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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Elder Services announces federal grants
By Catherine A. Doherty, Planner
Eleven Berkshire County agencies were awarded 12 Federal Title III Older Americans Act subgrants by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. for federal fiscal year 2008. These 12 grants run from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008 and provide needed services throughout the county in the areas of health promotion, disease prevention, legal assistance, and support for family caregivers.
Chore Services - Assistance to seniors with hard-to-do household chores such as cleaning ovens or washing windows is again available through a grant of $2,000 to the Brien Center. Berkshire seniors who need this service should contact Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524.
Elder Law - $24,637 has been provided to Western Mass Legal Services to provide advice, representation, and other direct legal services to seniors on matters involving government benefits, housing, healthcare, institutionalized persons, protective services, long term care, age discrimination, and utility bill disputes.
In-Home Health Risk Assessments - Gabriel Elston-Ferry, GNP, received $1,500 for the continuation of in-home health risk assessments and consultation about Alzheimer’s disease.
Medical Reassurance - Berkshire Community Action Council received a grant of $6,000 to provide daily telephone reminders to seniors who need assistance in taking their multiple medications.
Skilled Foot Care - a grant of $3,464 to Sandra Doppel, RN, for in-home foot care to seniors in Berkshire County.
Health Risk Assessments - Community Health Program’s subgrant of $4,000 will provide health risk assessments for South County seniors.
Registered Nurse In-Home Service – a grant of $2,250 to the Lee Visiting Nurse Association to provide seniors with one-time only in-home visits for care not covered by Medicare. Elder Services is pleased to announce that five projects for caregivers have been funded.
In-Home Respite - Two grants of $5,000 have been given to Home Instead and Premier Home Healthcare to provide much needed in-home individualized respite for caregivers.
Caregiver Education Series - The Alzheimer’s Association has received $1,500. for a series focusing Alzheimer’s disease.
Caregiver Training Series – a $2,000 grant has been given to the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association for two sets of four stand-alone training sessions.
Caregiver Support: Assistive Technology - United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County will be assisting caregivers with a $3,000 grant to support caregivers by providing seniors with assistive devices that promote independence.
For more information about these grants, contact Elder Services Planner at Catherine A. Doherty, at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.