Berkshire Senior Online

By Simone Gaunt , Information & Referral Specialist

The Information & Referral (I&R) Department of Elder Services receives many calls during the course of the month from elders with problems or issues they are unable to solve on their own. We would like to share a call with you.

Q. My wife Harriet is ill and requiring more and more care. Also, she can no longer stay home alone. I need to work to maintain our medical insurance to pay for the increasing costs of caring for her. Are there services available so she can remain at home, since I can’t give up my job and stay home to care for her?

A. There are services available for Harriet. Throughout the county there are what’s called Adult Day Health Programs and also Social Day Care.

There are three Adult Day Health programs in Berkshire County. All of them provide proper nutrition throughout the day, socialization, exercise and recreational activities. At each Adult Day Health the is a registered nurse on duty to provide support and aid for incontinence and medication monitoring.

Pittsfield Adult Day Health Center Fairview Commons Adult Day Health

33 Bradford Street, Pittsfield 151 Christian Hill Road, Gt. Barrington

442-4978 528-4560

Adult Day Health

420 Curran Highway, North Adams

(413) 664-4048

Social Day care is another option. It provides whole day or half day programs that enable elders to socialize, get exercise and do arts & crafts. Activities are tailored to individuals’ needs and interests. Participants must be continent.

Pittsfield Council on Aging Adams Council on Aging

Ralph Froio Senior Center Community Center

330 North Street, Pittsfield 20 East Street, Adams

499-9346 743-8333

Pittsfield Adult Day Health Social Day Care

33 Bradford Street, Pittsfield 420 Curran Highway, No. Adams

442-4978 664-4048

Elder Services may also be able to provide some in home services to keep Harriet independent. A volunteer companion may be an option, but if Harriet needs a trained professional, then she may need more services.

State Home Care services may be able to provide aid with homemaking, laundry, personal care, meal preparation, Meal on Wheels, shopping and companion. A client must meet a frailty and income guideline to be eligible.

If Harriet is in danger of nursing home placement, the Community Choices Program through Elder Services may also be an option, which would provide a greater level of care at home for her.

She must be eligible for MassHealth (Medicaid) and need a certain level of care that enables her to choose to stay home rather than go into a nursing home.

For more information on any of these services, call the I & R Department of Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.