann Transit Authority, Grab and Go Meal cancellations are determined by SeniorCare Inc, and Open Door.  

At times, the Senior Center may open as a heating/cooling shelter.  This decision will be made by the COA Director in consultation with Essex Emergency Management Officials.  Please be aware that although the Senior Center building may be open and functioning as an emergency site, we encourage our seniors to exercise caution and stay at home in case of inclement weather.