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Long
term care at home: help for caregivers
From the Director
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long-term health care at home
Long term care at home: help for caregivers
By Bea Cowlin, Caregiver Liaison
Many times caregivers face a situation when they don’t know what to do, or where to turn when caring for a loved one. In addition, caregivers who are employed full or part time may not have the option of working less hours or they have to continue working to maintain medical insurance. As a result, caregivers may feel they can no longer care for their loved one in the home. It is during these stressful times that a decision may be made too quickly to consider nursing home placement when other options have not been explored.
There is a variety of assistance and support to keep elders in their homes for as long as possible. The Home Care Program, available through Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., provides elders with many services. To be eligible, an elder must meet certain needs and financial criteria. Services available through the Home Care Program are:
Personal Care - Assistance/supervision with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene.
Homemaker - Assistance with light housecleaning duties, and/or laundry.
Meal Prep - Simple meals prepared and refrigerated for use during the day.
Lifeline - Personal emergency response system in case of falls or other emergency.
Adult Day Health - Attendance at a day program with noon meal and nursing supervision.
Social Day Care - Attendance at a day program with noon time meal.
Chore Services - Assistance with heavier household chores.
Transportation - Coordination and access to transportation including medical visits.
Skilled Foot Care
Respite Services - Relief for caregiver stress and fatigue.
The Community Choices Program - Provides a greater level of in-home services.
In addition to the Home Care Program, other services available to assist elders and caregivers are:
The Caregiver Support Group for all caregivers. Meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 10 to 11:30 A.M.
Information and Referral - Information on programs and resources county wide.
Information and Education - The Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Berkshire Senior newspaper and Berkshire Senior TV.
Housing Programs - Supportive Housing at Providence Court, Congregate Housing, Group Adult Foster Care, Adult Family Care.
The Personal Care Attendant Program - provides greater autonomy through hiring and scheduling your own Personal Care Attendants.
Money Management Program - Assistance with check writing, budgeting, checkbook balancing.
Meals on Wheels - Hot noon time meal each week day.
Senior Care Options - Community-based private pay case management.
SHINE - Health insurance counseling including information on Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap health insurances, Prescription Advantage.
Volunteer Services - Grocery shopping, transportation, companions.
For further information, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242. You can also find information on our web site, www.esbci.org.