From the Director
Elder Independence today…and every day
By Robert P. Dean
On July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day. In general, Older Americans are living longer, staying healthier, and remaining more active and independent than ever before. Unfortunately, some seniors find maintaining their independence is a daily struggle. Many activities, once taken for granted, now challenge their ability to live independently. These activities may include cooking, cleaning, getting dressed and ready for the day, managing a checkbook, keeping track of various medications, driving a car, grocery shopping, or even getting to and from the bathroom. The fact that a senior needs assistance with one or more of these activities does not mean that he or she can no longer live at home... it means that he or she needs some help in order to do so.
The point at which outside support is needed and accepted varies from senior to senior... and from caregiver to caregiver. We at Elder Services understand this, and are ready to help, when help is ready to be received. Our goal is to serve any senior who needs our help, and to provide the opportunity to continue to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination. Among the many services we provide are case management, assistance with bathing, getting dressed and ready for the day, housecleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, money management, transportation to and from medical appointments, Meals on Wheels, and assistance with health insurance questions. The typical senior served by our in-home programs is between 75 and 90 years old, female, living alone, and on a limited, fixed income. In many cases the Meals on Wheels driver, case manager or personal care assistant may be the only face-to-face contact a senior has that day. Our programs let Berkshire seniors know that they are not alone and they are not forgotten. It is important that these types of in-home services be available to all who need them. Unfortunately, many of these vital programs will receive less funding in the year ahead.
As we celebrate Independence Day this July 4th, we must recognize the overwhelming preference of most seniors to continue to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities for as long as possible... and that if, or when the time comes that they need long-term care services, to receive those services at home. We must honor this preference as best we can, and keep in mind that it actually costs less to provide long-term care services at home than it does in an institution. During these challenging economic times, it is vital that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to serve those who most depend upon her “common wealth.”
As this great nation celebrates its independence this Fourth of July, we at Elder Services would like to wish each of you a Happy Independence Day…today and everyday.
A special thank you to our friends in the community, who support Elder Services financially, and in so many other ways during these difficult times, so that we can continue to support Berkshire seniors to live independently.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services.
