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So many ways to lend a hand!
By Louisa Weeden
Volunteers are an integral part of Elder Services and volunteer opportunities abound for those who would like to share their time and talent to help meet the needs of Berkshire seniors. Here is an overview of Elder Services’ volunteer programs:
Community Services Volunteers transport, shop for and visit frail seniors
Volunteer drivers transport seniors to medical appointments, wait with them, and then transport them back home. Berkshire seniors who no longer drive are always grateful when a friendly volunteer comes to their door to take them to their medical appointments.
Usually on a weekly basis, volunteer shoppers either shop for groceries with a list prepared by the senior, or transport and stay with the senior as he or she does their own shopping.
Companion volunteers visit those who are homebound. They may socialize, read aloud or engage in other activities such as crafts, playing cards or working on puzzles. Other Community Services volunteers help produce Berkshire Senior TV, distribute Berkshire Senior and help prepare large mailings from Elder Services’ offices.
Elder Services’ Nutrition Program Volunteers provide healthy meals and human warmth
Volunteers are crucial to the Nutrition Program, which prepares and serves over 1,000 meals each weekday to Berkshire seniors. Some 172 Nutrition volunteers pitch in to pack, serve and deliver these meals. Meals on Wheels drivers, many of whom are volunteers, deliver meals. Other volunteers help serve noontime meals at the 15 Senior Dining Centers throughout Berkshire County. Seniors who receive Meals on Wheels enjoy hot, nutritious meals, well-being checks, and friendly smiles and greetings from the drivers who deliver their meals. At senior dining centers, volunteers and staff make the seniors feel comfortable and welcome as they enjoy both the meal and the social contact.
Money Management Volunteers help seniors budget expenses and pay bills
The goal of the Money Management Program is to assist seniors who are at risk of losing their independence due to difficulties with managing their household finances.
In the past 13 years, Elder Services’ Money Management volunteers have assisted hundreds of Berkshire County residents with sorting mail, paying bills, budgeting, bank reconciliation and much more.
Ombudsman Program Volunteers make a difference for seniors in nursing homes
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was established by the federal government in 1973. Elder Services currently has 29 state certified Ombudsman volunteers who visit the 17 nursing and rest homes in Berkshire County once a week. These trained volunteers help residents solve their problems, to ensure residents’ rights are being upheld, and to monitor the general conditions of the facility. In addition, the Ombudsman page on Elder Services’ web site, www.esbci.org, provides information about all the long-term-care facilities in Berkshire County.
SHINE Volunteers help seniors make sound health insurance decisions
The SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Seniors) Program of Elder Services is primarily responsible for counseling Medicare beneficiaries. Volunteers explain the basics of the Medicare health insurance program, coverage gaps, supplemental insurance, and prescription drug coverage options. In addition, volunteers assist seniors in accessing public benefits like MassHealth, fuel assistance, low-income prescription drug subsidies and programs that pay for Medicare Part B premiums.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and programs, call Elder Services at 1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524.
Editor's Note: Each year, Elder Services honors the dedication and generosity of all its volunteers with a special Volunteer Recognition dinner and dance. It’s our way of saying, “Thank you for giving the greatest gift.”