Elder Services of Berkshire County

As we grow older, managing everyday tasks can become more difficult, leading many to seek assistance. However, finding reliable and comprehensive information on senior services in Berkshire County can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are resources and organizations that provide support, guidance, and essential services to help elderly individuals in our community maintain their independence and overall well-being.

JUMP TO: What Services Are Offered By Elder Services Of Berkshire County | How to Contact Elder Services of Berkshire County | How Visiting Angels Can Help

Elder Services of Berkshire County is a nonprofit organization that serves as the Regional Aging Service Access Point (ASAP). It offers seniors convenient access to a broad range of resources, including enhanced senior nutrition programs, housing assistance, in-home support services, and nursing home advocacy through the Ombudsman program. In addition, the organization provides comprehensive information about senior programs and services, not only within Berkshire County but across the state.

At Visiting Angels, we are dedicated to ensuring seniors in our community have access to the services and support they need to live fulfilling, healthy lives. That’s why we’re sharing important information about the services and programs available through Elder Services of Berkshire County and how you can connect with them for assistance.

What Services Are Offered By Elder Services Of Berkshire County?

Elder Services of Berkshire County provides a wide variety of programs and services tailored to support older adults and their caregivers. The organization's primary goal is to ensure that seniors can access vital services that help promote independence, well-being, and an enhanced quality of life.

Clinical Assessment and Eligibility

As the designated Aging Service Access Point (ASAP) for Berkshire County, the Elder Services conducts Clinical Assessment and Eligibility (CAE) evaluations to determine a senior’s eligibility for various MassHealth programs. Their team of Registered Nurses will conduct an in-home assessment to evaluate personal care needs such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Mobility
• Eating

These assessments help determine the level of care required for home and community-based programs. If it is determined that you need in-home care, the compassionate caregivers we connect our clients with at Visiting Angels are here to provide assistance tailored to your needs, ensuring comfort and safety in your own home.

Community Transition Liaison Program (CTLP)

Transitioning from a facility back into the community can be challenging, but CTLP teams assist residents in creating a safe plan for returning home. They help with filling out applications for housing, public benefits, and assist with gathering necessary documentation while coordinating with state and community agencies to secure additional resources and referrals.

Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Populations

This program addresses behavioral health needs for seniors who are 60 and older in Berkshire County. With a person-centered approach, seniors are able to receive flexible mental health support and interventions, regardless of whether they are receiving other services from Elder Services.

Enhanced Housing Programs

Through a partnership with the Pittsfield Housing Authority, this program that Elder Services offers helps to provide on-site services that help seniors maintain independence and age in place within their community.

In-Home Supports

When aging, illness, or disability makes daily tasks difficult, seniors may require in-home care services to remain independent, but also safe and healthy. Elder Services of Berkshire County accepts referrals from family members, concerned community members, and agencies like Visiting Angels, where we offer personalized, non-medical in-home care services aimed to support seniors in their daily activities.

Information & Referral Services

The Information and Referral (I&R) Department at Elder Service is in place to help seniors and their families navigate the many resources available, including:

• Home care services
• Public benefits
• Housing options
• Transportation
• Nutrition

Specialists will provide customized recommendations based on individual needs.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Advocating for seniors in Berkshire County’s 13 nursing homes, the Ombudsman Program through Elder Services of Berkshire County provides a voice for residents in regards to:

• Rights and responsibilities
• Personal belongings and loss
• Staff conflicts and facility policies
• Quality of care

The Ombudsmen Program works to empower nursing home residents, helping them understand their rights while reducing isolation and loneliness.

Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (MFCSP)

Caring for a loved one as they age in place can be overwhelming. The MFCSP offers education, training, and one-on-one or group support for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. These services are designed to help primary caregivers handle caregiver burnout and learn more about resources that can help them. At Visiting Angels, we recognize the importance of caregiver well-being, therefore we provide respite care services to help prevent caregiver burnout.

Money Management Program

This free program offered by Elder Services of Berkshire County assists seniors and individuals with disabilities in managing household finances, including:

• Organizing mail
• Preparing checks for bill payments
• Budgeting
• Balancing checkbooks

Nutrition Programs

Meals on Wheels - This program delivers nutritious hot meals on weekdays and frozen meals for the weekends to homebound seniors. Special dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly and lactose-free options, are available to those who need them.

Senior Meal Program - The Senior Meal Program in Berkshire County offers hot meals at 14 senior lunch sites, which promotes social interaction and often includes educational and recreational activities afterward.

Options Counseling

This free service offers seniors with disabilities unbiased information who need guidance in making long-term care decisions. Counselors assist with:

• Housing
• Benefits
• Long-term care options
• Community support services

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE)

Certified SHINE counselors through the Elder Services organization help Medicare beneficiaries navigate:

• Medicare Parts A & B
• Medicare Advantage
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
• Medigap & Supplemental Plans
• MassHealth
• Other financial assistance programs

How to Contact Elder Services of Berkshire County

If you or a loved one needs assistance, Elder Services of Berkshire County is available to help. You can reach them by phone at (413) 499-0524 or toll-free at +1 (800) 544-5242. Their main office is located at:

73 South Church Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201

If you prefer to contact them via email, you can reach them at esbc@esbci.org. Seniors can also visit their website and fill out the contact form on their Contact us page, and a representative from their team will respond as soon as possible.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

At Visiting Angels, we offer senior home care services throughout Berkshire County to provide peace of mind by ensuring your loved ones receive compassionate, personalized support in the comfort of their own home. While we specialize in home care, we understand that there may be additional services you or your loved one need, such as nutrition assistance, caregiver support, or financial management. If these programs from Elder Services of Berkshire County could benefit you, we are more than happy to help connect you with them. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one.