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A$sisted Living can be affordable
A$sisted Living can be affordable
By Chet Gallup
As one ages, a sense of isolation can set in, along with frustration at not being able to handle tasks of daily living such as bathing, dressing, administering medications, and preparing meals. This explains the popularity of the many Assisted Living facilities that have appeared in the Berkshires, and indeed throughout the country. However, for many elders, the price of such assistance can be prohibitive. In Berkshire County, the approximate costs for Assisted Living range between $1,750 and $ 4,000 a month.
There is another affordable option – Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) -Assisted Living. GAFC is a Medicaid program, available through Elder Services, administered by Client Services Director Robert P. Dean, and Housing Programs Supervisor Lisa Lungo, which provides the opportunity for low to moderate income individuals to take advantage of the supports and amenities Assisted Living has to offer. Seniors with a monthly income less than $1,019 are eligible if they qualify for Medicaid or MassHealth, and have a medical condition that limits their ability to care for themselves. This program is also available to individuals under 60 years of age with a chronic disability.
The Assisted Living facilities in Berkshire County that offer the GAFC program include Epoch at Melbourne, Village at Laurel Lake, Cameron House, Rosewood Assisted Living, Side by Side, Rockwell Victorian and Carriage House, and the newly opened Sugar Hill facility in Dalton. Elder Services has agreements with three of these facilities to directly provide the GAFC program: Rosewood Assisted Living, operated by Jeanne & Chris Chojnowski, Side By Side, operated by Dorrine Vilot and Joan Rich, both in Pittsfield, and, in North Adams with The Rockwell Victorian and Carriage House operated by Marilyn Head and her son Daryl. The remaining four facilities administer their own GAFC programs.
The Division of Medical Assistance introduced the present GAFC-Assisted Living Program based within Assisted Living facilities in 1998. A Licensed Social Worker and a Registered Nurse are assigned to each GAFC participant; this professional team monitors the services provide by the trained Assisted Living staff, as well as conducting regular assessments to detect changing health status and care needs. Twenty-four hour emergency coverage is provided by facility staff. Housing Programs Supervisor Lisa Lungo states, "GAFC provides an affordable option for qualifying elders and disabled adults to remain in the community."
At Rosewood, Chris Chojnowski and his wife enjoy the day-to-day operation of Rosewood. "I grew up here – my family ran several businesses out of this building, Chojnowski said. We had older aunts, uncles and grandparents living with us. It’s that background that combines home style assisted living with a family atmosphere."
Bill Harvey, in his 70’s and a former Goodwill worker and tenant on Francis Avenue, finds Rosewood a secure and happy place. "I used to be lonely and a little scared," Harvey said. I feel good here – I’ve got a lot of friends and they care about me. I’m happy in my heart right here, and I’ve got a good man upstairs looking out for me."
Harold Wright was 76 years old in June. Social Workers at Hillcrest Commons thought he would do well under GAFC-Assisted Living. Formerly a paint sprayer of machine safety guards in Bridgeport, Conn., he likes the living arrangements at Rosewood. "I like it here – I play cards every afternoon with Dot (another resident)," Wright said. "I like the change of seasons, and a cold Budweiser beer now and then."
Licensed Social Worker Bea Cowlin says that it is important for clients to maintain elements of their former lives such as personal items, favorite activities and relationships.
At Side By Side, Dorrine Vilot emphasizes good care, companionship and the availability of home cooked meals, served restaurant style in a cathedral-ceiling dining area. There are 36 single rooms at Side By Side and occupying one of those rooms is 75 year old Richard Nealy. Born in Alabama, Nealy moved to the West side of Chicago around the age of nine. He grew up listening to such jazz greats as Joe Williams, ‘T-Bone’ Walker, and BB King. He acquired a ‘zoot suit’ and jitterbugged with pride. His heroes were Joe Louis, Ray Charles, Jackie Robinson, and Willie Mays. He was a roamer, did a hitch in the Air Force during World War II and ended up eventually in Pittsfield, where Elder Services recognized his need for Assisted Living. Social Worker Cowlin praises the change in Nealy’s living conditions and the progress he has made. He walks to Adult Day Health on Bradford Street twice a week when weather permits.
"I love the friendships here," Nealy said. "They feed me well and take good care of me. Here, I love to walk, read history, and play Bingo – I win quite frequently. The Congregational Church is just down the street. Every thing is so convenient, I hope to be here for a long time to come."
Choice is what makes Assisted Living like home, according to the motto of the Rockwell Victorian in North Adams. Co-owner Marilyn Head says that the many games and activities at the Carriage House have a stimulating effect on residents. Discussion periods precede activities and start with a question such as "Did you ever live on a farm?" Questions and related activities break the ice and stimulate the reminiscence of all, according to Daryl Head, co-owner and operator.
"We feel that residents are more at home as compared to larger facilities across the state," Marilyn Head said. "Residents tend to be more comfortable and bond well due to our smaller size. They really care for each other. Staff works with them constantly and, as a result, are more aware of their needs."
Josie Waryjasz, born on December 5, 1916 in nearby Charlemont, put her family in a quandary, when she wasn’t eating properly. Despite their efforts, she subsisted on a diet of Rice Krispies. Her family persuaded her to try the Carriage House and she loved it. Now, she eats three varied meals a day, and, in addition to the many activities, she walks for ½ hour each day about the neighborhood stopping to talk with any one she meets. Church and bible study complete her long list of activities.
"I thank God that I’m here," Josie said.
"Josie has defied the medical books," Social Worker Bea Cowlin said. "She has had two heart attacks in the last six months and is now back to walking. Everyone is so proud of her including her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren."
The GAFC-Assisted Living program has increased 40 percent in the past year, according to Client Services Director Robert Dean. "We are proud of the program’s progress," Dean said. "We will continue to identify as many individuals as possible that can benefit from the program and its Assisted Living services."
For more information regarding GAFC-Assisted Living contact Elder Services at
499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.