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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Celebrating independence
In general, older Americans are living longer, staying healthier, and remaining more active and engaged in their communities than ever before. Unfortunately, for some seniors, maintaining independence is a daily struggle. Many activities, once taken for granted, now challenge their ability to live independently. These activities may include cooking, cleaning, getting dressed and undressed, managing a checkbook, keeping track of various medications, driving a car, grocery shopping, or even getting to and from the bathroom. Typically, an individual is able to compensate after some functional loss occurs, perhaps by turning up the volume on the television or by only driving during daylight hours. However, there may come a time when the nature of the loss is so significant that independence may be lost unless appropriate assistance is provided.
The point at which outside support is both needed and accepted varies from senior to senior... and from caregiver to caregiver. We at Elder Services understand this, and are ready to help, when help is ready to be received. Our goal is to serve any senior who has a need, and to provide the opportunity to continue to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination. Among the many services we provide are case management, assistance with getting dressed and ready for the day, housecleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, money management, transportation to medical appointments, Meals on Wheels, and assistance with health insurance questions. In many cases the Meals on Wheels driver, case manager or personal care assistant may be the only personal contact a senior has that day. It is important that these types of in-home services be available to all who need them. This past month, the state legislature’s Elder Affairs Committee held a hearing on legislation that would help disabled persons of all ages to live in the most integrated, least restrictive settings possible. This “equal choice” legislation (House bill H. 2898 and Senate bill S.434) says that disabled adults and seniors who meet the Medicaid eligibility guidelines for long-term care should have the right to choose where they will receive their care, including in their own homes, and that the money for their care will “follow” and stay with them as their condition changes. The passage of this legislation, which still has a long way to go before becoming law, would be good news for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. Such legislation would also go a long ways towards implementing the mandate set forth in Olmstead v. L.C. the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which said that state funded long-term care services should be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the individual.
Here in Berkshire County, Elder Services continues to offer a variety of programs, supports, and services designed to help elders and individuals with disabilities to live with dignity and independence, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, give us a call. We’re here to help. And while on the subject of help, we would like to thank our friends in the community who support Elder Services financially and as volunteers so that we can continue to support Berkshire seniors and individuals with disabilities to live independently.
As this great nation celebrates its independence this Fourth of July, we at Elder Services wish each of you a Happy Independence Day... today and everyday.