A year-by-year look at the history of Elder Services Pages 4-6
Elder Ser vices Annual Report
We break down the numbers from 2019 Pages 12-13
Mission Statement
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc is to provide Berkshire elders, care givers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, inde pendence, and self-deter mination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life
Statement of Inclusivity
E l d e r S e r v i c e s p r a c t i c e s n o n - d i s c r i m i n a t i o n i n e m p l o y m e n t practices and service delivery Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without re g ard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
B erkshire S enior
Editorial Board Lead: Donna Todd Rivers
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Ginger Alexander, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, and John-Ar thur M iller
Adver tising: To place an adver tisement in Berkshire Senior, please contac t K ate Teutsch at 413 496-6324 or e -mail adver tising@ berkshireeagle com
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County, Inc , 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pitts eld, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e -mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at w w w. esbci.org.
NOTICE
Elder Ser vices sells adver tising to defray costs. Inclusion of adver tisers in no way implies that Elder Ser vices endorses any produc t or ser vice
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Ser vices. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a qualified professional in the appropriate field
Elder Ser vices and its programs are funded, in par t, by the Massachusetts Executive O ffice of Elder A airs
State and federal funds provided to Elder Ser vices are limited. Elder Ser vices welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully ack nowledges all donations
s p o n s i bl e fo r ove r s e e i n g
b u r e a u s a n d p r o g r a m s t h a t
p r o m o t e s a f e t y a n d q u a l i t y
h e a l t h c a re fo r a l l re s i d e n t s o f the Commonwealth. At DPH, she o ve r s aw t h e l i c e n s i n g o f o ve r 300,000 health care professionals and over 4,500 hospitals, clinics, n u r s i n g h o m e s , a m b u l a n c e s
a n d o t h e r m o b i l e c a r e u n i t s
A t E O E A , s
individuals with disabilities, and their families.
ESBCI was honored to be par t of Dr Chen’s first ever visit to the Berkshires as she toured the ESBCI kitchen in Lanesborough and enjoyed a quick lunch with ESBCI’s Leadership Team prior to her speaking eng agement at Age Friendly Berkshire’s video premiere and Annual Gathering at Berkshire Community Colle ge Dr. Chen was sur prised to lear n that of the 25 other org anizations l i k e E S B C I i n t h e C o m m
(Highland Valley Elder Services in Nor thampton, MA) operate their own kitchens T he other org anizations contract with third par ties who provide the meals served to seniors in their homes or at senior community dining sites. Dr. Chen was impressed with the cleanliness, ef ficiency and output of the kitchen, par ticularly when she became aware that on any given weekday more than 800 meals are pre pared by the kitchen for delivery to Berkshire County’s 32 cities and towns spread over nearly 950 miles.
After leaving the kitchen Dr Chen visited ESBCI’s Administrative Of fices in Pittsfield spending some time visiting with the Leadership Te a m ove r l u n c h
de par ting for Boston was at Berkshire Community Colle g e We look forward to Dr Chen visiting the Berkshires ag ain to lear n more about the Berkshires, aging in the Berkshires and the services ESBCI provides.
A lot has happened since we last touched based in June when we published our final edition of Berkshire Senior before taking a hiatus to determine how to move forward with the publication. The Berkshire Summer, which was just beginning in June, has pretty much come and gone though it has moved us into a season Berkshire folks seem to treasure almost as much, Autumn. In the intervening months we at Elder Services have been busy continuing to support Berkshire seniors and celebrating our Agency’s 45th Anniversary. Special thanks to those of you joined us at the September 22nd performance of the Young@Heart Chorus that we presented at the Colonial Theatre.
With the retirement of Berkshire Senior’s editor and designer of more than 30 years, we focused our energies on reimagining the format, content and distribution of the “new” Berkshire Senior. The result of that work is this issue of Berkshire Senior, the first of many publications we believe will be more contemporary, more focused on issues of interest to Berkshire seniors and will be distributed to a larger audience.
Berkshire Senior will be distributed every other month (the next issue will be in January 2020, then March 2020, May 2020, etc.) in the Sunday edition of the Berkshire Eagle. The Sunday circulation of the Berkshire Eagle is its largest, reaching approximately 18,000 readers. In addition, Berkshire Senior will also be available electronically on the Berkshire Eagle and Elder Services’ websites and will be available on some social media outlets. Since the distribution of Berkshire Senior will reach more people than in the past and will be available as an e-edition on two websites and various social media outlets, we are taking a wait and see approach to e-mailing it or making hardcopies available at locations throughout the County. If, as time goes by we become aware there is enough demand for drop shipments and e-mail distribution we will consider that.
To my point about Berkshire Senior being focused on issues of interest to Berkshire Seniors, our hope is to expand our editorial board to include more of our neighbors and encourage other organizations to contribute articles or other content. Our editorial board is currently comprised of one community member and six Elder Services’ employees. What better way to improve the publication and make it more relevant to Berkshire seniors than to have more Berkshire seniors have a say in what we publish? If you or anyone you know would like to serve on the Editorial Board (we meet every other month for about an hour and a half) please call us at 499-0524. We’d love to have you! We also invite other organizations who serve seniors to join the editorial board and/or contribute content.
Just a reminder that Medicare Open Enrollment has begun and will end on December 7th. Open Enrollment is a major part of managing one’s healthcare and should be considered as important as preventative care. Even if nothing has changed for you it’s possible that your plan may have changed, which can potentially impact the cost of the plan and your out of pocket medical costs. Please be sure to consult with one of Elder Services’ trained SHINE representatives. Hoping you enjoy this issue of Berkshire Senior and wishing you all the best autumn in the Berkshires has to offer.
Christopher McLaughlin is the Executive Director of Elder Services.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, N o v e m b e rD e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 4
Highlights 19742019
1975
B
1974
B e r k s h i r e C o u n t y
C o m m i s s i o n e r s vo t e $ 1 6 , 0 0 0 i n
s e e d m o n e y t o e s t a b l i s h n o n -
p r o f i t H o m e C a r e C o r p o r a t i o n
t o p rov i d e i n - h o m e s e r v i c e s t o county’s elders through contract with state’s De par tment of Elder Af fairs.
June 25, 1974, Berkshire Home Care Cor poration is incor porated
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s h i r e s
F re d e r i ck H W h i t h a m t o s t a r t
B e rk s h i re H o m e C a re, wh i ch i s staffed with three employees.
computerized.
1997
M a s s a c h u s e t t s A S A P ( A g i n g
S e r v i c e s A c c e s s P o i n t ) f o r Berkshire County.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s b e c o m e s contact point for SHINE (Serving
H e a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n N e e d s o f
E l d e r s ) a n d S e n i o r P h a r m a c y Pro g rams
R i ch a rd a n d R i t a G a l l a g h e r A l z h e i m e r ’ s Re s o u r c e C e n t e r opens.
1998
Title III Sub grants established
E l d e r N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m becomes par t of Berkshire Home Care, serving approximately 300 persons a day
1977
N
Pro g ram launched by Berkshire Home Care.
1981 B
chang es name to Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc
1983 A
and Protective Services for elders be gin
One millionth meal pre pared by Elder Services’ kitchen.
1999
Elder Services celebrates its 25th Anniversary
2000
Providence Cour t in Pittsfield
d e s i g n a t e d f i r s t a n d o n l y
B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y S u p p o r t ive Housing site.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s w e b s i t e i s established. www.esbci.org
H o s p i t a l L i a i s o n C a s e Mana g er position established at B e rk s h i r e M e d i c a l C e n t e r a n d at Fairview Hospital, to provide b e d s i d e i n f o r m a t i o n t o e l d e r s
r e g a r d i n g av a i l a b l e i n - h o m e services.
2001
Senior, for $1,000.
1989
C
Elder Services’ second Executive Director.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s C a r e g i v e r Support Group begins.
1991
E
of fices consolidated at 66 Wendell Avenue
1992
A s a r e s u l t o f i n s u f f i c i e n t funding, fund-raising to suppor t Meals on Wheels begins.
1994
E l d e r S e r v i c e s e s t a b l i s h e s central kitchen in Lanesboro Money Management Pro g ram be gins.
2002
The Family Care giver Suppor t P
C
expenses.
2003
Two millionth meal served by Elder Services’ kitchen.
P e r s o
pro g ram be gins. Eligible elders c a n n o w h i r
schedule their own personal care wo
of care than would otherwise be possible I
To
services.
R o b e r t P. D e a n n a m e d E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ t h i rd E xe c u t ive Director.
2004
E l d e r S e r v i c e s o p e r a t e s t h e historic Popcor n Wagon through the g enerosity of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. O
over $20,000 for Meals on Wheels. E l d e r S
C o m m u n i t y C H O I C E S pro g ram be gins, allowing eligible seniors to receive more hours of service than in basic Home Care
Bicentennial Parade, and Nor th Adams Fall Foliage Parade.
R e n o v a t i o n o f C r o s s w a y Vi l l a g e i n L e e, fo r m e rly k n ow n as the Lee Central School, be gins
Fred Whitham, ESBCI founder
Shee ptacular Pittsfield event benefits Elder Services through
t h e g e n e r o s i t y o f P i t t s f i e l d
C o o p e r a t ive B a n k a n d L i n k - t o
Life who sponsored shee p.
2005
T h e A g e n c y i m p l e m e n t s
s t a t e w i d e n u r s i n g f a c i l i t y
s c r e e n i n g i n i t i a t iv e , c r e a t i n g
c o l l a b o r a t i o n b e t w e e n E l d e r
Services and Berkshire County’s nursing facilities, which ensures that seniors receive the services they need in the least restrictive setting.
2006
E l d e r S e r v i c e s S H I N E
( S e r v i n g t h e H e a l t h I n s u r a n c e
N e e d s o f E ve r yo n e ) P r o g r a m
h e l p s s e n i o r s e n ro l l i n t h e n ew
M e d i c a r e P a r t D p r e s c r i p t i o n drug benefit
A r i bb o n c u t t i n g c e re m o ny
i s h e l d a t C r o s sway Vi l l a g e i n Lee to celebrate the completion of the renovation of the for mer Lee Central School into 37 units
o f a f f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g w i t h
e n h a n c e d s e r v i c e s S e r v i c e s
o f f e r e d t o e l i g i b l e C r o s s w a y Villa g e residents include Meals
o n W h e e l s, c a s e m a n a g e m e n t ,
p e r s o n a l c a r e , h o m e m a k i n g ,
l a u n d r y, h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e
c o u n s e l i n g , a n d M o n e y Management.
2007
E l d e r S e r v i c e s C a r e g i v e r
S u p p o r t P r o g r a m e x p a n d s s o that more f amily care givers can
r e c e ive o n e - o n - o n e a n d g r o u p
s u p p o r t i n t h e ch a l l e n g i n g ro l e of caring for a loved one
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ k i t c h e n
pre pares its three millionth meal since opening in 1994.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e
S e n i o r T V s h o w r e c e iv e s t h e “ A n n i e Awa rd ” f ro m P i t t s f i e l d
C o m m u n i t y T e l e v i s i o n , i n
r e c o g n i t i o n o f E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ outstanding achievement in the u s e o f t e l ev i s i o n p ro g r a m m i n g
t o p o s i t ive l y i m p a c t t h e l o c a l community
T h e R i c h a r d a n d R i t a Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource
C e n t e r c e l e b r a t e s i t s 1 0 t h anniversary.
2008
E l d e r S e r v i c e s r e c e i v e s a second HUD 202 g rant to conver t the Hyde Building at the for mer
C e n t r a l S c h o o l i n L e e i n t o additional units of senior housing w i t h e n r i c h e d s e r v i c e s , t o b e called Crossway Tower.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s a n d A d L i b,
I n c , t h e I n d e p e n d e n t L iv i n g
Center of Berkshire County, sign a memorandum of understanding
e s t a b l i s h i n g a n A g i n g a n d Disability Resource Consor tium ( A D RC ) t o m a k e i t e a s i e r f o r
s e n i o r a n d i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h disabilities to access the services they need.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ k i t c h e n pre pares its three millionth meal since opening in 1994.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e rk s h i r e
S e n i o r T V s h o w r e c e iv e s t h e “ A n n i e Awa rd ” f ro m P i t t s f i e l d C o m m u n i t y T e l e v i s i o n , i n
r e c o g n i t i o n o f E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ outstanding achievement in the u s e o f t e l ev i s i o n p ro g r a m m i n g t o p o s i t ive l y i m p a c t t h e l o c a l community
2009
At Elder Services’ invitation, s e n i o r c h o r u s Yo u n g @ H e a r t perfor ms at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield
A s a r e s u l t o f s i g n i f i c a n t
b u d g e t c u t s t o t h e S t a t e H o m e Care and Enhanced Community O p t i o n s ( E C O P ) P ro g r a m s, t h e Executive Of fice of Elder Af fairs implements a statewide unifor m intake procedure
E l d e r S e r v i c e s p r e p a r e s t o break g round on construction of Crossway Tower, in Lee.
2010
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ k i t c h e n pre pares its four millionth meal since opening in 1994.
T h e S e n i o r C o m m u n
workers from 30 to 60
D e s p i t e r e d u c e d s t a t e w i d e funding our Home Care Pro g rams
c o n t i n u e d t o s e r ve m o r e t h a n 1,000 Berkshire Seniors
T h e Yo u n g @ H e a r t S e n i o r
Chorus perfor ms at the Colonial T heater for the second year in a row.
2011
The first wave of the nation’s baby boomers tur n 65 this year
I n t h e s p r i n g o f 2 0 1 1 conversion of the Hyde Building, t h e o l d e s t s e c t i o n o f t h e
f o r m e r L e e C e n t r a l S c h o o l i s conver ted into 13 units of senior housing with enriched services, known as Crossway Tower.
I n O c t o b e r, E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’
L o n g Te r m C a r e O m b u d s m a n
P r o g r a m h o s t s i t s a n n u a l
Re s i d e n t R i g h t s L u n c h e o n i n
h o n o r o f R e s i d e n t ’ s C o u n c i l members from the county’s long term care facilities.
2012
E S B C I vo l u n t e e r s p r ov i d e d
27,000 hours of service
E l d e r S e r v i c e s , B M C a n d
BV N A j o i n t l y a p p l i e d f o r a n d
we re a c c e p t e d t o p a r t i c i p at e i n the CMS new community-based Care T ransition Pro g ram. High
r i s k M e d i c a r e b e n e f i c i a r i e s
w h o h av e h a d s e v e r a l r e c e n t hospitalizations may now receive e n h a n c e d s u p p o r t i n t h e i r transitions from hospital to home, w i t h t h e g o a l o f avo i d i n g r ehospitalizations within the next 30 days.
T h ro u g h a p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h the Berkshire District Attor ney D av i d F C a p e l e s s ’ o f f i c e, t h e F i l e o f L i f e wa s d i s t r i b u t e d t o all Meals on Wheels consumers. P r e p a r e d f o r e m e r g e n c y responders, the File of Life is a p e r s o n a l m e d i c a l fi l e d i s p l aye d on one’s refrigerator. The File of L i f e c o n t a i n s v i t a l i n fo r m at i o n
s u c h a s d o c t o r ’ s n a m e s a n d n u m b e r s , m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n s ,
continued on page 6
l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, N o v e m
emergency care provided
2013
J
A g e n c y ’ s f o u r t h E x e c u t i v e Director.
2015
T h e A g e n c y ’ s h o m e c a r e providers provided nearly 194,000 hours of Homemaker, Personal Care or Companion hours in 2015
300 seniors who were clinically e l i g i bl e fo r nu r s i n g h o m e c a re remained at home with assistance from ESBCI.
ESBCI nurses perfor med 2,499 clinical assessments in 2015.
S H I N E s e r v e d m o r e t h a n 3,500 individuals in 2015, helping them save money and kee ping $4 million in the Berkshire economy
2017
The Agency adopts the tagline:
Yo u r H o m e , Yo u r C a r e , Yo u r Neighbors.
E S B C I ’ s O m b u d s m e n m a d e 648 visits to Berkshire County’s 15 nursing homes advocating for nursing home residents.
1 3 4 c o n s u m e r s we r e s e r ve d by E S B C I ’ s F a m i l y C a r e g ive r Support Pro g ram.
27 Berkshire Seniors received t
for re-entry into the workforce
2018
the Agency as Berkshire County’s best elder care organization. E S
services to Navicare Senior Care Options members C
Executive Director
Thank you to Our Donors:
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Aasen
Ms Donna M Abbott
Mr. & Mrs. Sanford Abramson
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Adelson
Adelson & Company PC
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Adler
Ms Marion Adler
Ms Carol L Agnew
Mr. Rober t Ahlen
Mr Joseph F Albano
Mr Donald L Alderman, Jr
Mrs. Ginger Alexander
Mr & Mrs James Allen
Ms. Sylvia Allen
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Allessio
Ms Edith Almstead
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Alper t
Mr James P Amaral
Mr Michael J Amaral
Ms. Judith Amber y
Ms Louise Amstead
Ancestr y Memorials
Mr. Dana B. Anderson
Mr & Mrs Anthony Ander ton
Ms. Joan Andrews
Ms. Patti Annechiarico
Mr & Mrs Rober t Annelli
Mr. David Ariazi
Mr & Mrs David Armitage
Mr & Mrs James J Armstrong
Mr & Mrs Allen Arndt
Mr Walter Asdikian
Mr. & Mrs. Donald P Atwater
Mr & Mrs Tom Atwood
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A Atwood
Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Auge
Ms Amy Beth BainbridgeJordan
Mr Jon Bak
Mrs Lynn Barbieri
Ms. Mar y Barbuto
Ms. Marilyn K. Barnes
Mr & Mrs Rober t Barnes
Ms. Deborah A. Barnhar t
Mr. Daniel P. Barnini
Mrs Pamela Barquinero
Mrs. Marion Barr y
Mr & Mrs Richard
Beauchamp
Mr. & Mrs. George Beckwith
Ms Barbara Bednarz
Mr & Mrs Donald Beliveau
Ms. Donna Bell
Ms Kristen T Bellofatto
Ms. Jo Bellomo
Ms. Nanc y Benedic t
Ms Geraine Benham
Ms. Barbara A. Benham
Mrs Barbara D Bennett
Ms Wendy Bennett
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Bergendahl
Mr Thomas R Berkel
Berkshire Communicators, Inc
Berkshire Co - op Market
Berkshire County Board of Realtors
Berkshire Graphics Inc.
Berkshire Hills Knights of Columbus, Council 314
Berkshire Or thopaedic Assoc , Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bernstein
Mrs Jane Betti
Mr & Mrs Francis Biasin
Mr. Rober t Bieniek
Mr & Mrs Jay Bikofsky
Mrs. Stacia Birch
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Biros
Ms Marjorie Bissaillon
Ms. Claire Bissaillon
Mr & Mrs George Bissell
Mr & Mrs Samuel Bittman
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Blanchard
Grants Received:
Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation:
Ruth P. Boraski Memorial Fund for Meals on Wheels
Central Berkshire Fund
Fund for Williamstown Families for Meals on Wheels
James & Rober t Hardman Fund
Katherine L W and Winthrop M Crane 3rd Charitable Foundation
Mount Everett Fund
Neighbor to Neighbor Fund
Blue Q
Mr & Mrs Peter Bluhm
BMC Medical Records
Mrs. Susan H Bohl
Ms Thelma Bolognia
Mr. & Mrs. John H.
Bonacquisti
Mr & Mrs Edward Bond
Ms. Carol Bonneville
Ms Nanc y Borges
Mr Rober t Boschetti
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t A. Bossio
Ms Barbara Boughton
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Bourdon
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald H.
Bourgoin
Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Boyer
Mr & Mrs John Boyle
Mr & Mrs Je rey Bradway
Ms. Sharon Bramson
Mrs Jeanne M Bresnehan
Ms Catherine A Briggs
Mr. William E Briggs
Ms Donna B Briggs
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Briggs
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Brooks
Mr Richard Brophy
Mrs. Joy M. Brown
Ms Jacqueline Browner
Mr & Mrs Paul Bruce
Mr. Aldo R. Bruseghini
Mrs Frances Buckley
Ms Pamela B Burger
Ms. Kathleen M. Burke
Mr & Mrs John Burzimati
Ms. Anita Busch
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bushika
Mrs Josephine Buzzanco
Ms. Ann Cain
Mr & Mrs Raymond F Callahan
Ms. Bonnie Callanan
William J. & Marger y S. Barrett Fund
Womans Club of the Berkshires Fund
Fallon Health
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Mountain One Grant
Katharine C Pierce Trust
City of Pitts eld
St John’s Episcopal Church
Town of Great Barrington
Zonta Club of Berkshire County
Nor thern Berkshire United Way
Williamstown Community Chest
Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Campagna
Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Carabetta
Mr. & Mrs. Terr y F. Cardin
Mr & Mrs Gene Carlson
Ms. Kristin Carlson
Carlson Propane
Ms Kathleen M Car ter
Mrs. Christine Castellon
Mr & Mrs Edward F Cepress
Mr & Mrs Richard Cetti
Ms. Cher yl Ann Chalmers
Mr & Mrs Douglas Chapman
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Charow
Dr. & Dr. Alan S. Char tock
Ms Donna L Chenail
Cheshire Lions Club
Mr & Mrs Thomas J Christiansen
Ms. Carol A. Christopher
Mr & Mrs Michael
Christopher, Sr
Ms. Rita Chwalek
Mr & Mrs Rober t F Cimini
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Clark, Jr.
Lee High School Class of 1977
Mr & Mrs Richard Clothier
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cobb
Mr & Mrs Thomas W Coen
Ms Suzanne Cohen
Mr. Laurence D. Cohen
Ms Susan Coles
Dr & Mrs Joel L Colker
Mr. William Colvin
Ms Patricia Colvin
Mrs. Theresa Comeau
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Conlon
Mr & Mrs Je Cook
Ms. Nanc y Cook
Mr & Mrs Richard Cooper
Ms Helen R Cooper
Ms. Constance Cooper
Mr James Nicoll Cooper
Mrs Deborah Cote
County Ambulance
Mr & Mrs Michael Cowhey
Ms. Lindsay Crampton
Mr. & Mrs. John Crane
Ms Sheila Crane
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Mr Walter Creer
Ms. Suzanne M. Crerar
Crescent Creamer y, Inc
Mr & Mrs Donald Cripps
Ms. Virginia Cudak
Mr. & Mrs. James Culliton, Sr.
Ms Rosemar y Cummings
Cupboards & Roses
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cwalinski
Mr & Mrs Mark Daigle
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dallmeyer
Dalton American Legion, Auxiliar y No 155
Daniel Burke Electrical
Consulting
Mr George Darey
Ms. Clara Dash
Mr & Mrs Rober t Dastoli
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Daub
Mr. Richard Daub
Mrs Jean Davis
Ms. Patricia Dean
Mr & Mrs Clyde W Decorie
Mr & Mrs Michael Dee
Ms. Debra DeFoe
Ms Nanc y Deforest
Mr & Mrs Paul J Delasco
Mrs. Sydney DelDebbio
Mr James E Dellea
Mrs. Lucile Dempsey
Mr. & Mrs. Edward M Denault
Ms Lisa A Denault-Viale
Ms. Inez Denning
Ms Marilyn DeRosa
Mr David A Der y
Der y Funeral Home
Mr & Mrs Gerald Desmarais
Mr David Dewey
Mr. Joseph Dewey
Ms Jessica DiPaolo
Ms. Elsie Disdier-Ruiz
Mr. & Mrs. Remo DiTomasso
Mrs Bonny DiTomasso
Mr. & Mrs. James Dobber t
Ms Ann M Dobson
Mr & Mrs Gilber t d’Oliveira
Mr. John Donald
Richard C Donati Memorial Fund
Mr. Malcolm Douglas, Jr
Ms Sandra A Driscoll
Ms. Judi Drozd
Mr. William C. Drumm
Mr Norman K Durkee
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t J. Eccher
Mr & Mrs James Edelman
Ms Vera Edelman
Mr. Rober t Edwards
Ms Ursula Ehretdichter
Ms Cia Elkin
Dr. Jay M. Ellis
Ms. Patricia Elser
Ms Carol A Ethier-Kipp
Michael C. Evans
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Evenchik
Mr & Mrs George Everhar t
Fair view Contrac tors, Inc.
Fallon Health
Ms M Patricia Fasce
Ms. Barbara Favreau
Mr & Mrs John Feltre
Ms Irene Ferrari
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Ferrarin, Sr
Ms. Michelle Filiault
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Filicetti
Ms Bernice B Filkins
Ms. Phylis Fink
Mrs Shirley Finkelstein
Mr & Mrs Raymond W Fischer
Ms Barbara Fiske
Ms Sheila Fitzpatrick
Ms. Anne Fix
Mr & Mrs William Flaher ty
Mr. Ste L. Fletcher
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Flynn
Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home
Ms Diana Fontana
Ms Lorraine For fa
Mr. Dan Forsley
Ms Lois Forsley
Mr & Mrs Gaetano Fragala
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Franceschetti
Francis Investment Consulting Group
Frank Consolati Insurance Agenc y Inc.
Ms Louise H Frankenberg
Ms Elaine Frederick
Mrs. Toni Front
Ms Joan Funk
Mr Thomas Furlano
Future Planning Assoc., Inc
Ms Enes S Gaher ty
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gaher ty
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Galliford
Mr & Mrs James Gaunt
Geraldine C. Wallace Irrev Trust
Mr & Mrs Alber t Giacoia
Ms. Sheila B. Gibeau
Mr & Mrs James Giddens
Ms Eleanor A Gi ord
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Giuliani
Mr Craig Glaser
Mr & Mrs Ernest Godbout
Mr. & Mrs. Alfred R. Goggia
Mrs Karen R Gold
Ms. Sheila Goldlust
Ms. Dorothy R. Gonick
Mr & Mrs Donald Goudey
Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Gozzo
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Grady
Mr David B Grady
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t J Grandbois
Ms Marie Grande
Ms Linda Grande
Ms. Annette Grant
Ms Rosemar y M Graves
Mrs. Catherine Gray
Ms. Estella Graziola
Great Barrington Police
Association Local 350
Mr. Hiram Greene
Mr Fred Greene
Ms. Linda Greenhouse
Ms Cande Grieve
Mr & Mrs Lawrence Gross
Guardian Life Insurance
Mr & Mrs Luis A Guerrero
Guido’s Fresh Marketplace
Mr. & Mrs. Claire Gulick
Ms Catherine Haddad
Mr. Donald Hagberg
Mr James A Hagger ty
Mr and Mrs Charles W Hakes
Ms. Lois Hall
Ms Maro Hall
Mr. Philip Halpern
Ms. Mabel Hamilton
Ms Mar y Jane Handler
Ms. Helen C. Hankey
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Hanlon
Mr Donald R Hanson
Mr. John J. Harney
Ms Evelyn Harrison
Dr & Mrs Harr y Har tford
Mr. & Mrs. Harold M. Hastings
Mr & Mrs David A Hawkins
Ms. Mar y E. Hayes
Ms. Mar y M. Hayes
Ms Joan M Hayford
Mr. Everett Heiss
Ms. Fay J. Henr y
Ms Sarah W Henr y
Mr. William Herrick
Mr & Mrs Ar thur Hillman
Mr & Mrs Neil Hiltpold
Mr. Je rey Hooker
Mr & Mrs Harr y T Horn
Ms. Laura Hor ton
Ms. Judith Hoskeer
Mr & Mrs Mar tin Huban, III
Ms. Susan M. Hurley
Ms Christine Hurley
Mr Charles Hyde
Dr. & Mrs. Frederic P. Hyman
Mr & Mrs David Intelisano
International Laborers Union
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Ives
Ms Sylvia M Jamros
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Jenkins
Mr. & Mrs. Gregor y Jones
Mr & Mrs William J Judge
Mr. Thomas P. Kalisz
Mrs Carole Kalisz
Mr & Mrs Philip Kaminstein
Ms. Adelia Kania
Ms Flora Karbelnik
Mr. & Mrs. Larr y Karlquist
Mrs. Betty Kasuba
Ms Linda Kaufmann
Ms. Sandra Kearns
Mr. & Mrs. George Keator
Mr & Mrs George Kellar
Mrs. Joyce E Kelley
Mr John E Kellogg
Mr & Mrs Rober t M Kelly
Ms. Nanc y Kenison
Ms Ellen Kenwood
Mr. Russell M. Kenyon
Mr. William D. Ker wood
Mr Winthrop D Kie, Sr
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Kilfoyle
Ms Kathleen J Kilgus
Ms Nanc y E King
Rev. Edward A. King
Ms Dana H Kingsbur y
Kingsley Cleaning Contrac tors
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Kinnas
Ms Carol M Kirby
Ms. Michele F. Kirby
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas E. Kirchner
Ms. Elaine Dubis Kittler
Ms Judith Kittredge
Mr & Mrs David Klausmeyer
Ms. Sandra J. Kleiner
Mr Wayne Klug
K-M Motor Sales
Mr. Paul W. Knauth
Mr & Mrs Thomas Koelle
Mr. & Mrs. John Konopka
Mrs. Susan Kormanik
Ms Kathr yn C Kor te
Mr. Edward S. Krzanek
Ms Roseann Kudlate
Mr Perc y Kuhn
Ms. Debbie Kushnet
Ms Kimberly LaFontaine
Mr. & Mrs. James D. Lafrance
Mr. Stefan Lamarre
Ms Jane M Lamarre
Ms. Linda Lamke
Lamme, Linscott Attorney ’s at Law
Mr. & Mrs. Gar y Lamoureaux
Ms Jo Ann Lancaster
Mr. & Mrs. John D. Lanoue
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Lapierre
Ms Shari Laurie
Ms. Diane LaValle
Ms. Fern E. Lavelle
Mr & Mrs John Lawson
Mrs. Helene Leavitt
Mr Ernest LeBarron
Ms Vera Lecocq
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lemaire
Mr & Mrs Ar thur Lemire
Ms. Ida Leonard
Mr. & Mrs. Peter LePrevost
Mr & Mrs Joel A Less
Let Your Yoga Dance
Mr. & Mrs. John J. Levesque
Ms Mar y P Levesque
Ms. Pamela Levit
Ms Ruth A Lewis
Mr & Mrs Leonard S Lipton
Ms. Katt Lissard
Mr Patrick Litano
Mr. Frank Litsky
Mr. Scott Little
Little’s Pharmac y
Mr. & Mrs. Alan V. Lombardi
Mr & Mrs Stephen M Long, Jr
Ms Karen S Long
Ms. Miriam Lorenza
Mr & Mrs Richard Lucz ynski
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Lurie
Ms. Florice Lynch
Ms Mar y Mackle
Ms. Robin MacPherson
Ms. Helen Mac y
Ms Christine Maher
Ms. Carol Majkowski
Mr & Mrs Alber t J Mancuso, Jr
Mrs Barbara Mandell
Arlene Marchand
Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation
Mr. Michael Margolis
Ms Lee Marino
Mark Shearer Fund
Mr. Richard E. Markham
Mr & Mrs David Markham
Mr. Edward Markowski
Mr James Marshall
Mr Lawrence S Mar tz
Mr. John J. Masiero, Jr.
Ms June Ann Mason
Mrs. Helena Matthews
Ms. Catherine May
Mr Thomas Maynard
Mr. Richard T. McCar thy
Ms Lee McClelland
Mrs Ursula McGowen
Mr. & Mrs. Frank J McKeever, Jr
Mr. Franklin McLaren, Jr.
Ms Theresa A McMahon
Ms Michelle McMurray
Mr James McNeice, Jr
Ms Jennifer B McNeice
Mr. James Meaney
Ms Leona Mecz y wor
Mrs. Leda Melideo
Ms Barbara Melle
Mr John Mendel
Ms. Mar y Mercuri
Mr Rober t D Mercurio
Ms. Carol L. Messerschmitt
Ms Connie Metall
Michael Petrides High School
Ms Marsha Mikuszewski
Ms Virginia Miner
Mrs. Mar y Miner
Mr & Mrs Tim Minkler
Ms. Judith Mizhir
Ms Laurie N Mo att
Ms. Vic toria Moncecchi
Mrs. Joann Monk
Ms Tina Monteleone
Ms. Ann Monti
Mr Ir v Moon
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Moon
Mr Edward Morandi
Mr & Mrs Bob Moresi
Mr. Harr y Morey
Mr William D Morrissey
Ms. Maydene Mor t
Mr & Mrs David Mor ton
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Mottershead
Mr & Mrs Raymond H Moulthrop
Ms Linda Mullany
Mr. George Munson
Ms Diana L Murphy
Mr James C Murphy
Mr. Peter Thomas Murphy
Ms Generosa A Murray
Ms. Marie T Musante
Mr & Mrs Gene Nadeau
Ms. Sheri Nadeau
Mr & Mrs Alexander Nardacci
Ms. Gail A. Nassif
Dr & Mrs James Nesti
Ms. Margaret A. Neville
Mrs Marcella Nevin
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nicastro
Mr. Richard Nichols
Ms Helen L Nolan
Ms Jean M Nor th
Nor thwest Farm Credit
Ser vices
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Nor ton
Mr Peter Noyes
Ms. Karen D. Oak
Mr & Mrs Charles J Oakes
Mr & Mrs Cornelius Obanhein
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t L. O’Brien
Ms Maureen O’Brien
Ms. Margaret O’Connor
Mr Frederick P Olszewski
Mr & Mrs Rober t O’Neil
Ms. Joyce E Orell
Mr Thomas W Orlando
Mr. & Mrs. William Osborn
Mr Michael Ouellette
Mr. James Overmyer
Mr & Mrs Julien J Pail
Ms Kelly Palmer
Mr. Wayne Palmer
Mr Edward Paquette
Mr. Carlos A. Vizcardo Paredes
Mr & Mrs Thomas Par tenope
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Pasquini
Ms. Alba Passerini
Ms Frances Y Patenaude
Mr. William Peabody
Mr Rober t Peaslee
Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Peat
Mr Kent Peer-Nous
Ms E Anne Pellerin
Dr. & Mrs. Larr y J. Pellish
Mr & Mrs Donald Perc y
Ms. Celeste Perkins
Ms Carol Perkins
Ms. Patti Pero
Mr Daniel Peterson
Ms Jane Phend
Mr. Richard Phillips
Ms Dorothy Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Gar y Phillips
Mr & Mrs John W Philpott
Mr Stephan E Pia
Ms. Virginia Piekos
Ms Ann Piekos-Barber
Mr. & Mrs. Allan Pike
Mr & Mrs Richard Pikul
Mr. Bernard Pinsonnault
Pitts eld Cooperative Bank
Pitts eld Piston Poppers
Ms. Sandra Plottier
Polish National Alliance, Group 1365
Ms Sara G Pollard
Mr.& Mrs. Phillip Pomerantz
Mr. Lawrence Poplaski
Mr Raymond A Por ter
Ms Asta S Potter
Ms. Diana Potter
Mr & Mrs Richard Powers
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Powers
Mr & Mrs Daniel J Pupo
Mrs. Ruth Pytko
Mrs Kathr yn Quattrochi
Mr & Mrs Thomas Rajotte
Ms. Kathleen Randall
Mr & Mrs Raymond P Ranzoni
Ms Beth Ravit
Mr & Mrs Matt Ravlich
Ray Murray, Inc.
Dr Robin J Renders
Ms. Jane Reusche
Mrs Beverly J Reynolds
Ms. Susan J. Ricci
Mr Philip Rich
Ms Henrietta Richardson
Ms. Jean Richer
Ms Angela Rifkin
Attorney Alan J. Righi
Mr Christopher Riordan
Ms. Wendy L Rippeon
Dr. & Mrs. Myron Ritrosky
Mr Walter Ritter
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rober ts
Mr George B Robinson, Jr
Mr.& Mrs. Ralph A. Robinson, Jr.
Ms Nanc y A Rodovick
Ms Mar y Rogers
Mr.& Mrs. Joseph J. Rogge
Ms Linda M Rollins
Mrs. Florence Romaniak
Mr Peter Ronan
Ms. Rose Rondeau
Mr Stephen L Root
Ms Jean Roots
Ms. Irene F. Ropelewski
Ms Marian Roper
Ms. Helaine Rose
Mr Howard Rosenberg
Mr & Mrs Timonthy S Ross
Dr. & Mrs. Charles F. Ross
Ms Debra Rosselli
Mr. Philip Rossi
Mr & Mrs Ronald Rousseau
Ms. Vlada Rousse
Ms Barbara Rubin
Mr & Mrs George Rufo, Sr
Mr. Rober t Rutko
Ms Mally Rutko
Ms. Jane K. Ryan
Sacred Hear t Parish
Ms. Dorene A. Sadlow
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Salinetti
Mr & Mrs Kent Salvini
Mr & Mrs Lawrence Sands
Ms. Cynthia J. Sault
Saw yer LLC
Ms. Della Sayres
Mr Benjamin H Schawinsky
Mr. Myron Schi er
Mr & Mrs Walter Schleicher
Ms Ruth Ann Schmill
Ms. Tamar Schrager
Ms Lori Schrier
Mrs. Sandra Schr y ver
Mr Michael Sebastino
Mr & Mrs Thomas L Sedgwick
Mr & Mrs William Seely
Mr. & Mrs. Merri L. Seidi
Mr & Mrs Frederick F Seymour, Jr.
Ms Ellen Shaby
Mrs Bernice Shainman
Ms. Gerilyn Shaw
Ms Claire J Shepard
Mr. Ralph A. Sherman
Dr & Mrs Bruce Shickmanter
Ms. Enid V. Shields
Mr. James Shippee
Ms Marilyn Shulklapper
Mr. Leonard Sigal
Mr Mar tin Silver
Ms. E. Bonnie Silvers
Ms Vic toria Simon
Rev. & Mrs Rober t H Skidmore
Mr & Mrs Newell Skinner
Mr.& Mrs. Ci ord A. Skowron, Jr.
Mr & Mrs John Slade
Mr. & Mrs. James Slaminsky
Ms Lisa Sloane
Mr & Mrs Stephen Smachetti
Ms. Evelyn Small
Mr & Mrs Rober t Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Smith
Ms Ann E Snell
Mr & Mrs Leonard F Sniezek
Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Snyder
Mr Frederick A Solari
Mr. Joseph Sorrentino
Mr & Mrs Lawrence Spatz
Mr. & Mrs. Edmund St. John
Mr & Mrs Stephen St Peter
Ms Joanna H Stengle
Mr. Stedman H. Stephens
Mr & Mrs Gerald Stephens
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Stevens
Mr Raymond Stickles
Mrs. Lois L. Stockton
Mr. Richard Stockwell
Mrs Judith Stolzberg
Ms Marita D Stratton
Mr. Allan Streeter
Ms Bernice Streeter
Mrs. Mar y M. Strout
Dr Er win A Stuebner, Jr
Mr. & Mrs. David Sturma
Suburban Internal Medicine
Mr & Mrs James Sulzmann
Mr. & Mrs. Uldis Surmanis
Mr & Mrs Michael Sussman
Mr. & Mrs. George Sweet
Mr & Mrs Alfred G Symonds
Mr & Mrs George Szecsei
Ms. Therese Taft
Ms Denise M Talabach
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Talanian
Dr Eugene Talbot
Mrs. Janice Tassone
Mr & Mrs Thomas Tatro
Mr Lance W Tatro
Mrs. Marlene TenBroeck
Mr & Mrs Wayne Tenney
The Congregational Church of West Stockbridge
The Red Lion Inn
Ms. June A. Thomas
Ms Judith Ann Thompson
Ms. Christine Thomson
Mr & Mrs David Thorne
Thursday Morning Club
Mr Eric Tiele
Mr & Mrs Joseph M Tirrell
Tomich Landscape Design & Construc tion
Mr. & Mrs. Henr y A. Tomkowicz
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Tomkowicz
TOPS MA 451
Mr & Mrs Val Tornicelli
Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Torra
Town of Essex
Mr. Neville D. Toye, Jr.
Mr & Mrs Mario Trapani
Mr Peter Traub
Trudeau Enterprises
Mr & Mrs Joseph F Truskowski, Jr.
Ms Magda Tsipis
Ms. Laura Tucker
Mr & Mrs Richard Tuggey
Ms Paula Turnbull
Mr. & Mrs. William Turner
Ms Daltr y Turner
Mr. Richard W Turner
Mr Edward Turner
Mr. & Mrs. John Turner
Mr. & Mrs. John S. Vachula
Mr & Mrs Edward Van Dyke, Jr
Ms. Pern VanCamp
Mr & Mrs Thomas Vaughan
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Veit
Ms Pauline Velmans
Mr & Mrs Peter Viale
Village of Essex Jc t Employee Assoc
Mr. & Mrs. Je rey Vincent
Ms Gina Vinciguerra
Ms. Catherine Visco
Mr & Mrs Vito Vitrano
Ms. Judith Voll
Mr Je Waingrow
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Walter
Mr & Mrs Richard Wasikewski
Dr & Mrs Ar thur Wasser
Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Wasuk
Mr & Mrs Rober t Watroba
Mr. & Mrs Wayne R. Weatherhead
Dr. & Mrs. Terr y P. Weaver
Mrs Jean Weigle
Ms. Diane Israelite Weinstein
Mr Jack N Weinstein
Mr. Richard Weiskel
Mr & Mrs Rober t P Wespiser
Mrs. Jane Wheeler
Whitman’s Cr ystal Clean
Ms. Sally A. Wilcox
Mr & Mrs Richard A Wildermuth
Mr & Mrs Norman V Wilker
Ms. Judith A. Williams
Ms Vic toria E Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Wilson
Mr & Mrs Howard Wineberg
Ms. Ellen C. Wineberg
Mrs Rae -Ann Winters
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t Wir tes
Dr & Mrs Raymond J Wise
Mr Thomas C Wojtkowski
Ms Julia Wolfrum
Mr & Mrs Rober t Wood
Ms. Barbara Wor thington
Ms Marjorie Wylde
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Young, III
Ms Christine Zaveruka
Mrs. Olivia S Zegarowski
Ms Frieda Zepka
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Zepka
Ms Elizabeth Ziemba
Ms. Barbara Ziemba
Mr & Mrs Edward Noel, Jr
Mr Don Poplaski, Jr
Mr & Mrs Joseph Salvadore
Mr & Mrs Seth Stockwell
Ms Jo Valens
Mr & Mrs Edward J Zoladz
S
FY 2019 Subgrants awarded
I n 1 9 6 5 C o n g r e s s p a s s e d t h e
O l d e r A m e r i c a n s A c t ( OA A ) t o
a d d re s s t h e l a ck o f c o m m u n i t y social services for older persons. Although older individuals may r e c e i v e s e r v i c e s u n d e r m a n y other federal pro g rams, today the OAA is considered to be the major vehicle for the org anization and d e l ive r y o f s o c i a l a n d nu t r i t i o n services to Older Americans and t h e i r c a r e g ive r s T h e p u r p o s e o f T i t l e I I I o f t h e OA A i s t o e n c o u r a g e a n d a s s i s t s t a t e a n d local agencies in the development of comprehensive and coordinated i n - h o m e a n d c o m m u n i t y b a s e d long-ter m services for older adults (age 60 and older).
ESBCI allocates federal Older Americans Act funds to suppor t c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d a n d i n - h o u s e services for older adults in the for m of Subg rants In FY 2019 ESBCI awarded the following subg rants:
2019 Sub Grants: Oc tober 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019
Community Legal Aid, Elder Law Projec t
Community Le g al Aid serves low income and socially needy elders w i t h a s p e c i a l fo c u s o n e l d e r s wh o m
own homes with the assistance of gover nment benefits, elders with protective services, elders with no other means of access to the le g al system and elders whose le g al issues threaten their inde pendence and dignity Services include free le g al re presentation, advice, refer ral and community education for individuals 60 years or older throughout Berkshire County.
Berkshire Public Health Alliance, Falls Prevention Program
This project eng aged older adults who attended flu clinics in fall 2018 around the topic of falls prevention. Community Health Workers perfor m testing for seniors aged 60 and older to ascer tain their risk for falls All par ticipants received brief education around their risk of falling, infor mation about how to prevent falls and an introduction to the Matter of Balance Pro g ram, an evidence based, eight session class to reduce the risk of f alling in older adults. Matter of Balance was of fered in Great Bar rington, Nor th Adams, Dalton and Williamstown in the spring of 2019.
Berkshire Center for Justice, Inc., Attorney Ser vices
Berkshire Center for Justice serves low income and socially needy elders with a special focus on elders who maintain themselves in their own homes with the assistance of gover nment benefits, elders with protective services, elders with no other means of access to the le g al system and elders whose le g al issues threaten their inde pendence and dignity Services include free le g al re presentation, advice, refer ral and community education for individuals 60 years or older throughout Berkshire County.
Berkshire Family YMCA, Enhance Fitness
Y M CA will provide its Enhance Fitness Pro g ram to individuals 60 years
elders with the g reatest social and economic need who reside within
service area.
Berkshire Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Educational Workshop
educational workshop for
amily
including Elder Services of Berkshire County. Outreach was extended to r ural elders through councils on a ging located in the hill towns or other rural areas though the workshop was of fered in the central county (Pittsfield) area
Porchlight Visiting Nurse Association, Skilled in Home Nursing Visits
A Porchlight Re gistered Nurse provided one-time in-home visits fo r c a re n o t c ove re d by M e d
throughout Berkshire County. Medication pre-packs and monitoring of patient anti-coagulant levels are limited to one visit only Examples of these one-time skilled nursing needs included but are not limited to: enema administration, wheelchair evaluation, single injection, review and clarification of medications, removal of catheter and wound care or dressing change
She eld Council on Aging, Wellness Program 2018
The Shef field Council on Aging provided its Wellness Program to individuals 60 years or older giving priority to those elders with the g reatest social and economic need who resided within the Shef field Council on Aging’s service area.
Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County, LGBTQ Community and Social Ser vices
Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County provided LGBTQ community and social services for individuals 60 years of age or older living in Berkshire County Due to recent g rowth in demand for the Pro g ram, R a i n
to include LGBTQ elders from all par ts of Berkshire County and encouraged the par ticipation of women and people of color.
Adams Council on Aging, Expanded Medical Transpor tation for Cheshire and Savoy residents
The Adams Council on Aging used its vehicle to provide expanded medical transpor tation for Cheshire residents age 60 and older giving priority to those elders with the g reatest social and economic needs.
2019 Volunteer List
Board of Direc tors
Diana (Toni) Fontana, President*
Kathleen Luczynski, Vice President
John Philpott, Treasurer*
Dawn Dellea, Clerk
Jacob Dabrowski
Sandy Driscoll
Christopher King, Finance Committee only
Kim Mathews*
Mary K. O’Brien
David O’Neill
Stephen Radin
Karen Reilly
Mary Sho g ry-Hayer*
Mary Strout
AAA Advisory Council
Gina Armstrong, Chair
Bruce Ber nstein
Lisa Fletcher-Udel
June Green
Kathie Loring
Kim Mathews*
Irwin (Tom) Renak
Mary Sho g ry-Hayer*
Money Management
Advisor y Council
Marianne Fresia
Tanya Haas*
Virginia Stanton Smith
Gini Titterton*
Berkshire Senior T V
Dave Bubriski
Connie Bullard*
Diane Chicoine
Andrew LaPatin*
Jef f Tur ner
Home & Community Based Programs
Nancy Apkin*
Mariah Auman
Zenfiza Baghirova*
Linda Bar ry
Yvette Bastow*
Deena Berman
Marina Bobrovsky
Janice Brindisi*
Connie Bullard*
Paul Burda*
Carolyn M Coco
Anita Cook*
Judith Corbett*
Carol Couture*
Ella Deane*
Fay Dimanche
Ter rill Douglas*
F lavio Fer nandes*
Diana (Toni) Fontana*
Louise Frankenberg*
Jasmine Gage*
Sheila Gibeau*
Michele Gillig an
Cathlyn Go ggins
Carol Gramm*
Ken Hayden
Glen Hillebrand
Alexandra Huber*
Julia Kaplan*
Maris Katsir
Pamela Kight
Andrew LaPatin*
Monica Lapin*
Mary Ellen Levin
Jose ph Levin*
Clif f Love*
Susan Ludwig
Helena Matthews
Nancy Meehan
Lorraine Moresi
Paula Morey*
John Morse
Karen D. Oak*
Edward Oshinsky*
Jenifer Picard*
Raymond Ranzoni
Teresa-Cristena Rober ts*
Laurie Schwar tz
Naomi Schwar tz
Lois Storch
Lora Tobias
Bernice Turetsky
Gary Turetsky
Mark Vadnais*
Mariya Zade*
Money Management Program
Elizabeth “Bet” Azar
Sharon Bartels
Yvette Bastow*
Joyce Boivin
Beverly Clarke
Nathan Doctrow
Norma D’Oliveira
Ter rill Douglas*
Judith Douville
Marianne Fresia
Jasmine Gage*
Tanya Haas*
Susan Holland
Kristina (Tina) Kelly
Heather King
Paula Morey*
Karen D. Oak*
John Philpott*
Alice Rodriguez
Victor Roy
Patricia Salvi
Jane Tant*
Ronald Ter ry
Jose ph Tir rell
Gini Titterton*
Donald Usher
Mark Vadnais*
Nutrition Program
Sandra Aasen
Rose Alessio
Bonnie Andrews
Maureen Avery
Zenfiza Baghirova*
Anna Beining
Paula Bergeron
Angela Burke
Ruth Clair mont
Eileen Clarke
Frank Clarke
Carol Colabatista
Deborah Coody
Anita Cook*
Holly Coon
Judith Corbett*
Linda Cox
Rosemary Cummings
Michelle Dargie
Marie Daury
Lorraine Dean
Barbara Delmolino
Veronica Deome
Dennis DeVergilio
Elizabeth Di Grigoli
Jane Diaz
Michael Ende
Joy Engels
Janice Fisher
Rose Fitzgerald- Casey
Joanne F lynn
Louise Frankenberg*
Kathryn Furcht
John Galt
Gordine Galusha
JoAnn Garzone
Andrea Gaylord
John Gillig an
Celine Godbout
Eric Paul Greenberg
Marie Grull
Thomas Hardy
Rosemary Houghtlin
Thelma Hover
Charles Joch
Julia Kaplan*
Butch King
Sue Kor manik
William L Kor manik
Patricia LaBagh
Marg aret Lavalette
Jeanette Lupiani
Rosanne Marsh
Christina McCar thy
Alan Metzger
Jose ph Molleur
Susan Morris
Joan Moylan
John Moynahan
Herbert (Sonny) Nelson
Gail Nelson
Nancy O’Brien
Ter ry O’Brien
George Oleen
Marianna Pacheco
Wesley Petersen
Jenifer Picard*
Donald Pulver
Marcel Rajotte
Teresa-Cristena Rober ts*
War ren Rober tson
Eleanor Rosier
Jane Ro zak
Richard Ro zak
Dennis Sears
Betty Shepard
Elaine Shindler
Adele Siter
Rober ta Smith
Rober t St Peter
Kathy Staropoli
Barbara Steele
Joanne Ste gner
Sharon Stevens
Ron Stewar t
Arlene Stockley
Julia Taylor
Gail Tighe
Gini Titterton*
F loyd Tuler
Hunter Wallace
Charles Webster
Beth Wiggers
Mariya Zade*
Barbara Ziemba
Ombudsman Program
Conlin Bradley
Michael Evans
Diana (Toni) Fontana*
Eileen Gabriel
Virginia Lafond
Ruth Richardson
Bonnie Saunders
Deborah Wehry
SHINE (Ser ving the
Health Information
Needs of Ever yone)
Teresa Bragdon
Janice Brindisi*
Hedy Burbank
Karen DeOrdio
Ter rill Douglas*
Frank Engels
Michele Gillig an
Carol Gramm*
Judith Hyde
Sue Kucharski
Candace Marks
Paula Morey*
Juan Ramos
Steven Rosenthal
Larry Shea
Catherine Spinney
William Tar mey
Gini Titterton*
Winnie Veretto
Par tnership Volunteers
Berkshire County ARC*
Berkshire Vocational
Services*
BFAIR*
Guidewire
Riverbrook Residence*
Guardian/Berkshire Life
Employees
*these volunteers offer their time in more than one pro g ram area
Annual Report 2019
Caring for the Berkshire Count y elders and their families since 1974.
Elder Ser vices Suppor ts Independence for Berkshire Seniors
3,305 Calls to our Information and Referral line phone.
Elder Ser vice’s case managers assisted 1,586 individuals enrolled in our State Home Care by securing and managing a range in-home services, allowing these elders to maintain their independence and continue to live at home.
As par t of the Primar y Care Team, Elder Ser vices’ sta helped to coordinate care and access suppor tive services for 292 enrolled in Fallon’s NaviCare SCO plan.
1,759 consumers screened by Elder Ser vices RNs to determine clinical eligibility for our programs and admission to Berkshire County nursing homes
2,398 unduplicated consumers ser ved through Meals on Wheels or at one of the 16 Senior Community Dining Sites in Berkshire County.
1,375 Meals on Wheels consumers on average were ser ved each month.
210,086 meals ser ved by our Central Kitchen in Lanesborough.
60 consumers received 312 emergency meals after a hospital or nursing home stay.
96 active MOW volunteers plus volunteers through our partnerships with other Berkshire County non-pro ts compassionately provided 17,776 hours of their time
AnnualReport 2019
Elder Services Programs Enhance Seniors’ Health and Well-being
Omsbudsmen made 551 visits and spent 941 hours advocating for Berkshire County nursing home residents.
166: Consumers suppor ted by Caregiver Ser vices.
112: Consumers suppor ted by Options Counseling Ser vices.
48 Money Management Clients received monthly assistance with sorting mail, prioritizing bills, writing checks and balancing checkbooks.
3,361 Consumers assisted with health insurance access and assessments by 35 cer ti ed SHINE volunteer counselors
Elder Ser vices Volunteers Give from the Hear t
14 Home & Community Based Program volunteers spent 215 hours with 94 seniors. Assisting with shopping, transpor tation and companion time.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, N o v e m b e rD e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9
Elderly Nutrition Program Over view
What We Do:
The Elderly Nutrition Pro g ram
i s a f e d e r a l a n d s t a t e f u n d e d nutrition pro g ram, administered by the Executive Of fice of Elder
A f f a i r s , w h i c h a l l o w s E l d e r
S e r v i c e s o f B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y, Inc. to provide nutritious meals to older adults.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s o f B e rk s h i r e
C o u n t y, I n c. i s o n e o f t we n t y -
f ive n u t r i t i o n p r o j e c t s l o c a t e d
t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t a t e s e r v i n g
o v e r 9 m i l l i o n n u t r i t i o n a l l y balanced meals to approximately
7 5 , 0 0 0 e l d e r s e a c h ye a r M e a l s
a r e p r ov i d e d a t a p p r o x i m a t e l y
4 0 0 S e n i o r C o m m u n i t y D i n i n g sites and more than half of total m e a l s s e r ve d a r e d e l ive r e d t o frail elders in their homes Over 7,000 volunteers across the state contribute approximately 450,000 hours yearly to the pro g ram Both m e a l s a n d n u t r i t i o n e d u c a t i o n and counseling services provided through the pro g ram are vital for improving the nutritional status of elders.
T h e N u t r i t i o n P r o g r a m a l s o
a d d r e s s e s m u l t i p l e p r o b l e m s
f a c e d by e l d e r s – r a n g i n g f ro m
p o o r nu t r i t i o n , fo o d i n s e c u r i t y,
a n d c h r o n i c d i s e a s e t o s o c i a l isolation Nutrition services and m e a l s a r e a v i t a l s u p p o r t t h a t enables many elders to live in the community independently
Our Ser vices:
Nutritious meals are provided by E l d e r S e r v i c e s o f B e rk s h i re C o u n t y a t s i x t e e n S e n i o r C o m m
y D i n i n g
s a n d t h r o u g h
- d e l ive
e a l s to older adults (a g e 60 or older) and individuals with disabilities under age 60 who live in housing
f a c i l i t i e s o c c u p i e d p r i m a r i l y
b y t h e e l d e r l y w h e r e m e a l s a r e s e r v e d H o m e - d e l i v e r e d m e a l s a re fo r t
to illness, disability or frailness as deter mined after a thorough i n - h o m e a s s e s s m e n t by E l d e r Services’ Nutrition Case Worker or a Client Services Coordinator.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ N u t r i t i o n i s t
p r o v i d e s i n d iv i d u a l n u t r i t i o n
c o u n s e l i n g f o r b o t h h o m edelivered meals clients and meal site par ticipants at their request or refer ral. In addition, twice a ye a r o u r m e a l s i t e p a r t i c i p a n t s
r e c e iv e n u t r i t i o n e d u c a t i o n a l
t r a i n i n g o n t o p i c s t h a t a r e trending or relevant to elders.
M e n u s t a n d a r d s a r e b a s e d
o n c u r r e n t f e d e r a l a n d s t a t e
g u i d e l i n e s, i n c l u d i n g t h e 2 0 1 0
Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes
( D R I ) , e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e Fo o d
a n d N u t r i t i o n B o a r d a n d t h e
I n s t i t u t e o f M e d i c i n e o f t h e
National Academies.
E a c h m e a l c o n t a i n s a t
l e a s t 1 / 3 o f t h e c u r r e n t d a i l y
Recommended Dietary Allowance
o f nu t r i e n t s a n d c o n s i d e r s t h e
s p e c i a l d i e t a r y n e e d s o f t h e
e l d e rl y p a r t i c i p a n t s S p e c i a l
d i e t a r y n e e d s m a y i n c l u d e lactose-free, cardiac, puree, and d i a b e t i c I n a d d i t i o n , Ko s h e r
m e a l s a re p re p a re d a n d s e r ve d by the Jewish Federation of the B e rk s h i re s i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h Elder Services.
Elder Services is a member of the Meals on Wheels Association
Of fice of Elder Af f
o f A m e r i c a a n d i s t h e o f f i c i a l Meals on Wheels provider for the County. Bene ts of the Program:
lower the risk of chronic disease and contribute to healthy a ging
Par ticipating in the Program:
I
eligible for home-delivered meals, or have a relative or friend who m ay
Services’ Infor mation & Refer ral de par tment at 413-499-0524 Our Nutrition Case Worker or Client Services Coordinator will make contact within 24 hours to set up
assessment. A re yo
able to join others for a noontime
u r sixteen meal sites listed on page 15 of the Berkshire Senior Just call ahead so we can be sure to set a place for you.
Nutrition accomplished the following:
We ser ved 2,398 unduplicated consumers through MOW and at Senior Community Dining Sites in FY 2019
We ser ved an average of 1,375 consumers each month during FY 2019
We ser ved 210,086 meals overall in FY 2019
We accommodated more than 60 consumers with emergency meals af ter a hospital or SNF stay ser ving 312 emergency meals in total
We are consistent with more than 96 active volunteers plus volunteers through our par tnerships with other Berkshire County non-pro ts
Our Nutrition volunteers compassionately gave 17,776 hours of their time in FY 2019
Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County, Inc
Nutrition Program
SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS
CITY/TOWN PHONE
NO. ADAMS 662-3125 SPITZER CENTER 116 Ashland St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
WILLIAMSTOWN 458-8250
CHESHIRE 743-9719 SENIOR CENTER 119 School St. M-T-W 11:30 am
623-8934 TOWN HALL Route 8 P.O. Box 60 T & TH 11:00 am PIT TSFIELD 499-9346 SENIOR CENTER 330 North St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am LENOX 637-5535
Medicare Savings Bene ts Expanded in 2020
For the first time since 1966 Massachusetts will be expanding the eligibility guidelines for three benefit pro g rams, collectively known as the Medicare Savings Pro g rams or Buy-in Pro g rams, beyond the federal g u i d e l i n e s S
limit for these pro g rams will increase from 135% of the federal pover ty level to 165% of the federal pover ty level. T he asset limit will also double from $7,730 to $15,460 for an individual and from $11,600 to $23,200 for a couple Primary residence and one vehicle are not included in the asset test.
The Medicare Savings Pro g rams provide premium a s s i s t
Individuals who qualify for the richest tier, QMB, will receive coverage for any applicable Par t A premiums and Medicare Par t A and B coinsurance in addition to payment of the Par t B premium ( 2 0 1 9 s t a n d a rd $ 1 3 5 5 0 ) a n d a ny ap p l
abl
p
individuals to apply for Par t A and/or Par t B outside of the General Enrollment Period. Beneficiaries who become eligible for any of the Medicare Savings Pro g rams (SLMB and QI1) will also be deemed eligible for Full Extra Help as well as the Full Health Safety Net.
Bene ts include:
F u l l E x t ra H e l p : premium assistance with Par t C or D plan, payment of any applicable penalties, elimination of drug deductible, additional special enrollment periods, drug copayments limited to $3.40 for generic or $8.50 for brand name drugs within the plans for mulary Individuals can also receive temporary bridg e dr ug coverage should they lose their plan
Full Health Safety Net: covers the Par t A hospital deductible ($1364, 2019), the Par t B deductible ($185, 2019), and the Par t B 20% coinsurance at par ticipating Health Safety Net Providers Beneficiaries can also receive significant dental, vision, and hearing services through participating Health Safety Net providers Prescriptions written by participating providers can be filled by Health Safety Net Phar macies at very low cost. Applications received on or after January 1st will be processed under the new g u
Counselor, or Navig ator for application assistance
S H I N E Counselor locations
Adams Visitor Center
3 Hooac Street, Adams 413-743-8333
Becket Town Hall 557 Main St, Becket 413-623-8934 ext. 140
Otis Town Hall One North Main Road, Otis 413-269-0100 ext. 114
Dalton Senior Center
40 Field Street Ext, Dalton 413-684-2000
Claire Teague Senior Center (Great Barrington) 909 Main Street
Great Bar rington, MA 413-528-1881
Hinsdale Town Hall 39 South Street, Hinsdale 413-655-2310 or 413-655-2929
Lanesboro COA 83 North Main Street, Lanesboro 413-448-2682 / 413-243-5545
Lee COA
21 Crossway St # 2, Lee, MA 01238 Phone: 413-243-5545
to monitor
infor mation in real time. T
utilizing the new Plan Finder on Medicare
one centralized location with a drug list populated from past claims
Account creation tips:
• Create a user name that is unique to you and does not contain any por tion of your bir thday, Social Security number, or Medicare number.
• Create a password utilizing a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols Do not reuse passwords
• Record your security question answers
• An email address is not required, but can be beneficial.
• S t o r e
location, do not carry it with you.
• If you are unable to remember your account infor mation, make three attempts Upon the 3rd failed attempt you will be presented with the option to reset your account.
• Utilize your account on Medicare.gov to access the Plan Finder.
• Utilize your account on MyMedicare.gov for all other purposes
Lenox Community Center 65 Walker Street, Lenox 413-637-5535
Spitzer Center (Nor th Adams) 116 Ashland Street, North Adams 413-662-3125
Ralph J Frio Senior Center (Pitts eld) 330 North Street, Pittsfield 413-499-9346
Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County
877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield 413-499-0524
Stockbridge Senior Center 50 Main Street 413-298-4170 ext. 263
Harper Center ( Williamstown) 118 Church Street, Williamstown 413-458-8250
New Ashford COA 188 Mallery Road, New Ashford 413-458-5461
Changes to Medicare Supplement Plans in 2020
2020 will bring the first major
c h a n g e s t o t h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s
M e d i c a r e S u p p l e m e n t
p l a n s t r u c t u r e s i n c e t h e
i m p l e m e n t at i o n o f Pa r t D d r u g
c o v e r a g e i n 2 0 0 6 U n d e r t h e
c u r r e n t s y s t e m a l l M e d i c a r e
b e n e f i c i a r i e s e n ro l l e d i n Pa r t s
A a n d B c a n o p t t o p u r c h a s e
S u p p l e m e n t a l M e d i g a p p l a n s
w h i c h p r o v i d e a d d i t i o n a l
c ove r a g e r e g a r d l e s s o f a g e o r
h e a l t h ( e x c l u d i n g i n d iv i d u a l s
u n d e r 6 5 w i t h E S R D ) T h e
d e c i s i o n t o p u r c h a s e a
s u p p l e m e n t a l p l a n i s h i g h l y
p e r s o n a l i z e d a n d s h o u l d b e considered carefully along with
e x i s t i n g c o v e r a g e a n d p u b l i c benefits.
Current plan options include:
Medicare Supplement Core Plans:
• c o v e r t h e 2 0 % P a r t B coinsurance,
• d o n o t c o v e r t h e P a r t B deductible ($185 for 2019),
• d o n o t c o v e r t h e P a r t A hospital deductible ($1364 for 2019)
• do not of fer enhanced skilled nursing facility coverage
Medicare Supplemental 1 Plans:
• c o v e r t h e 2 0 % P a r t B coinsurance
• c o v e r t h e a n n u a l P a r t B deductible ($185 for 2019)
• c o v e r t h e P a r t A h o s p i t a l deductible ($1364 for 2019)
• cover skilled nursing facility
c o p ay fo r d ays 2 1 - 1 0 0 ( u n d e r applicable rules)
Both types of plans:
• a r e a c c e p t e d b y a l l U S M e d i c a re p rov i d e r s w i t h o u t refer ral
• a r e av a i l a b l e t o M e d i c a r e
b e n e f i c i a r i e s c u r r e n t l y
e n r o l l e d i n P a r t A a n d B (excluding beneficiaries under 65 with ESRD)
• have rolling open enrollment with no underwriting criteria.
• N e i t h e r p l a n p r o v i d e s p r e s c r i p t i o n d r u g c ove r a g e
(beyond drugs billed under A or B)
• several plans of fer worldwide emergency coverage
• m a n y p l a n s h ave ava i l a b l e
r i d e r s w h i c h c a n p r o v i d e additional coverage for vision, hearing, and dental services.
B e n e f i
by
A
Supplement 1 Plan re g ardless of who is selling it or how much it costs. Savvy consumers would do well to consider price point rather than brand name in this instance SHINE Counselors are available to provide detailed comparisons at no cost
M e d i c a r e b e n e f i c i a r i e s a l s o have the option of enrolling into the Blue Cross Blue Shield Medex Choice Pro g ram which provides similar benefits to the Supplement 1 plan at a reduced cost but within a provider network
Star ting in 2020:
I n d i v i d u a l s w h o b e c o m e
e l i g i b l e f o r M e d i c a r e e i t h e r
t h r o u g h a g e o r d i s a b i l i t y o n
o r a f t e r J a n u a r y 1 s t 2 0 2
S u p p l e m e n t 1 p l a n d u e t o n ew re g u l at i o n s u n d e r t h e M AC R A 2015 legislation.
N e w l y e l i g i b l e B e n e f i c i a r i e s
w i l l i n s t e a d h ave t h e o p t i o n t o purchase Supplement 1A plans. T hese plans will of fer covera g e
t h a t i s n e a rl y i d e n t i c a l t o t h e
c u r r e n t S u p p l e m e n t 1 p l a n s
( P a r t B c o - i n s u r a n c e , P a r t A
d e d u c t i b l e s a n d c o p a y s , n o network restrictions etc) but will not cover the Par t B deductible ($185 in 2019). Core plans will also remain available.
Beneficiaries who are eligible to enroll in Par t A and B by a g e or disability prior to 1/1/2020 will continue to be eligible to enroll in Supplement 1 plans re g ardless of
t h e i r e n ro l l m e n t s t at u s. T h e s e individuals will also continue to be eligible to purchase Core plans and may also opt to purchase the Supplement 1A plans.
B e c a u s e o f t h e l a c k o f underwriting criteria (excluding i n d i v i d u a l s u n d e r 6 5 w i t h
E S R D ) B e n e f i c i a r i e s h ave t h e
o p p o r t u n i t y t o c h a n g e t h e i r covera g e in response to clinical n e e d o r fi n a n c i a l b e n e fi t S o m e
b e n e f i c
h
t h e b e n e f i t o f a c o ve r e d P a r t
B d e d u c t i b l e . B e n e f i c i a r i e s seeking to change their coverage
l eve l w i t h i n t h e s a m e c o m p a ny
s h o u l d c o n t a c t c u s t o m e r service. Beneficiaries seeking to ch a n g e S u p p l e m e n t c o m p a n i e s
s h o u l d f i r s t c o n t a c t t h e i r
c u r r e n t p r ov i d e r a n d c o n f i r m
disenrollment prior to enrolling w i t h a n e w p r o v i d e r i n o r d e r
t o av o i d d u p l i c a t e c o v e r a g e
To p r eve n t c ove r a g e g a p s,
cur rent plan should end on the l
new plan be ginning on the 1st of the following month.
Enrollment in the Blue Cross B
may remain so with a standard monthly premium of $153.81. For additional infor mation or a
local SHINE Counselor.
Praise for SHINE from community stakeholders:
“
n c
understand Health Safety Net/money matters, to know what I’m doing or how to do it. I often have to ask the same questions more than once for my hear t, brain, and spirit to cooperate with myself. Ms Titter ton is an incredible teacher with wonderful war mth, clarity, and patience!”
“ P hyl l i s D e M a r t i n o wa s wo n d e r f u l T
critical considering the complexity of Medicare and Supplemental pro g rams.”
“Extremely valuable help I would have been quite lost trying to do this without Michele. Very org aniz ed, ef ficient, and made everything clear.”
“Winne Veretto was excellent!”
“We tried to do the online research but it was very confusing So many ter ms. Judy was so patient and a TREMENDOUS help.”
“ I w a s a t S H I N E b e c a u s e I t r a n s p o r t e d m y s o n t o h i s appointment When he and Lar ry were discussing drug coverage options I mentioned I paid $78.00 per month for my coverage for two generic drugs (for years!) In about five minutes Lar ry found a new company and I will now be paying $14 00 per month for insurance and no cost for the drugs! I have been telling everyone to go there! Thank you Larry and all the wonderful volunteers.”
“Paula was very patient and thorough in explaining the choices I had for a dr ug plan. She helped me find a cheaper choice and also was very professional in her presentation Just a wonderful experience in dealing with her ” “ We wo u l d n o t b e abl e t o wa d e t h ro u g h a l l t h e i n s u r a n c e infor mation without the help of Candace Marks She is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and generous with her time to everyone.”
“Patty was wonderful- She helped us with our insurance and was very patient with all of our questions. She is a wonderful asset to our community.”
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Long ter m Care Ombudsman Pro g ram provides services and assistance to residents of nursing homes and their families. The four main goals are: 1) to receive, investig ate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of residents of nursing and rest homes, 2) to protect residents’ r i g h t s, 3 ) t o p rov i d e i n fo r m at i o n , a n d ,
changes in the Long Ter m Care system
Both family members and residents often have unresolved issues or questions about Long Ter m Care The Ombudsman Pro g ram has state cer tified volunteers who visit each home weekly to fill this g ap.
T h
care, comfor t, le g al rights, and treatment by staf f. The Ombudsman Pro g ram advocates for these vulnerable, frail elders, providing them with a voice and effecting change on their behalf.
C AREGIVER DISCUSSION GROUPS
Elder Ser vices’ Caregiver Coordinators Joe Choon and Vick y Linscott lead monthly caregiver discussion groups.
• 2nd Tuesday, 10 - 11:30 a.m., at Elder Ser vices
• 3rd Wednesday, 1- 2:30 p.m., Gt. Barrington COA
aberkshiretown@oconnells.com
• 4th Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., North Adams’ Spitzer Center New members are always welcome. There is no charge. Come for conversation, suppor t, & helpful information For information call 499-0524.
Beginning English speaker? Did you k now that Elder Ser vices has the ability to communicate with individuals speaking over 200 di erent languages? Don’t let language be a barrier to getting services for you, your aging parents or grandparents
Call us today at 499-0524 for more information.
Home & Community Based Programs
Options Counseling
O p t i o n s C o u n s e l i n g i s a n interactive, shor t-ter m decision
s u p p o r t p r o c e s s t o a s s i s t
c o n s u m e r s , f a m i l y m e m b e r s ,
c a r e g ive r s, a n d / o r s i g n i f i c a n t
o t h e r s t o m a k e a n i n f o r m e d choice about long ter m services, suppor ts, and settings Emphasis is placed on the person centered
d e c i s i o n p r o c e s s i n p r o v i d i n g options that are of interest to the c o n s u m e r To p i c s m ay i n c l u d e
h o u s i n g , t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , h o m e
s e r v i c e s, p e r s o n a l c a r e o r a n y other consumer concer ns during p h o n e o r i n - p e r s o n c o u n s e l i n g sessions
A strong Par tnership ADRCAging and Disability Resource Consor tium
A d L i b, I n c o r p o r at e d , C e n t e r
f o r I n d e p e n d e n t L i v i n g i s a
n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n w h o s e
m i s s i o n i s t o e m p owe r p e o p l e
w i t h a l l t y p e s o f d i s a b i l i t i e s
t o l i v e m o r e i n d e p e n d e n t l y
a n d h ave c o n t r o l o f t h e i r ow n
l i v e s . E l d e r S e r v i c e s i s t h e
A g i n g S e r v i c e s A c c e s s P o i n t
( A S A P ) a n d A r e a A g e n c y o n
A g i n g ( A A A ) fo r s e n i o r s l iv i n g
i n B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y. A d L i b
a n d E l d e r S e r v i c e s p a r t n e r e d
t o f o r m B e r k s h i r e C o u n t y ’ s
A g i n g a n d D i s a b i l i t y Re s o u r c e
C o n s o r t i u m ( A D R C ) T h i s
c o l l a b o r a t i o n i s d e s i g n e d t o m a ke a c c e s s t o i n fo r m at i o n o n services and supports for seniors and individuals with disabilities
e a s i e r. Wi t h a “ n o w ro n g d o o r ” approach, someone can call either
A d L i b o r E l d e r S e r v i c e s a n d receive infor mation on pro g rams and services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities
P r o c e d u r e s , i m p l e m e n t e d
i n S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 0 9 a l l o w f o r
c ro s s re f e r r a l b e t we e n t h e t wo agencies.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n pro g rams and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, call AdLib at 442-7047, 1-800-2327047 or Elder Services at 499-0524, 1-800-544-5242.
Transpor tation Ser vices
T h e Vo l u n t e e r S e r v i c e s
D e p a r t m e n t o f E l d e r S e r v i c e s
c a n p r o v i d e e l d e r s w i t h
t r a n s p o r t a
wh
supervised provide rides free of charg e to medical appointments
s o c i a l s e r v i c e a g e n c i e s
i n B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y p r o v i d e
t r a n s p o r t at i o n E l d e r S e r v i c e s
m a i n t a i n s a c o m p l e t e l i s t
o f t r a n s p o r t a t i o n o p t i o n s
available
The Family Caregiver
Suppor
t Program
The Family Care giver Suppor t
P r o g r a m i s ava i l a b l e t o h e l p
care givers in need of assistance
a n d s u p p o r t . T h e p r o g r a m i s
available to all care givers caring fo r s o m e o n e 6 0 ye a r s o f a g e o r
older, caring for someone under the a g e of 60 who has a physical d i s a b i l i t y , d e v e l o p m e n t a l
d i s a b i l i t y o r m e n t a l i l l n e s s ,
o r c a r i n g f o r s o m e o n e u n d e r
t h e a g
d i s e a s e o r d e m e n t i a . S e r v i c e s
can include individual suppor t, suppor t g roups, infor mation and resources, and education
Caregiver Suppor t Groups in Berkshire County 2019
E l d e r S e r v i c e s o f B e rk s h i r e County, Inc.
877 South St, Suite 4E; Pittsfield
2 n d T u e s d ay o f t h e m o n t h , 1 0 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Jose ph Choon and Vicky Linscott, Facilitators 413 499-0524
Claire Teague Senior Center
909 Main Street; Great Bar rington
3rd Wednesday of the Month. 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Jose ph Choon and Vicky Linscott, Facilitators 413-528-1881 or 413-499-0524
Spitzer Senior Center 116 Ashland Street, North Adams
4
p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Jose ph Choon and Vicky Linscott, Facilitators 413 662-3125 or (413) 499-0524
Information & Referral
available throughout the state for re
call when you don’t know who to call. I &
Community Resource Specialists
a
b o u t : h o m e c a r e services, public benefits, housing options, transpor tation, nutrition and much more. They help people u n d e r s t a n d t h e i r p r o b l e m a n d make infor med decisions about possible solutions After assessing a caller’s needs, I&R’s Specialists
a c c e s s t h e i r l a r g e r e s o u r c e database to help connect people with the appropriate infor mation, services, and agencies to address their specific issues and concer ns. They may advocate on behalf of those who need special suppor t.
I & R a l s o s e r ve s a s a s i n g l e p o i n t o f e n t r y f o r E S B C I p r o g r a m s , a s s i s t i n g e l d e r s ,
and their families in accessing a comprehensive range of services
c a n m a i n t a i n w e l l - b e i n g a n d inde pendence in the community. If it appears you, or the person
yo u a r e c a l l i n g o n b e h a l f o f , m i g h t b e e l i g i b l e f o r s o m e o f
ESBCI’s state-subsidized services, I&R will ask you some questions and make a refer ral to a specific pro g ram
O ve r t h e p a s t ye a r, t h e t h re e
p e r s o n I & R t e a m h a n d l e d ove r
10,000 calls for assistance I&R’s
S p e c i a l i s t s a r e c e r t i f i e d b y
T h e A l l i a n c e o f I n f o r m a t i o n
a n d Re f e r r a l S y s t e m s ( A I R S ) , t h e n a t i o n a l p r o f e s s i o n a l
m e m b e r s h i p a s s o c i a t i o n f o r
c o m m u n i t y I n f o r m a t i o n a n d
R e f e r r a l . T h e y a r e c e r t i f i e d
S H I N E C o u n s e l o r s , t r a i n e d
i n t h e m o s t u p - t o - d a t e h e a l t h
i n s u r a n c e i n f o r m a t i o n f o r
M e d i c a r e b e n e f i c i a r i e s o f a l l
a g e s a n d t h e i r c a re g ive r s I & R
re gularly contributes ar ticles to the Berkshire Senior newspaper p r ov i d i n g t i m e l y a n d va l u a b l e i n fo r m at i o n t o t h e c o m m u n i t y. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e I & R t e a m
re gularly maintains and updates t h e B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y p o r t i o n of the Massachusetts Executive O f fi c e o f E l d e r A f f a i r s ’ s o n l i n e searchable 800AgeInfo webpage.
Home Care Ser vices
Elder Services provides a variety of in-home services designed to enable an elder to remain at home with dignity and inde pendence.
S e r v i c e s i n cl u d e h o m e m a k i n g , personal care, meal pre paration, h o m e d e l iv e r e d m e a l s , h o m e h e a l t h s e r v i c e s , m e d i c a t i o n management, laundry, shopping, companion, Social Day Care and Adult Day Health.
To receive home care services, someone must be age 60 or older, or under the a g e of sixty with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
o r a r e l a t e d d e m e n t i a a n d b e
n e e d e l i g i b l e T h e r e a r e n o i n c o m e l i m i t s, a n d t h e f e e s a re based on a sliding scale.
YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK
Providing these vital services to Berkshire elders, care givers and individuals with disabilities
In Home Ser vices
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Coaching
Case Management
Companionship
Complex Care, Training & Oversight
Elder Care Fund
Grocery Shopping
Home Health Aide
Homemaking - Personal Care
Laundry Service
Meals on Wheels
Medical Dispensing Systems
Money Management
Personal Emergency Response
Systems (PERS)
Respite Care
Suppor tive Home Health Care
Transitional Assistance
Transpor tation
Volunteer Services
Community Ser vices
Suppor tive Day Pro g rams
Adult Day Health
Aging and Disability Resource Consortium
Care giver Suppor t Services
Senior Community Dining Sites
Long Ter m Care Ombudsman
Nursing Home Screenings
Older Americans Act – Title III Subgrants
Options Counseling
SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Pro g ram)
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
Community Housing Options
Group Adult Foster Care
Residential Service Coordination
Service-Enriched Housing at Crossway
Village / Tower (Lee)
Suppor tive Housing at Providence Court (Pittsfield)
To our Employees past, present, and future whose dedication to service has made it possible for thousands of elders to remain independent and achieve the highest possible quality of life.
HEALTHCARESERVICES
Providinghomecare to Berkshire Countyresidentsfor over 20years
LightHousekeeping GroceryShopping Laundry
166 EastStreet,Pittsfield, MA 01201 413.499.4562 or 800.649.4562
• Compassionate, highly trained staffcertified in hospiceandpalliativecare
• Comprehensiveteamavailable to provide awide range of servicesincluding:
• Fullrange of servicesfocused on managingpainand improvingquality of life
Calltoday to see howhospice canhelpyourfamily.
877SouthStreet,Suite 1W • Pittsfield, MA 413-443-2994 • www.hcib.org Thedifferenceisinourcare
is proud to providesuperiorcare to the residentswhocallourcommunityhome.Fromsenior housing to skillednursing,memorycare,hospice andpalliativecare, andshortandlong-termrehabilitation,westriveforeffective,highquality outcomesfor even themostcomplexmedicalconditions.
• H ILLCREST C OMMONS
K IMBALL FARMS
FAIRVIEW C OMMONS
• M T.G REYLOCK E XTENDED C ARE VisitBerkshireHealthcare.orgtofindacommunityclosetoyou.
N ORTH A DAMS C OMMONS
“After I was in a bad caraccident,Ispent almostthreeweeksin Williamstown Commons’ worldclassrehabprogram. Theintensiverehab processexceededmy highexpectations. Williamstown Commonsistrulya communityof healing.”
–Resident, Berkshire Healthcare A liate, June 2018
ALL OF US SERVING ALL OF YOU
Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County employees assembled to illustrate the 32 cities and towns we ser ve. Elder Ser vices sta also live in 17 of those communities as well as in neighboring communities located in Hamden and Hampshire County and Upstate NY.
