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From The Director
High cost of living creates
challenges...
By Robert P. Dean, Executive Director
For seniors living on a fixed income, managing limited resources to ensure that there is money available for food, to purchase fuel for heating and transportation, and to buy necessary prescription medications can be a monthly challenge. Many are concerned that the cost of heating fuel will be particularly high this winter. Many seniors were unable to “lock in” to a lower price during the summer and may be forced to pay the market price in January and February. There is also a concern that the high cost of gasoline and increased cost of food transportation nationwide will cause food costs to increase.
Elder Services Nutrition Program has already been impacted by the increased cost of gasoline. It is estimated that providing higher mileage reimbursement rates to Elder Services’ drivers and transporters— which they desperately need to keep pace with the higher costs of gasoline - will increase the cost of transporting and delivering the meals by at least an additional $20,000 a year. This past year we prepared and served 260,000 meals — an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. More than 203,000 meals were delivered to homebound elders while approximately 57,000 were served at 14 congregate meal sites throughout Berkshire County. Our Meals on Wheels drivers deliver meals along 35 routes Monday through Friday, going anywhere and everywhere in Berkshire County where a homebound elder needs a hot nutritious noontime meal. Additional meals are delivered during the week to elders who also need weekend meals. For many seniors, the noontime meal is the most nutritious meal they will eat, and the driver may be the only face-to-face contact they will have that day.
To be eligible for home delivered meals, an elder must have a physical or cognitive impairment, be unable to prepare a noon meal, have no supports for noon meal preparation, and be unable to attend a congregate meal site. The 14 congregate meal sites, many of which are located in Senior and Community Centers throughout the county, are open to any senior age 60 and older, and offer a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy lunch in a group setting. There is no charge for the meal although there is a suggested donation of $2.00. As food costs continue to rise, perhaps you or someone you know would like to visit one of these meal sites. A complete listing of these sites, together with this month’s menu is available on page 20. Another program which could be of great assistance to Berkshire seniors is the Bay State CAP (Combined Application Project), a food assistance program which provides seniors the opportunity to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious food. Monthly benefits can range anywhere from $28 to $149 (the average monthly benefit is about $65 a month). More information on this program is available on page 11. In regards to the high cost of prescription medications, the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit is due to begin January 1, 2006. Enrollment begins November 15, 2005. It is important to get all the facts, including who is eligible, the types of prescription drug plans which will be available, and how and when to enroll, so that you can make the choice that’s best for you. A special Medicare Part D information supplement is included in this month’s Berkshire Senior to provide you with the most current information available at press time. If you have any questions, please call Elder Services. We’re here to help.