Ashford's Agent for the Elderly is a volunteer on a mission

Jean Haines does not have office hours; she is available all the time. Ashford's Municipal Agent for the Elderly has been helping local seniors for five years. She is an expert on everything critical to older residents. She can help explain the complicated Medicare supplement programs and direct seniors to the appropriate state and federal agencies for assistance for a multitude of needs.cCommentsGot something to say? Start the conversation and be the first to comment.Add a comment0Most importantly, she is a friend to help with whatever seniors may need. "Everyone knows my number… One time a resident called me because he could not find his cell phone. My son and I went to his home and found it for him," Haines said. Haines may be contacted via the Earl W. Smith Senior Center at 860-487-5122.In a town without public transportation, driving seniors to their many appointments is high on her list of priorities. "Many of our elderly do not drive and have medical appointments in Glastonbury, Hartford and Manchester," she said. While Haines drives people to their appointments and does so without mileage reimbursement, she does have funds for mileage of volunteers who drive, and she would welcome more of those folks.Navigating the Medicare supplement maze can be a daunting task for seniors, and Haines is very helpful to people who do not use computers. "I show them their choices on a chart. This helps them make a decision about which plan they want," she said. Haines is a certified Medicare counselor, is on the National Council for the Aging and is on the town's Community Emergency Response Team."The town has a list of people who have mobility problems, oxygen problems and other issues. If I can't reach them by phone during an emergency, I'll go to their homes when the roads are safe," she said."Jean is the go-to person when it comes the affairs of seniors," said Ashford First Selectman Mike Zambo.Being an advocate for seniors is a calling for Haines. She forgoes her $10 per year salary, and does whatever is required to help the elderly. "It is a wonderful job. Often I don't just get a 'thank you,' but a 'God bless you,'" she said. Haines says she is still learning, expanding her understanding of what seniors need and staying abreast of any programs useful to them. "One thing I always try to do is get people out," she said.Ashford's senior center offers a wide selection of activities, and Haines works closely with Judy Lucas, the center's director. The senior center has an active out-of-town membership as well. "Jean is helpful to everyone. When we need her she is always here," Lucas said.Haines' purpose can be summed up by a simple goal. "We try to give people a moment of joy, and we do that by listening to and engaging them," she said.