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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Elder Services 2007 Highlights
In February, Elder Services’ first senior housing development, Crossway Village in Lee, celebrated its one-year anniversary. Enriched services offered to eligible residents include case management, personal care, homemaking, laundry, personal emergency response systems, noontime meals, and health insurance counseling.
Elder Services Caregiver Support program has expanded so that more family caregivers can receive one-on-one and group support in the challenging role of caring for a loved one.
In April Elder Services held its annual volunteer recognition dinner dance to honor Elder Services volunteers. This year’s theme was “Volunteers are Priceless Treasures.” More than 430 Elder Services volunteers provide over 30,000 hours of service to Berkshire County seniors.
This past spring, our Lanesboro kitchen prepared its three millionth meal since opening in 1994.
In May, Senator Benjamin Downing and Representatives Denis Guyer, William “Smitty” Pignatelli, and Christopher Speranzo participated in Elder Services legislative forum, to discuss the need for additional funding for home and community-based services. The forum, which was attended by a capacity crowd of concerned seniors, advocates and community members, was videotaped and aired on local cable access channels throughout the county.
In June, Elder Services, in collaboration with the North Adams Housing Authority, introduced Residential Services Coordination to the residents of the Ashland Park, Spring Park, Greylock and River View apartments. Elder Services now provides residents with case management, coordination of in-home services, and information on health insurance, public benefits, and other programs and services.
The number of seniors served monthly by Elder Services core Home Care programs (State Home Care, Enhanced Community Options, and Choices) has continued to grow. This year, the average number of seniors served per month was 1,139, an increase of more than 80 seniors per month from the previous year.
This year, our Lanesboro kitchen prepared 270,720 meals, 221,690 of which were delivered directly to the homes of frail elders. The remaining 49,030 meals were served to seniors who attended 14 lunch sites located throughout the county.
Meals on Wheels drivers traveled more than 226,000 miles throughout Berkshire County.
In September, Elder Services received the “Annie Award” from Pittsfield Community Television, in recognition of Elder Services’ outstanding achievement in the use of television programming to positively impact the local community.
This November the Richard and Rita Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center will celebrate its 10 year anniversary. In honor of this milestone, the Resource Center has been refurbished and has expanded its catalog of resources. The center is located at Elder Services main office in Pittsfield, and is open to the public.