Shamila Biswas, director of the Town of Braintree Department of Elder Affairs, told the council on May 5 that the department operates on a small FY26 budget while delivering a wide range of social and transportation services to older residents and neighboring towns. She described congregate programming and a daily "grantee center" (day center) that keeps many older residents connected and less isolated.

Biswas said the department's FY26 line items are largely level-funded; the packet shows a modest increase related to reclassifications and building-related line items (lighting, repairs, water/sewer). She said the department serves two tiers of older adults: about 75 frail homebound residents who average roughly a dozen service contacts each, and hundreds of other older adults who average multiple social contacts per year.

The department reported success in obtaining federal assistance for transportation: Biswas said the town won a Department of Transportation grant that will provide a wheelchair-lift van expected to arrive in fall 2026. She described the vehicle as costing roughly $120,000, with the DOT covering about 80% and the town responsible for roughly 20%.

Biswas also described partnerships the department uses to deliver services, including SHINE counselors who assist older adults with Medicare enrollment and South Shore Elder Services benefits counselors for Social Security and related questions. She said Elder Affairs leverages collaborations with the Thayer Public Library, South Shore Hospital, Rotary Club, and others for events such as a senior safety fair that drew roughly 250 attendees.

Councilors asked about staffing and the FY26 budget lines. Biswas said two internal reclassifications were approved to better reflect current duties and that certain positions remain supported by formula grants under the Older Americans Act; those formula dollars pay for part-time roles such as an Asian outreach coordinator and drivers. She said the department requested a revolving-fund line (Fund 3002) of $30,000 for revolving activities and confirmed the department would continue to pursue grant and legislative support from state and federal delegations.

Councilors praised the department's work and urged continued outreach and grant-seeking; Biswas thanked local legislators for assistance on formula funding and told the council she will follow up with requested details on metrics such as call counts for Asian outreach.