Help for the homebound
By Simone Gaunt & Laura Feakes
Elder Services’ Information & Referral (I&R) Department receives many calls each month about services available for someone unable to care for his or herself. Below is a recent example.
Q. My wife Harriet is ill and requires more care than I can provide. She can no longer stay home alone. 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 to help you and Harriet. In Berkshire County there are programs called Adult Day Health and Supportive Day Care.
There are three Adult Day Health programs in Berkshire County. Each program provides meals, snacks, socialization, exercise, and other recreational activities. There is a registered nurse on duty to assist with medications and provide nursing monitoring.
Pittsfield Adult Day Health Center
33 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, 442-4978
Fairview Commons Adult Day Health
151 Christian Hill Road, Great Barrington, 528-4560
Adult Day Health
420 Curran Highway
North Adams, 664-4048
Supportive Day Care Programs are another option. These programs provide half or whole day options that enable elders to socialize, exercise, perform arts & crafts and have a nutritious meal. Activities are tailored to each individual’s needs and interests. Participants must be continent.
Supportive Day Program
Pittsfield Council on Aging
Ralph Froio Senior Center
330 North Street Pittsfield, 499-9346
Supportive Day Care
Adams Council on Aging
Community Center
20 East Street
Adams, 743-8333
Elder Services may also be able to provide in-home services to keep someone at home. The Home Care Program provides assistance with homemaking, laundry, personal care, meal preparation, Meals on Wheels, shopping and companionship. Elder Services’ Volunteer Services Department volunteers provide companionship, grocery shopping, and transportation. For information about other Elder Services programs and services, call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Simone Gaunt & Laura Feakes are Elder Services’ Information and Referral Specialists
