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Elder Services’ Year-end report
By Robert P. Dean
This month concludes Elder Services’ 35th year of service to the Berkshire community. We provide Berkshire seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities with programs and services which help them to continue to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence. Founded in 1974, Elder Services has been the federally designated Area Agency on Aging for Berkshire County since 1975 and the state designated Aging Services Access Point since 1997. The number of programs and services we provide has grown significantly over the years as we have continued to evolve and adapt to best serve the Berkshire community. The journey, which began in 1974 with three staff, continues today with more than 100 staff and 400 volunteers.
Our Home Care programs serve more than 1,000 seniors a month, while our Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program prepares and serves more than 1,000 meals a day each Monday through Friday, that’s more than a 260,000 meals a year. Our Meals on Wheels drivers travel more than 226,000 miles a year.
There are many challenges that lie ahead, particularly during these uncertain economic times. During the past year, the State Home Care and Enhanced Community Options (ECOP) programs were cut by more than $13 million dollars statewide. As a result, there is not nearly enough funding to serve the thousands of seniors across the commonwealth who will apply for and would normally be eligible to receive the State Home Care program services they need in the year ahead. As a result of these severe budget cuts, statewide managed intake for the State Home Care program began on September 8. Three months later, there are already more than 1,000 seniors who are eligible for and in need of home care services, but are instead on Waiting Lists across the state. No one should have to wait to receive services for which they are eligible.
During tough economic times, the need for basic human services goes up - not down. More people need food and fuel assistance, and home care. Home care should be the first option for seniors in need of long-term care services. It is far less costly than nursing facility placement and can help delay or avoid this more costly alternative.
The Governor’s most recent 9C cuts have impacted the Prescription Advantage and Protective Services programs, and the Councils on Aging. As we go to press, we are waiting to hear which MassHealth programs will be cut or have their eligibility criteria restricted. We have already heard that funding for the Adult Family Care program will be cut by 5% and that individuals who need less than 14 hours of service a week will not be eligible for the Personal Care Attendant program. There is more to come.
It is important that seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who are in need of services continue to call Elder Services in the months ahead. There are many things we can do to help. Call us at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services of Berkshire County.