Programs and Services

Information and Referral - Start Here!

Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department can answer questions regarding any of the programs and services listed here. Call 413-499-0524 and ask for I&R.

• ADRC - Berkshire's Aging and Disability Resource Consortium.
• Alzheimer's Resources - The Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center is available on site at Elder Services, 877 South Street, and includes books, brochures, and other related resources on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and caregiving.
• Caregiver Support - Elder Services has support groups and respite services for caregivers.
• Clinical Assessment & Eligibility Department (CAE) - Medicaid recipients twenty-two years of age and older seeking admission to a nursing home must be medically approved (screened) by the CAE Department at Elder Services of Berkshire County.
• Options Counseling – We assist individuals in need of long-term care services to make informed choices about the services and settings that best meet their needs.
• Meals-On-Wheels - The Meals on Wheels program provides homebound elders with a nutritious, hot meal once a day at the noon hour. Current M-O-W Menu.
• Money Follows the Person (MFP) - If you are in a nursing facility or “long-stay” hospital and want to move back to the community, MFP may help you return with the supports and services you need.
• Money Management- Trained, insured, and supervised volunteers are matched one-on-one with elders needing assistance with managing household finances.
  
• Nursing Home Ombudsman - Elder Services Ombudsman Program oversees 15 nursing and rest homes in Berkshire County. Our state certified volunteers visit each facility once a week.
• Nutrition - “Meals on Wheels” are designed to provide just the right combination of good nutrition and a friendly visitor for people 60+ who may not be able to prepare their own meal, or understand the proper nutritional requirements as they are advancing in age. Also offered are Congregate Meal Sites providing a nutritious hot lunch at numerous locations.
• Prescription Advantage - a prescription drug insurance program for all Massachusetts residents age 65 and over and low-income individuals with disabilities under the age of 65.
  
• Protective Services - Assistance to those 60 and older who are victims of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation by another person, or are self-neglecting. Contact Protective Services through their state-wide toll free line at 1-800-922-2275.
• Senior Dining Centers – We offer Congregate Meal Sites providing nutritious hot lunches at numerous locations.
  
• Senior Employment (SCSEP) – The SCSEP mission is to provide job training and placement for individuals age 55 or older with limited financial resources and to provide employers with trained, motivated workers.
• SHINE/Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone - The SHINE program provides free, unbiased and up-to-date health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers.
• Staying Home | Homecare Services - In-home services including homemaker, personal care, laundry, meals, and adult day health, are determined by an in home eligibility assessment of impairment level and needs.
• Subgrants - With funding from Title III of the Older Americans Act, Elder Services offers a limited number of Subgrants to local organizations to fund services and workshops.
• Supportive Housing Programs - Including Adult Family Care, Group Adult Foster Care, Group Adult Foster Care - Assisted Living, Congregate Housing, and Adult Family Care Host.
• Transportation - Volunteers who are trained, screened and supervised provide rides free of charge to medical appointments, shopping, hairdresser, bank, pharmacy, nursing homes, senior centers etc.