Standards for Participation

Standards of Independence for Senior Center Participation --

Standards of Independence for Senior Center Participation

Our programs are primarily designed for and targeted to people aged sixty and older.* Others may participate when the staff has been consulted.  Please note the following standards of independence and behavior with respect to senior center attendance:

Participants at the senior center must:

1. Provide the staff with the name and telephone number of a person to contact in case of an emergency.  If a participant experiences a medical problem while on the premises, it is expected (but not mandatory) that the participant will follow the recommendation of the senior center staff to seek appropriate medical attention.  

2. Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal substances on the premises. Participants who are inebriated will be asked to leave immediately.

3.  Take responsibility for their own personal care, including hygiene, toileting, continence and feeding.

4. Be reasonably oriented, capable of independent decision making and capable of planning their own activities, e.g., transportation, lunch, financial transactions….

5. Avoid causing disturbances or disruptions and to show respect for building facilities and personal property of others.

6. Be responsible for their own personal health and medical care, including the taking of medications, monitoring special diets, etc.  Senior center staff members are not responsible for providing assistance with medication and other personal health and medical care.

7. Violence or threats of violence are not permitted and will result in the participant being asked to leave. Possible permanent suspension from senior center privileges may result.  (See below.)

If any inappropriate behavior is witnessed or reported, the staff will use discretion to take corrective action, e.g., asking the participant to abstain from the inappropriate behavior, or if necessary, contact the police, doctor, ambulance or emergency contact person.  Repeated violations may result in the participant being asked to leave. Possible permanent suspension of senior center privileges may result. 

If a patron experiences a mental health episode, but is otherwise capable of conforming their conduct to these standards, then reasonable accommodation requests will be considered.  

If a participant cannot meet the required standards, staff is available to share resources and discuss options. The staff is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for as many community seniors as possible.

If any of the Standards of Independence pose a challenge, we ask that a participant be accompanied by a home health aide, companion, escort or translator who can assist the participant in performing the necessary functions. 

* Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition services may be provided to a spouse who is less than sixty years of age, based on OAA regulations.                                 

 EOEA-Stds. of Indep. 2/11