Elder Services Legislative Forum: Home and community-based services for seniors
Elder Services of Berkshire County recently held a Legislative Forum attended by State Senator Representatives Denis Guyer, Smitty Pignatelli, and Christopher Speranzo. The legislative delegation addressed a group of more than 75 concerned seniors and advocates, representing more than 25 community organizations. The forum was taped by Pittsfield Community Television for later broadcast on local cable-access television throughout the county.
Elder Services Executive Director Robert P. Dean welcomed the state legislators, stating, “I thank each of you for all you have done and will continue to do for Berkshire seniors. As we meet here today, in the midst of another budget debate, we have heard that this is a difficult budget year and that this is a tight budget. We understand that there are many competing needs for what is ultimately a limited amount of state dollars, and that difficult choices must be made. As these choices are made, it is important that we recognize the choice — the overwhelming preference — of seniors is to remain at home, and that if or when they need long-term care services, to receive those services at home. We must honor this preference as best we can. As we discuss limited state dollars, it is also important to keep in mind that home and community-based services are cost-effective and a very efficient use of these limited state dollars.”
Each member of the Berkshire legislative delegation was provided the opportunity to share his vision of home and community-based services for seniors, and what needs to be done to make that vision a reality. The delegation also responded to questions from seniors and advocates. The questions touched upon issues important to seniors who desire to live independently and with dignity while enjoying the highest possible quality of life, and included: more funding for in-home and community-based services; adequate funding for Councils on Aging; the new Community First Initiative included in the Governor’s budget; in-home mental health services for seniors; transportation for seniors in rural Berkshire county; increasing support for family caregivers, many of whom are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: and, sufficient funding to support Meals on Wheels.
Although this is a tight budget year, with many competing priorities, Senator Benjamin Downing and Representatives Denis Guyer, Smitty Pignatelli, and Christopher Speranzo voiced their support of programs for seniors, such as the Councils on Aging and Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels, a mainstay program that prepares and serves over 1,000 hot nutritious, noontime meals each weekday to Berkshire County seniors.
Editor’s Note: The Commonwealth is expected to have the budget in place by July 1, 2008, the start of the FY 2009 fiscal year.
