June 1, 2004
Dear Friend:
Whatever your age, I hope you’ll take a moment to read this letter. Aging isn’t always easy. While the passage of time often brings benefits such as maturity, wisdom, and a certain sense of perspective on life, it can also bring unwanted changes in health and well-being. Eyesight fades, hearing diminishes, and mobility can become impaired.
In the Berkshires, from 1990 to 2000, the percentage of the population over 75 years of age grew by 16.5%. Whether due to chronic disease or the rigors of age, many older people can no longer do for themselves what they easily did before. Activities as simple as bathing and dressing require motor skills and stamina that many of those we serve (70% of whom are over 75) no longer possess.
For thirty years, Elder Services has been helping older people improve the quality of their lives, making it possible for them to continue to stay in their own homes by providing the assistance they need with daily living.
When elders can no longer:
$ prepare hot meals, we provide Meals on Wheels.
$ bathe and dress, we provide assistance with personal care.
$ live alone, we offer adult family care, congregate living, and supportive housing.
$ purchase their own groceries, we offer volunteer shoppers.
$ write checks and pay bills, we provide Money Management assistance.
$ drive, we arrange transportation to doctor’s appointments.
$ clean their own homes, we provide homemaking and laundry assistance.
Providing home care and other supportive services to over 3,000 Berkshire elders a month, Elder Services promotes elder independence by keeping older persons safely in their own homes as long as possible. State and federal funding only goes so far in making these essential services available to Berkshire elders - we also need your help.
Won’t you take a few minutes right now and make out a check to Elder Services for whatever you can afford to give ?
Thank you. Your help is much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Barbara I. Kie, President
Board of Directors
Elder Services of Berkshire County