| Elder Services provides volunteers with a variety of ways to serve
elders.
- Volunteers serve as companions and friendly visitors, they transport
elders who can no longer drive and grocery shop.
- Elder Services Ombudsman volunteers monitor conditions in local nursing homes
through weekly visits and advocate for residents.
- Money Management volunteers help elders
with bill paying tasks, budgeting and balancing accounts.
- Shine Volunteer Counselors help by providing health insurance information regarding Medicare, supplement insurance coverage and discount
pharmacy plans.
- Volunteers also assist at
congregate meal sites with serving meals, they assist newly discharged hospital patients,
and they help in the office with special mailings, and other office procedures.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
COMPANIONSHIP: Visit a lonely elder or accompany him/her into the community for shopping,
concerts, ball games, movies, plays, etc., etc., etc.
GROCERY SHOPPING ASSISTANT: Shop for a homebound elder or accompany an elder to the
store.
LUNCH SITE COORDINATORS AND ASSISTANTS: Help elders enjoy the lunch programs by overseeing
the meal site functions including set-up, serving and clean-up of group meals throughout
the county.
DRIVER ASSISTANT: Accompany a driver and deliver the Meals-on-Wheels to the elders or meet
the driver at an apartment building and deliver the meals to residents.
MEALS-ON-WHEELS PACKER: Help portion and pack meals at one of three sites in
Lanesboro, Stockbridge or North Adams.
MONEY MANAGEMENT: Assist income-eligible elders monthly to write checks for household
bills. Or, as a Representative Payee, be responsible for disbursing the Social Security
payment for an elder.
OFFICE: Assist with special projects such as bulk mailings, data entry, telephone
follow-up etc., at 66 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield
OMBUDSMAN: Make weekly visits to nursing home residents to monitor care and resolve
complaints.
S.H.I.N.E. (Serving the Health Insurance Information Needs of Elders) Become trained to
understand Medicare/Medicaid benefits and other health insurance options so that you can
counsel elders to make informed choices.
TRANSLATOR: Help non English speaking elders.
TRANSPORTATION: Escort elders to medical/dental appointments and other necessary and/or
recreational appointments.
VIDEO VOLUNTEER: Be trained in every aspect of technical video production to
assist with the taping of our monthly television show, Berkshire Senior TV.
Elder Services, 66 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield
Or call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 to arrange a meeting at a time or place
convenient for you.
|
