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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Got questions? We’ve got answers!
By Lisa Lungo
You visit Mom and see that she needs help preparing her meals and shopping for groceries. Where do you go?
You are a senior who needs some information about health insurance options so you can make an informed choice about your coverage.
Who can you ask?
Your elderly uncle lives in Framingham and is calling you for help finding senior housing in his area. What do you do?
Call Elder Services
The Information and Referral (I&R) Department at Elder Services of Berkshire County is a “one stop shopping” for information on senior issues and services. This department is staffed by two well trained Information and Referral Specialists who last year received over 5,500 calls on topics ranging from health insurance questions and housing options for seniors to locations of area senior centers and requests for in-home supportive services. The I&R Specialists have access to a computer database that lists information on over 570 programs from over 250 organizations throughout Berkshire County. In addition, I&R can access information on senior organizations and services throughout Massachusetts as well as around the country. The I&R Department can mail out information, research a topic for you or provide phone numbers so you can make your own inquiries.
Anybody can call the I&R Department looking for information. This resource is free and available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
So, where do you go to get help for mom or your spouse? Call I&R. They can make a case management referral for an in-home assessment of your loved one’s needs.
Confused about your health insurance options? Call I&R. The specialists are certified counselors in the SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Program and can walk you through the insurance maze so you can make an informed decision about your coverage.
Don’t know where to begin to help your uncle in Framingham? Call I&R. They have information on housing alternatives in communities throughout Massachusetts.
The Information and Referral Department at Elder Services is a valuable resource for anyone in need of information on senior needs and issues. Just call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 and ask for I&R.
Lisa Lungo is Director of Client Services at Elder Services.