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Enhanced Elder Intervention—a
safety net for elders
By Lisa Lungo, Director of Client Services
Everyone wants to live in the environment they choose, and in the manner they choose. For some elders however, this can be a challenge, because illness, dementia, mental health issues, or substance abuse can cause them to make unsafe or unwise decisions. The good news is that help is available to support elders through these challenges.
With funding from the City of Pittsfield, the Berkshire United Way, the Northern Berkshire United Way, and the Williamstown Community Chest, Elder Services of Berkshire County is able to offer the Enhanced Elder Intervention (EEI) Program. EEI is a unique safety net for elders in the community who are fragile and at risk. These are elders who are on Pittsfield, the Berkshire United Way, the Northern Berkshire United Way, and the Williamstown Community Chest, Elder Services of Berkshire County is able to offer the Enhanced Elder Intervention (EEI) Program. EEI is a unique safety net for elders in the community who are fragile and at risk. These are elders who are on from the Specialist, Clark agreed to try Elder Services home care services, which included Meals on Wheels and a homemaker.
Today, Clark continues living independently in her home, seeing her counselor, and taking her medication. She no longer calls the police department, because she is no longer fearful and anxious. Her Meals on Wheels not only provides her with a nutritious meal, but also a daily social contact and a “check in.”
The Elder Intervention Specialist does not work alone. There is extensive collaboration with community partners, and the specialist is the funnel through which appropriate community services can flow to the elder. The specialist does not duplicate services of other agencies. She is neither a mental health professional nor a medical professional. She assesses needs in a particular area and makes a referral to the appropriate specialized service. The goal is to wrap services around an elder to reduce risks and help the elder remain safely in the community for as long as possible. This worked for Clark. The services she now receives significantly improves the quality of her life and helps her remain in her home...where she wants to be.
For more information about the Enhanced Elder Intervention Program or to make a referral, call Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.