Providing services to seniors in tough economic times
By Christopher Speranzo
We all recognize the challenging economic times we face, and during these times, the Commonwealth owes our seniors the option of receiving the highest quality care in the least restrictive setting possible. This year the House of Representatives ensured that adequate funding is available for critical programs like Meals on Wheels, our Councils on Aging, and elder protective care.
Even in these difficult times, I am pleased that the Legislature made it a priority to provide our Councils on Aging (COAs) $8.6 million dollars in funding. The 349 COAs and senior centers across the Commonwealth offer activities, counseling, meals, companionship, volunteer opportunities, courses, diet and exercise classes. These are vital to making it possible for seniors to remain in their own homes and at the greatest level of independence possible.
I am pleased to have supported the Legislature’s recommendation to fund the Meals on Wheels program at $6.2 million statewide. This funding ensures that home-cooked meals will be delivered to seniors throughout Berkshire County and provides them with an important lifeline to their communities.
Last year, Elder Services’ drivers traveled over 226,000 miles to deliver more than 215,000 meals to homebound seniors. This funding is a significant improvement over the Governor’s recommendation for this important program that deserves to be funded.
As the stress of the declining economy increases, the Commonwealth is seeing a rise in elder abuse - both physical and financial. According to statistics provided by the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs, there were 14,909 reports of elder abuse and 4,423 confirmed cases in the last fiscal year. In addition, it is believed that elder abuse is seriously underreported, with at most 1 in 5 cases reported to protective services. As a result, the Legislature increased the funding this year for elder protective services. These funds allow for trained protective services caseworkers to investigate any and all allegations and offer an array of services to address the situation. In the cases of the most serious abuse, these caseworkers are required by law to report the allegations to the District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.
In addition, the state recognizes that services for seniors must be provided in the least restrictive and appropriate manner possible. This means that in-home and community-based services are given preference over institutional placement. This reflects the preference that seniors have made overwhelmingly to remain in their homes and communities while receiving these important supplemental services.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I invite all of you call me, stop by my office, or stop me in the street to remind me of any problems you may be facing or any concerns you have.
State Representative Christopher Speranzo represents the Third Berkshire District. To contact him call 447-7225 or email Rep.ChristopherSperanzo@Hou.State.MA.US.
