ON ISLAND
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands
Dedicated to promoting welfare, enhancing the quality of life, and maintaining the dignity of elders
By Abby Remer
While you’ve likely heard of Meals on Wheels, you might not know the organization behind it…and all its other amazing programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity. The multiple offerings are coordinated here by the Martha’s Vineyard branch of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.
Martha’s Vineyard director Megan Panek explains, “The agency is a private, community-based organization that has been serving the older adult population in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties since 1972.” Most of Elder Services’ low- and no-cost programs are funded in part by the MA Executive Office of Aging and Independence or the federal Administration for Community Living, and the agency relies on the generosity of the community it serves to carry out its mission.
The multi-faceted Nutrition Program is quite robust. In 2025, its primary offering, Meals on Wheels, served 43,200 meals to 282 older adults in their homes. The program is for individuals of all income levels, aged 60 or older. (Spouses and caregivers may also receive meals, regardless of age and ability. If you are under age 60, have a disability, and live in housing where mainly older adults live, you may also be eligible.)
Over 100 volunteers deliver meals Monday through Friday to every Vineyard town. The registered dietitian works with the MV Hospital, which prepares all the meals. In addition to meal delivery, which for some participants is their main source of nutrition for the day, there is a wellness check on the client. Panek notes, “For a lot of our older adults, the volunteer is sometimes the only person they’re seeing.” On their yearly survey, many clients check “strongly agree” that consistently seeing a friendly face helps them feel less lonely.
The Nutrition Program also supplies lunches to both the Up Island and Tisbury Councils on Aging every Thursday, providing a social setting for seniors to enjoy the meal. Elder Services also distributes $25 farmers’ market coupons. “Last year, we also distributed 40 bags of fresh produce from Morning Glory Farm, which we will do again in September,” Panek assures.
The Home Care Program is quite extensive as well, having served 343 older adults with about 24,000 hours of services last year. Participants aged 60 or older with a critical need are eligible. The co-pays are on a sliding scale based on income, and Mass Health insurance is accepted. In-home and community-based services provide eligible older adults with supportive care that may include meal preparation, shopping, homemaking, bathing/showering, medication management, emergency response systems, or transportation to supportive day programs. Panek says, “Our care managers tap into services with organizations in the community for people who need a little bit more than we might be able to put in place. We also have a part-time nurse who does assessments for the frail elderly waiver, which tells Mass Health that the person is eligible for additional services.”
The agency has a Protective Services Division that operates 24/7 to investigate and provide further assistance to help individuals remain safe on the island. It is for anyone 60 or older who has been abused, financially exploited, or is at risk of harm due to self or caregiver neglect. “They investigate those allegations and offer assistance to prevent further abuse or neglect,” Panek says.
The agency provides critical Family Caregiver Support Services for caregivers of older adults, grandparents raising grandchildren, and older adults caring for individuals with disabilities. “It’s a great free resource program for any caregiver. They can provide education and advocacy, identify appropriate services, and connect the caregiver to community resources to help guide them through what can be an overwhelming challenge of figuring out where services are located,” Panek explains. In-home and telephone assessments help determine caregivers’ needs and the appropriate assistance to recommend.
Options Counseling is a short-term decision-support process that assists consumers of any income (elders age 60 or over, or individuals over the age of 18 with any disability) and their family members, caregivers, and/or significant others in making informed choices about long-term services, supports, and settings.
Paying bills and budgeting can be challenging for older adults. The Massachusetts Money Manager Program assists income-eligible adults aged sixty or older who may be at risk of losing their independence due to their failure to pay rent, utilities, or other basic bills on time. A trained volunteer meets with individuals at home to help them pay monthly bills and manage their money wisely. They also help elders avoid becoming victims of fraud, scams, or financial exploitation.
Sometimes an older adult needs an advocate, whom they can find through the Long-term Care/Nursing Home Ombudsman program. The advocate regularly visits residents of Navigator Homes to provide advocacy, support, and information when residents need assistance, ensuring quality care.
Growing older can be challenging at times, but the Vineyard’s Elder Services has a wide range of offerings that help older adults live comfortably, safely, and with dignity in our Island community.
For more information, visit: escci.org or call 800-244-4630 about services and to make referrals for yourself or someone else. Protective Services Division is reachable 24/7 at 800-922-2275.