April - Elder Services of Berkshire County

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Pittsfield, MA 01201
Elder Services
of Berkshire County, Inc. • Proudly promoting Elder Independence since 1974
•
Berkshire Senior
Volume 31, Number 4
•
April 2014
•
The monthly newspaper for Berkshire County seniors
•
Free
Elder Services to
Recognize Volunteers
See pages 7 - 9
EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne residents and two Miss Hall’s School volunteers (seated
to the left) help Activity Director Sherry Pease (standing) make cookies. Residents Eileen Major,
Mark Amuso, Shirley O’Malley, and Marilyn Danz circle the table. The baked goods are served
to all residents before Friday entertainment.
Assisted Living offers a way
to stay in the community
By Laura Feakes and Deborah Connolly
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) are an option
in the continuum of care that
helps seniors to remain in
their communities. The goal
of assisted living is to provide
residents with the maximum
amount of independence in
a residential setting. This
happens thanks to personalized assistance. Residents
generally need some level
of assistance with everyday
activities including meals,
medication management, and
transportation. Some may
have a memory disorder or
may need help with mobility
or incontinence.
Residences vary in size
and style from large apartment buildings to smaller
family-style homes. Some
have a section set aside for
those who need a specialized
or secure environment, such
as people with Alzheimer’s
or Huntington’s disease or
mental health issues. ALRs
are not the same as nursing
homes and do not provide
daily skilled nursing services
such as administering injections or changing dressings.
All ALRs in Massachusetts are certified by the
Massachusetts Executive
Office of Elder Affairs.
Minimum requirements include an apartment with a
lockable door, kitchenette in
each apartment or access to
a community kitchen, one
meal a day, housekeeping
and laundry, 24 hour a day
on-site staff, and a Personal
Emergency Response System or something similar to
summon staff. Additional
amenities often include hair
salon, van transportation, and
wellness, social, recreational,
and cultural activities. Some
even allow small pets.
When choosing an ALR,
consider the cost and how
you will pay for it. Costs
vary greatly depending on
size, location, amenities,
kind and number of services
you need, but most charge a
monthly base fee of at least
$2,000 in the Berkshire area
and typically at least $3,000
state-wide. This fee may
increase, and the amount
and frequency of increases
is determined by the terms
of the Residency Agreement
(also called the contract or
“lease”). Potential residents
should determine exactly
what services are included in
the base fees, which are available for additional costs from
the ALR, and what services
must be arranged from providers outside the residence.
The majority of residents
pay privately, but there are
a few options for financial
assistance, including:
• Veterans “Aid and Attendance” benefits: a
special pension available
to veterans and surviving
spouses with monthly
entitlements ranging
from $1,000 to $2,000 a
Sean McLaughlin
Elder Services’ Community-based Transitions Program team:
(Left to right) Client Services Coordinators Kari Mathes,
Francine Mead, and Shana Willis, Client Services Director
Pat Eddy, Client Services Coordinator Shauna Post, Client
Services Supervisor Amy Chapman, and Client Services
Coordinator Josh Derby.
Elder Services, BMC
reducing hospital
readmissions
Across the state, hospitals
are uniting with communitybased organizations with
the goal of reducing hospital readmissions. Focusing on high-risk Medicare
patients recently discharged
from hospitals, and funded
through the Affordable Care
Act, these Community-based
Care Transition Programs
(CCTPs) are successfully
reducing readmissions.
There are four CCTPs
LIVING PAGE 14
InSide
Elder Services Update ... 2
Elder Services .............7-11
Government Update ....... 3
For Your Health .........12,13
Caregiving .........................4
For Your Information .....14
Your Dollars ......................5
Nutrition Program ..........16
SHINE .................................6
Like Elder Services of
Berkshire County, Inc.
in Massachusetts, funded by
the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS).
While the Massachusetts
programs — in Berkshire
County, Merrimack Valley,
the Worcester/Framingham
area, and Mystic Valley Basin — are each free to construct their own care transition program, they all share
core elements: a partnership
between Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs) such
as Elder Services, and local
hospitals, the formation of
caregiving teams involving
nurse practitioners and other
“care transition coordinators”
or “coaches” working within
the hospital and patients’
homes.
WIN WIN PAGE
11
Elder Services Update
Eat well and feel better
By John Lutz
It’s April, and spring is officially
here!
Another winter has come and
gone, a rough one for many seniors
living on fixed incomes. We at Elder
Services have been reviewing some
important information about the role
that nutrition, food and food security
play in the quality of life for seniors.
Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels
program has long been known as a
critical resource for elders, keeping
them healthy, living at home and
providing support for their families,
active life. The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger has released a new
study that examines the correlation between food insecurity and negative
health consequences among individuals 60 and older in the United States.
Food-insecure seniors are:
• 50 percent more likely to be diabetic
• Twice as likely to report fair or poor general health
• Three times more likely to suffer from depression
• 30 percent more likely to report at least one “activity of daily life” limitation
• 14 percent more likely to have high blood pressure
• Nearly 60 percent more likely to have congestive heart failure or experienced a heart attack
• Twice as likely to report having gum disease or have asthma
In short, hunger can make you sick. Good nutrition is important to everyone, but it is especially important to seniors. Programs, such as Meals
on Wheels, food pantries, SNAP benefits, and brown bag programs, and
agencies, such as Elder Services, Berkshire Community Action Council, and
Western Mass Food Bank, can make a critical difference in the health and
well-being of seniors. If you or someone you know is over 60 and finding it
difficult to eat well, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5252. We
may be able to help.
caregivers and loved ones.
The results of a new study by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
underscore the fact that the Elder Nutrition Program, commonly known as
Meals on Wheels, is vital to the health and well-being of seniors who receive
John Lutz is the Executive Director of Elder Services.
the meals. Some results:
• 78% of home delivered and congregate meal recipients report that the
meals help them continue to live at home
• 82% of homebound participants receive five or more meals per week,
with some receiving evening and weekend meals in addition to the
¿Habla usted español?
weekly lunch meal
• More than 1/3 of home-delivered and congregate meal participants report
Elder Services cuenta con servithat they would not have enough prepared food if not for the program
cios de intérpretes y en los folletos de
• Nearly 60% of the home delivered meal participants are aged 80 or older
la agencia está disponible en español.
• 65% of participants live alone, with their only daily well-being check
from the driver who delivers their meals.
Llame por favor 499-0524
A person is said to have food insecurity when he or she does not have
o 1-800-544-5242
dependable access to enough, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and
Elder Services
of Berkshire County, Inc.
Berkshire Senior
Looking for interesting articles
& helpful information on aging?
Check out the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ website:
www.800ageinfo.com,
Editor and Production: Karen Shreefter
Editorial Board: Cassie Carmon, Bea Cowlin, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, John Lutz, and Assistant Editor Louisa
Weeden
Or call:
1-800-243-4636 (1-800-AGE-INFO)
As always, you can call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242,
your one stop resource for Berkshire County seniors.
Distribution: Kim Malloy
Advertising Sales:
Bob O'Connor
1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524
Berkshire Senior is published monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire
County, Inc., 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524
or 1-800-544-5242, e-mail: [email protected] or on the internet at
www.esbci.org.
Berkshire Senior TV
NOTICE
Berkshire Senior TV produces programs on topics of special interest to seniors and their families. These informative halfhour
programs are shown regularly on local Berkshire cable channels.
Check your cable TV guide for exact broadcast times of Berkshire
Senior TV.
Elder Services sells advertising to defray costs. Inclusion of advertisers
in no way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.
PCTV - Access Pittsfield (Central Berkshire) – Channel 15
Tuesdays at 7 and 11:30 a.m., & at 3, 6:30 and 10 p.m.
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the
opinion of Elder Services. For medical, financial or other advice, seek
a qualified professional in the appropriate field.
NBCT (Northern Berkshire) – Channel 15
Thursdays 9 p.m.
Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts
Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder
Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing
needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.
Page 2
CTSB (Southern Berkshire) – Channel 16
Visit www.ctsbtv.org or call 243-8211
WilliNet (Williamstown) – Channel 17
Visit www.willinet.org/schedule/WilliNet Channel 17 or call 458-0900
April 2014
Government Update
Dental coverage and
affordable housing
By State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier
Beginning on March 1, the Berkshire
Legislative Delegation was proud to see
one of its top priorities move forward;
MassHealth restored dental coverage for
more than 800,000 low-income adults,
including 120,000 senior citizens.
The expanded coverage now provides
for fillings for all teeth, as well as diagnostic
and preventive services, extractions, and
emergency treatments. However, expensive
restorative procedures including crowns,
root canals, and dentures remain excluded
by MassHealth’s adult dental program.
We know that teeth and gums in poor
condition may cause pain, difficulty chewing, and changes in speech and
appearance. Worse, oral health issues have also been linked to serious health
problems including diabetes and heart disease.
Last month, 84 members of the Massachusetts’ House of Representatives
sent a letter to the Speaker of the House recognizing the critical importance
of providing comprehensive dental benefits to adults covered by MassHealth.
Low-income adults and seniors living on fixed incomes should not have
to sacrifice dental care and endanger their health when the costs of other
necessary services increase.
When budget discussions in the state’s House of Representatives get
underway later this month, my colleagues and I will do our best to address
the unmet needs of our most vulnerable citizens. These 84 legislators will
stand together to secure better funding for dental coverage addressed in the
Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget.
I also see the upcoming budget as an opportunity to help lift an equally
significant financial burden from the shoulders of Massachusetts’ low-income
residents: the high cost of housing. Governor Patrick has already proposed a
$1.3 million funding increase for the Supportive Senior Housing Program in
the coming fiscal year. This increase will directly benefit Berkshire County
seniors who reside at Elder Services' Supportive Housing site, Providence
Court in Pittsfield, which is one of only 30 Supportive Senior Housing sites
in the state. At each of these sites, seniors can receive case management
services, meals, medication reminders, and group activities at no cost.
The Governor’s budget also preserves recent funding increases for the
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, which provides rental subsidies to
households with an income of less than half of an area’s median income. In
Berkshire County, a qualifying income is approximately $23,500 per year
or less. This program certainly helps compensate for the increasing cost of
living, keeping seniors independent and in their homes. With so many local
residents eligible to benefit, I am eager to see adequate funding for rental
vouchers included in this budget.
Over the past two years, the legislature has voted to fund an additional
2,500 vouchers. Governor Patrick’s budget proposal would allow local
housing authorities to add even more vouchers this year to keep up with the
escalating need for rental assistance.
Although there are always many issues to balance in our limited budget
each year, I remain committed to providing quality housing and affordable
health care to our state’s growing population of seniors.
Tricia.Farley-Bouvier represents the 3rd Berkshire District. To contact her,
email [email protected] or call 1-617-722-2240 or 4424300.
Editor’s Note: See the article about Medicare coverage of dental costs on
page 6.
Berkshire County State Legislators
It's important to keep your legislators informed
about what is important to you.
If you have questions or comments that you want
to share with your Berkshire representatives, you
can contact them using the information below:
• Rep. Gailanne Cariddi (1st District): 1-617-722-2130 & 664-6812
[email protected]
• Rep. Paul W. Mark (2nd District) 1-617-722-2210 & 464-5635
[email protected]
• Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (3rd District) 1-617-722-2240 & 442-4300
[email protected]
• Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (4th District) 1-617-722-2582 & 637-0631
[email protected]
• Senator Benjamin Downing, 1-617-722-1625 & 442-4008
[email protected]
Homestyle Assisted Living
Our main priority at Rosewood is making sure the transition from independent
living to assisted living gives you and your family “peace-of-mind.” If you are
considering assisted living for your loved-one, please give us a call to schedule
a tour. Our staff will be happy to assist you and will answer any questions you
may have. All staff is bonded, insured, and CORI/criminal checked.
Donations Needed
for Berkshire Senior
Pittsfield’s First-Certified in Assisted Living
The costs of printing and postage have
been steadily rising, and we need your help!
If you would like to help defray some of the
costs of producing and mailing Berkshire Senior, please send a donation in any amount to:
Rosewood prides itself as the Ärst-certiÄed assisted living facility in
Berkshire County (established in 1984) who offers the following
services: GAFC and Medicaid Approved; Nurse on Staff; Exercise
and Wellness Programs; Private Rooms; Security Systems; 24-hr.
Awake Staff; Transportation; Medication Monitoring; Hospice Care and more.
“The one-on-one approach at Rosewood is truly impressive, setting
them apart from all other assisted living facilities.”
Berkshire Senior
Elder Services
66 Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Make checks payable to Elder Services, and
include your name and address or Just go to www.esbci.org and
click on “Donate Now!”
Thank you!
Homestyle Assisted Living
318/320 Onota Street across from
Lakeway Drive, Pittsfield, MA 01201
www.rosewoodhomestyleassistedliving.com
Home-like setting with a Family Atmosphere
413-446-4733 • 413-448-8449 • 413-329-3489
2colx7 Homestyle June 2011.indd 1
April 2014
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
5/2/11 2:49:05 PM
Page 3
Caregiving
Elder Services presents:
Alzheimer’s Care Partners Education Series
Elder Services will be hosting stand-alone, twohour long education/training sessions for family
caregivers and others seeking information about
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These
sessions will be from 2 - 4 p.m. at Elder Services, 66
Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield. Trainers from the MA Chapter of the
Alzheimer’s Association will present trainings on the dates below:
1. May 20 • Basics of Dementia
• Normal aging vs. dementia
• Related disorders
• How to obtain a diagnosis
• How to talk to your doctor
2. May 27 • Behavior and Communication
• Communication
• Common behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s
• How to prevent wandering and restlessness
3. June 3rd • When it’s Time to Ask for Help
• When is it time to ask for help?
• Local resources
• How to select appropriate care services
4. June 10 • Caregiving at Home
• How to structure the day
• How to help with personal care
• Safety issues: in the home & driving
5. June 17 • Legal and Financial Issues
• Legal & financial Matters
• Advanced care planning
6. June 24 • Care For the Caregiver
• Warning signs of caregiver stress
• Respite
• Coping strategies
Alzheimer’s Education Series
returns to Elder Services
By Bea Cowlin, LSW, Caregiver Coordinator
Elder Services, in collaboration
with the Alzheimer’s Association,
will present a six-part caregiver education series on Alzheimer’s disease
and related dementias. Sessions 1, 2,
4 and 6 will be facilitated by Marcia
McKenzie, M. Ed., Manager, Western Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association, and Joan Nimmo, LICSW,
MSW, Geriatric Care Manager.
These sessions include: 1.“The Basics
of Dementia,” addressing normal aging vs. dementia, related disorders,
how to obtain a diagnosis and how
to talk to your doctor; 2. “Behavior
and Communication,” addressing
different ways to approach and speak
to an individual with Alzheimer’s
disease, common behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and how to
prevent wandering and restlessness;
4. “Caregiving at Home,” addressing
how to structure the day, how to help
with personal care, and safety issues
in the home and concerning driving;
6.“Care for the Caregiver,” addressing the warning signs of caregiver
stress, respite and coping strategies.
Session 3, “Asking for Help,”
presented by Caregiver Coordina-
To register, please call Elder Services at 499-0524
or 1-800-544-5242
This program is funded in part by Elder Services.
Elder Services’ Caregiver Coordinator
Bea Cowlin leads monthly caregiver
discussion groups.
Berkshire Elder Law Center
• Estate and Medicaid Planning • Real Estate Transactions
• Will and Probate Administrations
JAMES J. SISTO (413) 664-7700 (413) 458-9800
Elder Law Attorney
www.BerkshireElderLaw.com
40 Main Street
North Adams, MA 01247
311D Main Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
For information about the series or
Elder Services’ Family Caregiver
Support Program, please call Bea
Cowlin, Caregiver Coordinator at
499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
CAREGIVER DISCUSSION GROUPS
Please note: This education series is not intended
for professional caregivers.
Call for my FREE
Home & Savings Protection Kit.
DONʼT LOSE EVERYTHING, PLAN NOW!
tor Bea Cowlin, LSW, will address
the best time to ask for help, local
resources, and how to select appropriate care services, and Attorney
Pamela Greene will present Session
5 on “Legal and Financial Issues,” addressing legal and financial matters
and advance care planning.
More and more family members
are becoming caregivers. We know
that caregivers have unique needs
that if not addressed can lead to caregiver burnout. This series offers important information on Alzheimer’s
disease, and related dementias, and
allows for discussion on what caregivers need and how they can better
cope with the increased stress that
comes with caregiving. Caregivers
are encouraged to attend all of the
sessions, but may attend only those
that interest them. To register for the
Alzheimer’s Care Partners Education
Series, please call Elder Services at
499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
•
2nd Tuesday, 10 - 11:30 a.m., at Elder Services
•
3rd Wednesday, 1- 2:30 p.m., Gt. Barrington COA
•
4th Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., North Adams' Spitzer Center
New members are always welcome.
There is no charge.
Come for conversation, support, & helpful information.
For information call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Make Yourself at
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family,andenrichment.Allowustotendtoyour
everyday needs, so that you will be able to have
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newones!
Our affordable senior housing sites are enriched
supportive living communities, where even those
who live alone never feel alone.
Beautifully renovated apartments with amenities
Conveniently located on bus line and within walking
distance to downtown
Cameron House
On-site social service coordinator & resource for tenants
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Assisted Living
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Lenox,MA01240
Call:413.637.3100
EͲMail:[email protected]
Page 4
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17 Pleasant Street, Adams, MA 01220
413-743-3547 e-mail: [email protected]
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April 2014
Your Dollars
Scams for obtaining
Medicare numbers
Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries to obtain their Medicare, Social
Security, and bank account numbers, which they can use for a variety of
fraudulent purposes. Sometimes the Medicare number is simply stolen by an
employee at a nursing home, long-term care facility, hospital, clinic, etc. and
then sold to organized crime units or gang leaders, who use the information
to bill Medicare. In other cases, perpetrators provide an offer for “free services,” but require the person’s Medicare number to provide those services.
In some instances, scam artists target financially needy individuals and
offer to pay them for their Medicare number or pay them to receive services
they don’t need.
Milk/grocery scheme
In this scheme, the promoter of the scam may be offering free milk, groceries, or some other product or service. Regardless of the specific product
being offered, any scheme following this general process is referred to as a
milk/grocery scheme.
• Promoter visits adult living facilities, senior communities, or government
program offices and identifies specific individuals.
• Promoter approaches consumers and tells them that Medicare, Medicaid,
or a private insurance company wants to take care of them or is conducting a provider survey.
• Promoter gives consumers milk and/or food, cleans their homes, or delivers various equipment and tells consumers that everything is free and
provided by the government or a health insurance company.
• Promoter asks consumers to complete and sign a form proving they were
visited. The form asks for Medicare and/or Medicaid numbers.
• Promoter leaves name and number and guarantees to return to bring
more free items. Promoter also solicits names of other potential targets.
Free medical evaluations/testing
The free medical evaluations/testing scheme is similar to the previous
scheme, except that in this case, free medical tests or evaluations are offered.
• Companies use phone solicitation, ads in newspapers, and coupons mailed
or delivered to consumer’s home to advertise free testing or services.
• Mobile testing centers frequent shopping malls, retirement communities,
fraternal organizations, civic groups, and conventions.
• Consumer is asked to complete a form to receive free tests. The form
asks for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, or insurance numbers.
Telemarketing/boiler room scams
In telemarketer/boiler room scams, the telephone is used to obtain Medicare numbers.
• Telemarketing company identifies specific targets through mailing lists
and contacts consumers.
• Caller uses a high-pressure sales pitch to obtain Medicare, Medicaid,
Social Security numbers or private insurance information. Sales pitch
deliberately confuses people into believing the caller represents the government or private insurers.
$299, $389, or $399 scams
In these types of scams, Medicare numbers are not the only goal. The
scammers also obtain the beneficiary’s bank account information and use it
to take as much money as possible directly from the beneficiary.
• Telemarketers/individuals identify themselves as a prescription drug plan.
• Caller offers a prescription drug plan that will provide a year’s supply of
prescription drugs for one payment of $299, $389, or $399.
• The beneficiary is told payment can only be made by automatic withdrawal. The beneficiary is asked for his/her Medicare and/or Medicaid
and bank account numbers so the plan can start the first of the month.
• The money is withdrawn with no prescription drugs delivered and/or the
bank account is cleaned out.
Arthritis kit scam
In this scam, beneficiaries are told if they suffer from arthritis, diabetes,
poor circulation, back aches, swelling, muscle soreness, or hand or ankle
inflammation that help is on the way with a Medicare-approved arthritis
back kit. It’s free to those with Medicare Part A and B, and beneficiaries
even qualify for a special heating pad and heat lamp. This is not true. There
is no such item as a Medicare arthritis kit.
To see if a provider is Medicare approved, call:
800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
877-486-2048 (TTY users)
Information for this article was drawn from material by Senior Medicare
Patrol (SMP) Mission, which received from funding from the U.S. Administration on Aging among others sources.
Free tax preparation assistance
in Berkshire County
Free tax preparation assistance for all middle and low-income taxpayers,
with special attention to those aged 60 and older, is available until April 15
through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Program. Volunteers trained in
cooperation with the IRS will assist in filling out federal and Massachusetts
tax returns and file them electronically. You do not need to be an AARP
member or a retiree to use this service. Below are sites offering this service:
Adams – COA Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac St. (743-8333)
Noon – 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
Dalton – Dalton Senior Center, 40 Field St. Ext. (684-2000)
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays
Gt. Barrington – Teague Senior Center, 909 South Main St. (528-1881)
9 a.m. - noon on Wednesdays
Lee – COA Senior Center, 21 Crossway St. (243-5545)
9 a.m. - noon on alternate Thursdays
Lenox – Community Center, 65 Walker St. (637-5535)
9 a.m. - noon on alternate Thursdays
North Adams – Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland St. (662-3125)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesdays
Pittsfield – Froio Senior Center, 330 North St. (499-9346)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Williamstown – Harper Center, 118 Church St. (458-8250)
6 - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays & 9 a.m. - noon on Saturdays
For additional information please contact the Information and Referral
Department of Elder Services at 499-0524 or toll free at 1-800-544-5242.
April 2014
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Page 5
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
Affordable dental care
By Bonny DiTomasso
In 2013, Elder Services conducted a needs assessment survey
of the Berkshire senior population.
Affordable dental care ranked in the
top three of the most needed services
of seniors in Berkshire County. The
lack of low-cost dental resources can
result in seniors neglecting their basic
dental care. Poor dental hygiene can
result in other health-related issues.
There are a variety of ways in
which those over 65 can receive
dental care:
Original Medicare: Medicare
does not pay for routine dental care
such as extractions, fillings, root
canals or other procedures involving
the teeth and supporting structures.
Medicare can help pay for services of
a dentist only if the medical problem
is more extensive than the teeth or
the structures supporting them; for
example, removal of foreign bodies
such as soft tissue tumors, bone removal, surgery on the lip or tongue,
fracture of the jaw, etc. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
These plans may cover some extra dental services (e.g. preventive
dental checkups) in addition to the
basic benefits covered under original
Medicare. Check with the individual
plan to learn more about what they
may cover.
Massachusetts Community
Health Centers (CHCs): Many
CHCs provide a wide range of dental
services for Massachusetts residents
with and without insurance. CHCs
accept most forms of insurance,
including MassHealth, and Health
Safety Net, as well as private insurances. A sliding-fee schedule is also
available for those residents who are
low income. In our area, CHC dental
clinics are located at:
• CHP Health Center, Great Bar-
rington, 528-5565
BMC Dental Clinic, Pittsfield,
447-2000
• Hillcrest Dental in Pittsfield, 4456680 or North Adams, 346-4242
VA Medical Centers: The VA
provides comprehensive dental care
for eligible veterans. Eligibility will
be determined by the medical eligibility personnel at each of the local
VA Hospitals. For more information,
contact VA New England Health
Care System, 1-617-323-7700.
Medicaid/MassHealth: Limited
dental services may be available to
MassHealth members. Members may
contact MassHealth Dental Customer
Service at 1-800-207-5019 for information about what services are covered and a list of dentists accepting
MassHealth patients. Clients can also
visit http://masshealth-dental.net/
MemberServices/ for a list of providers. For dentures or other restorative
dental treatments, MassHealth members should contact the CHC dental
clinics listed above.
Dental Plans through the MA
Health Connector: With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act,
the MA Health Connector offers
separate dental plans to meet most
needs and budgets. There are plans
for children only, and plans for families and adults. Visit www.mahealthconnector.org, and click on ‘Dental
Coverage’ to choose the best dental
plan for you. You will find information about covered benefits and costsharing amounts, such as deductibles,
co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums,
and annual benefit maximums. To
enroll, either complete the online
application or call 1-800-MA-Enroll.
•
Bonny DiTomasso is Elder Services’
Money Management/SHINE Program Coordinator.
Pre-retirement seminars
By Bonny DiTomasso
It is hard to believe that it’s been a year since Elder Services’ SHINE
program offered our last pre-retirement seminar. If you are going to be turning 65 during 2014 or in early 2015, or if you’re thinking of retiring, join us
at one of our three Pre-Retirement Seminars and learn how to best navigate
the Medicare maze.
• Wednesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. at the Claire Teague Center, Great Barrington
• Friday, April 25 at 2 p.m. at Elder Services, Pittsfield
• Monday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at the Harper Center, Williamstown
At each seminar, Certified SHINE counselors will present clear, unbiased health insurance information to help you prepare for your retirement
and make the right Medicare choices for your personal situation. There is
no fee to attend.
For more information, or to register, call Elder Services’ SHINE department at 499-0524 or 1-800-957-3557.
Turning 65 in 2014 or
in Early 2015?
If yes, attend Elder Services’
Pre-Retirement Seminar
Elder Services presents this pre-retirement seminar to start you on
the road to making informed choices about Medicare coverage,
prescription drug coverage, and supplemental insurance.
Call now to register for one of the seminars:
Wednesday, April 23 at 5 p.m.
Claire Teague Senior Center
917 Main Street, Great Barrington
For more information and to register,
please call 499-0524 or 528-1881
Friday, April 25 at 2 p.m.
Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield
For more information and to register, please call
499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 x750
Monday, April 28 at 5 p.m.
Harper Center/Williamstown Council on Aging
118 Church Street, Williamstown
For more information and to register, call 458-8250
Where Can I Meet With
a SHINE Counselor?
Elder Services’ SHINE program provides free, unbiased health insurance information
and counseling to seniors and Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. In addition to calling
Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 for an appointment at 66 Wendell
Avenue in Pittsfield, you can schedule appointments with SHINE counselors at the
following Council on Aging locations:
City/Town/Phone
Adams
743-8333
Becket/Otis/Sandisfield
269-0100 x107
Dalton
684-2000
Great Barrington
528-1881
Hinsdale
655-2310 or 655-2929
Lanesborough
448-2682
Lee
243-5545
Lenox
637-5535
Pittsfield
499-9346
Sheffield
229-7037
Stockbridge
298-4170 x263
Williamstown
458-8250
Address
Visitors Center
3 Hoosac Street
Otis Town Hall
One North Main Road
Senior Center
40 Field Street Extension
Claire Teague Senior Center
909 South Main Street
Hinsdale Town Hall
39 South Street
Lanesborough COA
83 North Main Street
Lee COA
21 Crossway
Community Center
65 Walker Street
Ralph J. Froio Senior Center
330 North Street
Senior Center
25 Cook Road
Senior Center
50 Main Street
Harper Center
118 Church Street
Bonny DiTomasso is Elder Services’ SHINE Program Coordinator.
Page 6
April 2014
Elder Services
Elder Services’ volunteers:
"We're Better Together"
•
By Louisa Weeden
Elder Services' 3,500 volunteers are an integral part of the agency, and
volunteer opportunities abound for those who would like to share their time
and talents to help meet the needs of Berkshire seniors. Following is an overview of Elder Services’ volunteer programs and opportunities:
• Community Services volunteers transport, shop for and visit homebound •
seniors.
Ombudsman Program volunteers make a difference for seniors in
nursing homes. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program was established by the federal government in 1973. Elder Services currently has
12 state-certified Ombudsman volunteers who visit the 15 nursing and
rest homes in Berkshire County at least once, and in some cases, twice
a week. These trained volunteers help residents resolve problems, ensure
residents’ rights are being upheld, and monitor the general conditions of
the facility. In addition, the Ombudsman page on Elder Services’ website,
www.esbci.org, provides information about all the long-term care facilities in Berkshire County.
SHINE volunteers help seniors make sound health insurance decisions.
Elder Services’ SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) program provides counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. Volunteers
explain the basics of the Medicare health insurance program, coverage
gaps, supplemental insurance, and prescription drug coverage options,
and help people make informed choices. In addition, SHINE volunteers
assist seniors in accessing such public benefits as MassHealth, fuel assistance, low-income prescription drug subsidies and programs that pay
for Medicare Part B premiums.
•
Volunteer drivers transport seniors to medical appointments, wait
with them, and then transport them back home. Berkshire seniors who
no longer drive are always grateful when a friendly volunteer comes to
their door to take them to their medical appointments. Volunteer shoppers
either shop for groceries with a list prepared by a senior, or transport the
senior to the store and support him or her throughout the shopping process.
•
Companion volunteers visit those who are homebound to socialize,
• “Berkshire Senior TV” volunteers help produce Elder Services'
read aloud, or engage in other activities such as crafts, playing cards or
monthly television shows on local cable access TV.
working on puzzles.
• Healthy Aging Workshop volunteers lead workshops for seniors, inElder Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program volunteers provide healthy
cluding "My Life, My Health" and "Healthy Eating."
meals and a friendly connection and are crucial to the program, which
prepares over 900 meals each weekday and serves them to Berkshire seIf you would like to be part of Elder Services' volunteer team and make
niors. Many dedicated volunteers pitch in to pack, serve, and deliver these a difference in the lives of Berkshire seniors, call Elder Services at 1-800meals. Meals on Wheels drivers, several of whom are volunteers, deliver 544-5242 or 499-0524. We are always looking for volunteers to bring seniors
meals to homebound seniors. Other volunteers help serve noontime meals to medical appointments, help them with grocery shopping, provide comat Elder Services’ 14 Senior Lunch Sites throughout Berkshire County. panionship, deliver Meals on Wheels, help prepare and pack meals in our
Seniors who receive Meals on Wheels enjoy hot, nutritious meals, well- Lanesboro kitchen, or serve meals at group lunch sites. Training is available
being checks, and friendly smiles and greetings from the drivers who for those who would like to serve as Long-term Care Ombudsmen (see page
deliver their meals. At Senior Lunch Sites, volunteers and staff members 11), Money Management volunteers, Healthy Aging workshop leaders, or
help seniors feel comfortable and welcome as they enjoy both the meal SHINE counselors.
and the social connection with one another.
Our volunteers say they receive more than they give, and feel touched
and enriched by those they serve.
Money Management volunteers help seniors budget expenses and pay
bills. The goal of Elder Services’ Money Management program is to Louisa Weeden is Elder Services’ Planning and Development Specialist.
assist seniors who are at risk of losing their independence due to difficul- Editor’s Note: Each year, Elder Services honors the dedication and generosties managing their household finances. Since the program’s beginning ity of all its volunteers with a special Volunteer Recognition event. It is our
in 1994, Elder Services’ Money Management volunteers have assisted way of acknowledging "We're Better Together."
hundreds of Berkshire County residents with sorting mail, paying bills,
budgeting, bank reconciliation and much more.
•
•
Elder Services to recognize
volunteers
By Louisa Weeden
On Wednesday April 30, Elder
Services will host its annual volunteer recognition event at Berkshire
Hills Country Club, to honor and
celebrate Elder Services’ inspiring
volunteers. The theme for this years’
event "We're Better Together."
The afternoon reception, which
is by invitation only, will feature hors
d’oeuvres, entertainment by a jazz
April 2014
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
pianist from the Berkshire Music
School, and words of appreciation
from Elder Services.
Elder Services is grateful for the
many hours, dedication and commitment volunteers devote to helping
others. They contribute significantly
to the well-being of many individuals throughout the year, continuously demonstrating "We're Better
Together."
Page 7
Thank You Elder Services' Volunteers
Program Volunteers
Sandra Aasen
Ron Aasen
Barbara Adams
Paula Albro
Jill Allen
Norman Antonio
Lucille Aulise
Florence Avery
Yvette Bastow*
Karen Baumbach
Anna Beining
Alan Benjamin
Elizabeth Benz
Elder Services is ably governed by a volunteer Barbara Bizzi
Board of Directors. Three of the four 2013-2014 Marina Bobrovsky
Board officers: Diane Sheridan, Clerk; Mary K.
Sue Boibeaux
O’Brien, President; and Edward Perlak, Treasurer.
Judy Boucher
Not shown, Sully Garofano, Vice President.
Beverly Bourassa
Conlin Bradley
Board of Directors
Florence Brett
Dawn Dellea*
Beverly Brothers
Mary O’Brien,
Edward Forfa
Darlene Bruzzi*
President
Sully Garofano,
Connie Bullard
Edward Perlak,
Vice President
Christine Byrne
Treasurer
Susan Jacobs*
Doris Cabral
John Philpott*
Susan Kormanik*
Diane Sheridan,
Debra Kushnet
Clerk
Kathleen Luczynski
Donna Smith
Catherine R. May
Mary Washburn*
Richard Chalupa
Barbara Chamberlain
Nancy Chicoine
Frank Clarke
Carol Colabahista
James Collingwood
Deborah Coody
Robert Corser
Carol Couture
Catherine Crockwell
Rosemary Cummings
Joan Dafarra
Claire Daigle
Lorraine Dean
Ella Deane
Meril Deane
Sandy DelGallo
Phyllis DeMartino
Marilyn Desoe
Dennis DeVergilio
Elizabeth Di Grigoli
Pamela Diederich
Caroline Dietlin
Melissa Dobbert
Holly Dobbins
Betsy Durell
Kathleen Eddy
Gail Ellis
Joy Engels
Judy Ensign
Michael Evans
Nell Ezequelle
Elaine Green
Eric Greenberg
Shirleyanne Greene
Maria Greig-Williams
William Greilich
Marie Grull
Tanya Haas
At Elder Services’ kitchen, Robert St. Peter helps
place food into microwaveable containers in
preparation for Meals on Wheels delivery.
Jane Fallon
Anna Farnams
Ralph Farrar
Advisory Council
Anne Feeley
Shirley MacDonald
Catherine Carchedi
Janice Fisher
Mary McGinnis
Marjorie Feathers
Everett Fletcher
Ellen Merritt
Roseanne Frieri
Joanne Flynn
John-Arthur Miller,
Michele Gilligan*
Donald Freedman
Chair
Erica Girgenti*
Susanne Freeman
Brian O’Grady
Kim Graham
Harold French
Kelly Pizzi
Marie Harpin
Lynne French
Gloria Prelli
Susan Jacobs*
Nancy Gagne
Mary Shogry-Hayer,
Lily Kuzia
Dr. John Galt
Vice Chair
Bertha Lawrence
Gordie Galusha
Anne Singleton
Money Management Volunteers Norma d’Oliveira Ceceila Garner
Elizabeth Leibinger
and Nancy Ostresh (seated, left to right), and Allan Garner
Non-Board Committee Members
standing, Bonny DiTomasso, Elder Services’ Money Mary Garner
Management Supervisor
Dawn Dellea*
William Polk*
Andrea Gaylord
Tanya Haas
William Ryan
Joe Gerard
Norma d’Oliveira
Christopher King
Virginia Stanton Smith Betty Cernik
Jane Gilligan
Linda Cernik*
Judith Douville
Herb Lawrence
Gini Titterton*
Jennifer Glass
Becky Drozd
Arthur Milano
Jean Goodermote
Catherine Haddad
Patricia Haraden
Cheri Hart
Nadine Hawver
Alice Hoff
Rosemary Houghtlin
Alexandra Huber
Christine Hurley
Judith Hyde
Margaret Jenks
Anne Jones
Thomas Joseph
Howard Kaufman
Charis Keeler
Barbara Kellogg
Millie Ketcham
Pat King
William Kormanik
Claire Kristensen*
Lynn Lampiasi
Monica Lapin
Margaret Lavalette
*Volunteers in multiple capacities.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity,
independence, and self-determination, and to achieve
the highest possible quality of life.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity,
our in-home and community-based services are available
to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
Page 8
(Left to right) Christine Hurley, Joseph Silvestri, Kathy McKnight, and Michael
Evans are among the 12 Berkshire County Ombudsmen who visit area nursing
homes weekly to listen to residents and their loved ones’ concerns and advocate
on their behalf to help resolve problems
April 2014
We're Better Together
Kathy Staropoli
Dennis Staropoli
Ron Stewart
Joseph Strauch, Jr.
Laura Sunn
Julia Szakal
Stephanie Talanian
Julie Taylor
Ronald Terry
Art Thiel
Peggy Thiel
Joseph Tirrell*
Gini Titterton*
Peter Traub
Fred Trzcinka
Jeff Turner
Cathy Turner
Shirley Unsworth
Joan Ury
SHINE Counselors provide Medicare recipients with unbiased, free information about various Medicare Amy Vadakin
plans and options, helping seniors make informed choices.
Winnie Veretto*
Birgit Vetromile
Marilyn Vince
Photos by Maria Connors & Louisa Weeden
Samuel Vince
Jean Wade
Loretta Skoletsky
Nancy Sommer
Katherine Parron
Carol Pullo
Trudy Weaver-Miller
Edward Skoletsky
Margaret Soule*
Ida Patella
Marcel Rajotte*
Charles Webster
Marion Smith
David Spidal
Leonard Patnode
Margaret Rancatti
Lorraine Wechter
Roberta Smith
Karen Spidal
Elizabeth Randall
Julia Whitcomb
Raymond Ranzoni
Nichole Rapkowicz
Diana Reeves
Linda Richards
Ruth Richardson
Catherine Rickard
Orella Robare
Warren Robertson
Alice Rodriguez
Judy Rosley
Jeanne Rothman
Gail Rothwell
Jane Rozak
Richard Rozak
Rita Rusden
Anne Ryder
Patricia Salvi
Laurie Schwartz
Martin Schwartz
Volunteer Healthy Aging Leader Bill Polk teaches Elder Services’ ‘My Life, My
Volunteers Ron and Sandy Aasen cheerfully deliver Lois Schwartz
Health’ program to elders with chronic health conditions.
Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.
Helen Scipione
Barbara Scott
Rich Wolfe
Susan Smith
Catherine Spinney*
Gail
Pennell
Dennis Sears
Lou Yarter
Harold Novick
James J. Smith
Robert St. Peter
Pattie Pero
Elizabeth Senay
Ethan Nowak
Crosby Perry
Martha Seymour
Nancy O’ Brien
Elizabeth
Petersen
Renate Shafer
Karen D. Oak*
Wesley
Petersen
Gilian Shallcross
Terry O’Brien
Patricia
Pezze
Betty Shepard
George Oleen
Phyllis Phillips*
Ken Shepard
W. Kay Orchard
Gerda
Pichler
Priscilla Shepherd
Edward Oshinsky
Kim
Pikul
Elaine Shindler
Nancy Ostresh*
William
Polk*
Robert Shindler
Marianna Pacheco
Jack
William
Poore
Martin Silver
Tony Pagliarulo
Susan Puddester
Joseph Silvestri
Barbara Park
Donna Lavoie
Gertrude Lennox
Joel Less
Edith Leveille
Theresa Madden
Georgette Mancuso*
Rene’ Manghue
Polly Mann
Marge Mannion
Candace Marks*
Kathy Mc Knight
Alan Mc Nabb
Mary McDarby
Lucille McLear
Julie Medeiros
Joseph Mele
Arthur Miller
John Arthur Miller
Karmen Mitchell
Victoria Moncecchi
Theresa Moreau
Susan Morris
John Morse
Joan Moylan
Sonny Nelson
Lorraine Newton
Winslow Newton
Virginia Niewinski
Group Volunteers
Balance Rock
Berkshire County ARC Advantage Employee Network
Berkshire County ARC Center for Development
Berkshire County ARC Crossroads
Berkshire County ARC Social Development Center
Berkshire Life, a Guardian Company
Northern Lights
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
SABIC
April 2014
Rich Wolfe volunteers his time transporting seniors to and from medical
appointments. He is a busy man.
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Page 9
Elder Services
We Remember
January Memorial Donations
Corrine Armstrong
Ms. Cynthia Armstrong
Jane Brown
Katharine Wunder
Mr. David Giusti
Shirley Testone
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Austin
Ms. Margaret Dinunno
Ms. Shirley Pecon-McAnanny
Anthony Calabrese
Mr. & Mrs. Jospeh Kapinos
Mr. & Mrs. Williams H. Kudlate
Mr. David Morrison
Mr. & Mrs. William Shields
Ed Connelly
Ms. Susan St. John
Anthony Melideo
Mr. & Mrs. David Bell
Mrs. Jeanne M. Bresnehan
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Jamross
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kearney
Mr. James Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Majchrowski
William Salice
Mr. & Mrs. Elvin Bartini
Ms. Lucy Boldyga
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Bona
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jones
Mr. R. J. Longerato
Ms. Kelly Palmer
Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Palmer, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Pigott
Ms. Joan Potter
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sible
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Viale
Mr. & Mrs. John Winters
Isabelle M. Sibolski
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mole
Ms. Rose Vadala
General Donations
Anonymous
Berkshire Co-op Market
Mr. James Nicoll Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Haskins
Mr. Nicholas E. Kirchner, Jr.
Mrs. Adam Skowronski
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Talanian
Ms. Mary J. Washburn
Meals on Wheels
Carlson Propane
Crescent Creamery, Inc.
Mr. Robert C. Davenport
Ms. Marianne Kolodziej
Ms. Amelia Wahl
Elder Independence Appeal
Mr. Donald L. Alderman,Jr.
Mr. James P. Amaral
Mr. Michael V. Ancora
Mr. David Ariazi
Mr. Paul Baumann
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Beauchamp
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Beer
Ms. Nancy Begbie
Ms. Jo Bellomo
Mr. & Mrs. Don Benedetti
Ms. Rita Bergeron
Berkshire Orthopaedic Assoc., Inc.
Ms. Kathleen Betters
Mr. Edward Biros
Mr. Robert V. Blair
Mr. Tony Blair
Mr. Dick Bordeau
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Bourdon
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald H. Bourgoin
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Bowlby
Mr. Joseph R. M. Breault
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Brulee
Editor’s Note:
Unless requested otherwise, each month Berkshire Senior publishes the
names of donors to Elder Services and those honored by the donations.
These funds help Elder Services provide Berkshire seniors with programs
and services to help them remain independent.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
Page 10
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Burdick
Ms. Lynda Cain
Ms. Corinne Callahan
Ms. Mary Camyre
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Capozzi
Mr. James Carbin
Ms. Maryanne Carter
Mr. David J. Casey
Ms. Donna L. Chenail
Mr. Anthony Clement
Ms. Antoinette J. Consolini
Ms. Helen R. Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Cote
Ms. Lindsay Crampton
Mr. & Mrs. John Crane
Mrs. Eleanor F. Cross
Ms. Dana D. Cummings
Cupboards & Roses
Mrs. Jean Curtiss
Mrs. Sandra Daunais
Mr. & Mrs. John Delisle
Mr. Alfred A. Derosia, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. James M. Dowling
Ms. Judi Drozd
Mr. & Mrs. Stan Dzierga
Mr. & Mrs. Fabio Eccher
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Eccher
Ms. Lucie M. Eksuzian
Ms. Lisa Elias
Ms. Priscilla Fancher
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Ferrarin, Sr.
Mr. Robert A. Feuer
Mr. & Mrs. David Field
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond W. Fischer
Ms. Muriel Fitzgerald
Ms. Helen Flood
Ms. Elaine Frederick
Ms. Edith Goodermote
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gould
Mr. Dale Gratton
Attorney & Mrs. Joel Greenberg
Ms. Shirleyanne Greene
Mr. Bob Hall
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Hanlon
Ms. Mary W. Harrison
Mr. Joseph Hayes
Ms. Dianne Hein
Mr. & Mrs. John W. Helm
Ms. Susan M. Hurley
Ms. Jean M. Joseph
Mrs. Carole Kalisz
Ms. Elizabeth Kasevich
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kelley
Mr. & Mrs. William Ketcham
Mr. & Mrs. John Kittredge
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koelle
Ms. Bernice Komuniecki
Ms. Paula Kordana
Ms. Inge Kouloganes
Ms. Roseann Kudlate
Ms. Linda Lamke
Mr. & Mrs. Neal Langlois
Mr. Nicholas R. Larkin
Ms. Angelina Lingoski
Drs. Paul and Frances Lippman
Ms. Mary Mack
Mr. Orlando Magnifico
Ms. Lisa Malanga
Ms. Theresa Marby
Ms. Larry Martz
Mr. Frank McKeever
Ms. Fran Meier
Mr. Robert D. Mercurio
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Moon
Mr. James Mooney
Ms. Donna M. Morgan
Mr. William D. Morrissey
Mr. John Morse
Ms. Diana L. Murphy
Ms. Helen L. Nolan
Mr. James K. Norton
Ms. Karen D. Oak
Mr. Raymond Oakes
Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Obanhein
Ms. Laura O'Shaughnessy
Mr. Michael Ouellette
Mr. Keith Palmer
Mr. Anthony Parise
Mr. & Mrs. William Patriquin
Ms. Mary Pellegrinelli
Mr. & Mrs. John Petell
Ms. Florence Pfeiffer
Ms. Jane Phend
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence A. Phillips
Ms. Gloria Prelli
Ms. Nancy Prezenik
Ms. Michele Provencher
Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Quattrochi
Mr. Robert Race
Ms. Jane Reusche
Ms. Roberta Rheaume
Ms. Janet Rickus
Ms. Mary Rogers
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Rogge
Ms. Helaine Rose
Rose Family
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rowntree
Ms. Abbey Rubinstein
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Salvadore
Rabbi & Mrs. Harold I. Salzmann D.D.
Ms. Giovannina Scoco
Mr. Tony Segal
Ms. Jacqueline Seuss
Ms. Carole Siegel
Mr. Fred Skrocki
Ms. Evelyn Small
Mr. Bernard Smith
Mr. Lawrence E. Snow
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen St. Peter
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Stein
Ms. Sheila Stevens
Suburban Internal Medicine
Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Sweeney
Mr. & Mrs. George Szecsei
Ms. Margery Teggi
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Tenney
Ms. Patricia Thomas
Town of Savoy
Ms. Jill Treanor
Mr. & Mrs. William Turner
Dr. & Mrs. Terry P. Weaver
Ms. Barbara Weeks
Mr. & Mrs. William Weigle
Mr. David P. Weissbrod
West Oil Company, Inc.
Whitman's Crystal Clean
Mr. & Mrs. William Wiegand
Mr. & Mrs. Hermon Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Wineberg
Dr. & Mrs. Raymond J. Wise
Mr. & Mrs. M. Peter Wright
Mr. Haiyan Zacharek
Ms. Christine Zaveruka
Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Zoladz
April 2014
Elder Services
VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES NEEDED
Elder Services’ Ombudsman Program
is looking for volunteers who can make
a difference in the lives of nursing home
residents by improving their quality of life
and care.
PUT YOUR CARING INTO ACTION:
•
•
Listen to concerns
Empower residents to resolve their complaints
•
•
Investigate and resolve complaints
Promote and ensure residents’ rights
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs is sponsoring a 3-day training
April 16, 17 & 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elder Services in Pittsfield.
Volunteers who complete this training will be certified by the state as Long
Term Care Ombudsman and will be assigned a nursing home to visit weekly.
For more information on Elder Services’ Ombudsman Program
and the April training please call 499-0524
or 1-800-544-5242 Extension 726 or 165.
1 President of Integrated Care and
The coordinated care between Home Health, explains the process:
hospital-based case managers, home a registered nurse at BMC receives
care-transition specialists, post-acute daily reports on all Medicare patients
providers, the patient’s primary care being discharged and then identifies
physician and, in many cases, the those most likely to be readmitpatient’s family, ensures that appoint- ted. The nurse, often accompanied
ments are kept, medicines are ordered by coaches from Elder Services, will
and taken, and the pitfalls that result interview the patient in the hospital,
assessing how much follow up care
in readmissions are avoided.
“It’s a very collaborative pro- is needed, and the patient’s support
cess,” says Patricia Eddy, R.N., Elder structure.
Eddy adds, "When it is deterServices' Director of Clinical Services, “We have a very close relation- mined that a patient can benefit
ship with Berkshire Health Systems; from the CCTP program, We try to
we have non-medical people working visit them within the first two days
with medical personnel, all united to of being discharged to bridge the gap
between hospital and home.”
benefit patients.”
The Community-based Care
The Berkshire model was created
in December 2012 and first focused Transition Program is a win/win/
on patients discharged from Berk- win. If avoidable readmissions are
shire Medical Center’s (BMC) Heart reduced, patients avoid being readFailure Clinic. But the Berkshire mitted to the hospital, Medicare saves
CCTP program eventually branched money, and hospitals’ CMS penalties
out to include any Medicare patient for readmissions are reduced.
being discharged from BMC, who is Information for this article includes
at risk of being readmitted.
material from www.patientcarelink.
Karen Benzie, R.N., BMC’s Vice org.
WIN WIN
"Money Follows the
Person" program comes
to the Berkshires
Massachusetts was awarded
a five year grant in 2011 from the
Federal Centers of Medicare and
Medicaid Services to start the Money
Follows the Person (MFP) Rebalancing Demonstration Program. As part
of MFP, eligible elders and persons
with disabilities can be assisted to:
• Return to community settings
• Increase their use of home and
community-based services
• Eliminate certain barriers that
prevent transitions from nursing
home and long term care facilities
Already, there have been over
400 individuals statewide who have
been helped to move from long term
care settings to homes and communities. The Massachusetts Executive
Office of Health and Human Services
Office of MassHealth is working with
community organizations like Elder
Services to make the MFP services
increasingly accessible to qualified
persons in our region. Those eligible
for the MFP grant services include
persons who are capable of living in the community, who have
MassHealth or are MassHealtheligible and have been residing in
a nursing home for at least 90 days.
Assistance can include finding
accessible and affordable housing,
moving expenses, security deposits,
home furnishings, home modification, peer support, case management,
and orientation and mobility services.
Some individuals return to their own
homes or apartments; others move
into homes owned or leased by a
family member; and some move into
an MFP-qualified residence such as
a group home or an assisted living
apartment. A transition coordinator
and case manager helps plan and
organize the necessary services.
If you would like to learn more
about the eligibility requirements and
specific services available through
the Money Follows the Person Program, please call Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department
at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, or
visit the State’s Money Follows the
Person website at: www.mass.gov/
hhs/communityfirst.
Bartlett-Wellington Inc.
Funeral Services
Call 684-0215 or
445-4064
525 Main Street,
Dalton
You Can Donate
to Elder Services Online!
JUST GO TO WWW.ESBCI.ORG AND CLICK ON “DONATE NOW!”
AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, YOU’LL BE GIVEN A NUMBER OF OPTIONS
BERKSHIRE SENIORS, AND CAN USE YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT
OR YOUR CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD TO DONATE TO THE ELDER INDEPENDENCE
APPEAL, MEALS ON WHEELS, THE ELDER CARE FUND,
OR TO MAKE A MEMORIAL DONATION.
FOR SUPPORTING
THANK
April 2014
YOU FOR YOUR HELP !
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Page 11
For Your Health
Healthy Aging Volunteers Needed!
Elder Services is seeking volunteers to train as leaders for the My
Life, My Health and Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older
Adults workshops.
My Life, My Health is a self-management workshop for seniors who
are dealing with chronic medical
conditions. Healthy Eating focuses on better nutrition,
exercise, and lifestyle changes for heart and bone health.
My Life, My Health and Healthy Eating are evidencebased educational programs, free of charge to all participants, and presented in six-week, 2½ hour per week
formats. Leaders work in pairs to offer workshop participants practical tips and ways to manage health issues
and lead more active, productive lives. The workshops
are presented in an informal, relaxed setting at various
locations around Berkshire County.
The leader training does not require professional
teaching, medical or nutritional experience; the majority
of volunteers are lay leaders who enjoy working with the
older population and are comfortable with public speaking and presentation.
To learn more about the next leader training classes,
contact Elder Services Healthy Aging Program Coordinator Maria Connors at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 ext.
140, or email [email protected].
30 years of hospice.
Thousands of lives touched.
HospiceCare in The Berkshires
From set-up of in-home care to emotional support
and pain management, we’ve been providing care
to Berkshire County for more than 30 years. We
are the Berkshire’s most personalized hospice,
with neighbors caring for neighbors.
The difference is in our care.
877 South Street Suite 1W
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-443-2994
www.hcib.org
We’re Perfecting the Art of Superior Care.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. In fact,
44 percent of people starting dialysis have kidney failure
caused by diabetes.
It’s All About You...
Your Happiness . . . Your Well-Being.
Assisted Living . Memory Care . Respite
Great dining, luxury amenities, uncompromising service and personalized
support are just a few of the ways we focus on you at EPOCH Assisted Living
at Melbourne. Whether it’s our independence-focused assisted living or
BRIDGES® Memory Care, we tailor our focus to meet the individual needs
of our residents – and their families.
Stop by for a personal visit and learn more about how at EPOCH
Assisted Living at Melbourne . . . It’s All About You.
413-499-1992
www.EPOCHMelbourne.com
140 Melbourne Road . Pittsfield, MA
Page 12
April 2014
For Your Health
Fire safety tips when
using oxygen
By Maura Rose
The “Berkshire Eagle” recently reported on a fatal fire that caused the
death of a man age 77 and burned his home to the ground. The next day it
was reported the fire was caused by the man lighting a cigarette while having oxygen in use. Use of oxygen in the home creates an atmosphere where
a spark can easily ignite into a fire and fuel the spread of the fire.
As a nurse who does home care in our area, I too often see many situations where people who are using home oxygen are unfortunately putting
themselves at risk for fires. By understanding and following some very
basic safety precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of fire from home
oxygen use.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in the house. Smoking is the
leading cause of fire from home oxygen use.
•
Post “Oxygen In Use” signs on all outside doors.
•
Post “No Smoking “signs in all rooms where your oxygen is kept.
•
Check that all electrical equipment in the area near the oxygen is properly
grounded. Do not use extension cords with medical equipment.
•
Stay at least 6 feet away from any open flame or heat source (candles,
gas stove, fireplace, wood stove, even an electric blanket) when you are
using your oxygen system.
•
Do not use aerosol cans or sprays, including air fresheners or hair spray
while using oxygen. These products are very flammable.
•
Do not use cleaning products or other products containing grease, oils,
petroleum jelly, alcohol, or flammable liquids on or near your oxygen
system.
•
An oxygen cylinder must be secured at all times; put it in a cart or lay
it down flat.
•
Do not store your oxygen system or any extra oxygen cylinders near any
heat sources or open flames, but keep them in a well ventilated room.
•
And last, but so important: Be sure to have functioning smoke detectors
and a fire extinguisher in your home at all times.
Please review and post these safety precautions if you are using home
oxygen and share these precautions if you have a friend or family member
who is using oxygen.
Maura Rose, RN, FNP iRNPA is an Elder Care Consultant and Certified
Dementia Care Practitioner. You can contact her at www.rosecareadvocacy.
com or 413-207-1601.
Cigarettes deliver more
nicotine
A study by the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health and
UMass Medical School finds that
the amount of nicotine delivered via
smoke, known as nicotine yield, has
increased sharply from 1998 to 2012
even as the total amount of nicotine
in cigarettes has leveled off.
“This study indicates that cigarette manufacturers have recently
altered the design of cigarettes. This
can significantly increase the amount
of nicotine a person receives while
smoking,” said Thomas Land, PhD,
director of the Office of Health Information Policy and Informatics for the
Massachusetts Department of Public
Health and principal investigator for
the study.
“Cigarettes have a more efficient
nicotine delivery system than ever
before,” Land said. “Because smok-
ers have no way of knowing that the
level of nicotine they are receiving
has increased, they can become more
addicted more easily without knowing why.”
Personal Emergency Response Service
Get help at the touch
of a button –
24 hours a day,
7days a week!
World Headquarters – Novi, MI
Care Center – Pittsfield, MA
Available Nationwide
Call
413-442-6363
Looking for Quality
Affordable Senior Living?
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Wahconah Heights
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PittsÀeld Housing Authority
65 Columbus Avenue • Pitts¿eld, MA
413-443-5936
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24 Hour Maintenance Service
APPLICANTS MUST MEET STATE AND FEDERAL GUIDELINES
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April 2014
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Page 13
For Your Information
Dealing with a
devastating diagnosis
By Cynthia Casoff Henry
After the initial shock of being told you have a life-threatening, even fatal
condition, it is very important to get a second opinion so you have a choice of
doctors and possibly options for your care. Always bring a friend or relative
to every doctor’s visit, preferably a person with a medical background. Those
first few visits can be a blur. It is difficult to listen and hear, when you have
a great deal of fear and anxiety. Before you go to your doctor visits, write
down your questions. Below are examples of questions.
• How am I doing?
• How will the treatment affect me?
• What can I expect after treatment? Will I be very tired or sick and how
long will it take for the chemo and or radiation side effects to wear off?
• Do you think that the treatments will help me live longer and give me a
better quality of life?
• What else can I do to make a difference besides chemotherapy or radiation, such as diet, supplements etc.?
• Can you keep me informed about my progress — how my disease is
progressing or regressing?
• Will you tell me when treatment won’t make sense for me and can you
help me get to the best place for me for my end of life?
• How long do you think I have? (This is a difficult question, but it can
help you make plans.)
Getting the truth is the beginning of the journey towards a peaceful
death. Once you know the truth, it is okay to take the time and grieve. Give
yourself permission to mourn the life you thought you would have, to miss
the time you won’t have, to miss people and places. Therapy and/or mood
stabilizers may help you cope during this very difficult time.
Your support system of family, friends, clergy, therapist, and doctor are
extremely important. Keep them close by for the love and comfort you need.
When loved ones are willing and wanting to help you, accept and cherish this
support. Their love will help you get through this extremely difficult time
Cynthia Casoff Henry wrote “Dying..A Guide to a More Peaceful Death.”
LIVING PAGE 1 Berkshire County ALRs to request
a complimentary tour (usually given
month. Ask your local Veterans
by a marketing representative) to help
Services Officer for more inforyou with your housing decisions:
mation about eligibility criteria
• Cameron House, Lenox, 637and keep in mind the application
3100 www.halkeen.com
process can be complex and
• Epoch Assisted Living at Mellengthy.
bourne Place, Pittsfield, 499• Group Adult Foster Care
1992, www.EPOCHMelbourne.
(GAFC): a program funded by
com
Medicaid/MassHealth that pays
• Kindred Assisted Living–Laufor the service component of
rel Lake, Lee, 243-4747, www.
Assisted Living (about $1,000 a
villageatlaurellake.com
month). To be eligible, adults must
• PineHill Assisted Living at
qualify financially for Medicaid
Kimball Farms, Lenox, 637and also demonstrate the need for
7000, www.kimballfarms.org
daily assistance with Activities of
• Rosewood Homestyle Assisted
Daily Living (i.e. dressing, bathLiving, Pittsfield, 448-8449
ing, eating, hygiene, ambulation).
• Side by Side, Pittsfield, 443-4274
Not every ALR accepts GAFC,
• Sugar Hill Assisted Living,
so ask whether this is an accepted
Dalton, 684-0100, www.sugoption.
arhillmansion.com
• Supplemental Security Income
More information is available
Living Arrangement G (SSI-G):
from the Elder Affairs website, www.
many people who are eligible for
mass.gov/elders/housing/assistedMedicaid can also receive this
living and from Elder Service’s
joint state/federal subsidy adminInformation and Referral Departistered by the Social Security Adment (499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242),
ministration of up to about $1,000
including a Consumer Checklist of
per month to cover the rent.
important services, amenities, acMaking the decision to move
commodations, and care provided by
from your home can be one of the
assisted living communities.
hardest decisions of your life, but it
can also keep you healthy, happy, Laura Feakes and Deborah Connolly
and safe. Contact any of the following are Elder Services’ Information and
Referral Specialists.
April 2014
Learn about health care
proxies on National
Healthcare Decisions
Day, April 16 at NARH
Visit North Adams Regional
Hospital (NARH) on Wednesday,
April 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
to learn about health care proxies.
A health care proxy allows an individual to empower someone else
to act as his/her agent in making
healthcare decisions if the individual is unable to speak for him/herself.
Information tables will be located
in the main lobby of the hospital,
the Emergency Department waiting
room, and the lobby of the Ambulatory Care Center on the hospital
campus. Simple one-page forms
will be available so that individuals
can fill out and sign a health care
proxy on the spot, or take a form
home to discuss, fill out, and sign.
The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) of North
Adams Regional Hospital (NARH)
is offering the event as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day,
organized by a coalition of national,
state and community organizations committed to ensuring that
all adults with decision-making
capacity in the United States have
the information and opportunity to
communicate and document their
healthcare decisions.
For further information about
National Healthcare Decisions Day,
or about the NARH Patient and
Family Advisory Council, please
contact Paula Markland in NARH
Patient Relations at 664-5240.
The Strongest Bank
in the Berkshires
Who's the best capitalized lender in the county?
It's not a Big Bank, it's The Pittsfield Co-op.
And, when it comes to helping
our neighbors build a better
community – we've been doing
the heavy lifting for 125 years.
Member FDIC
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Member SIF
Equal Housing Lender
www.pittsfieldcoop.com
Page 14
Berkshire Senior
An affordable supportive and enriched
living environment that offers:
• One & two bedroom apartments
• Three bedroom townhouses designed for families
• Beautiful, tranquil setting with river views
• Spacious community room, guest speakers &
on-going social activities
• On-site social service coordinator & resource for
all tenants
• Rent based on 30% of your income including:
on-site maintenance; heat & hot water; secure
building; laundry facilities, intercom system,
elevator, appliances, and allowances for electricity
SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITY
Apply in person at 600 Main Street, Dalton, MA
or call 413-684-0043 for an appointment
Joel A. Less
Managed Properties, Inc.
for Greylock members age 55 and over
Join QTC and take advantage of all the benefits
and services the Club has to offer.
Outings, Events, Meetings, Groups,
Volunteer Opportunities, and More!
For information about membership, visit any
Greylock branch throughout Berkshire County.
www.Greylock.org
Professionally managed by: Joel A. Less Managed Properties, Inc.
A Member of the Institute for Real Estate Management
final river run 2 col x 4.indd 1
The
Quality Time Club
Federally Insured by NCUA
9/1/09 8:27:44 PM
For more information, call 1-888-830-3352
or visit www.gentiva.com
Wherever a man turns
he can find someone
who needs him.
~Albert Schweitzer
April 2014
Elder Services' Berkshire Senior
Page 15
Elder Services' Nutrition Program
Elder Services' Senior Lunch Sites
Elder Services offers hot, nutritious noontime meals at senior lunch sites located throughout Berkshire
County. Anyone 60 or over can reserve a meal at any of the sites by calling the site they would like to
attend by 11:30 a.m. the previous day. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 per meal.
City/Town/Phone
Adams
743-8333
Becket
623-8934
Cheshire
743-9719
Dalton
684-2000/684-0016
Great Barrington
528-4118
Lanesboro
442-2682
Lee
243-5545
Meal
Times
Address
Adams Visitors Center
3 Hoosac Street
Town Hall
Route 8
Senior Center
119 School Street
Senior Center
40 Field Ext.
Claire Teague Senior Ctr.
909 South Main Street
Town Hall
83 North Main Street
Senior Center
21 Crossway Village
11:30 a.m.
Days Meals Served
M T W Th F
¥
¥
¥
11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
¥
Noon
¥
11:30 a.m.
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
City/Town/Phone
Lenox
637-5535
North Adams
662-3125
Pittsfield
499-9346
Pittsfield-Kosher
442-2200
Stockbridge
298-4170 X263
Stockbridge
298-3222
Williamstown **
458-8350
Address
Community Ctr.
65 Walker Street
Spitzer Center
116 Ashland Street
Ralph J. Froio Senior Ctr.
330 North Street
Cong. Knesset Israel
16 Colt Road
Senior Center
50 Main Street
Heaton Court
5 Pine Street
Harper Center
118 Church Street
Meal
Times
Days Meals Served
M T W Th F
Noon
¥
¥
11:45 a.m.
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
11:30 a.m.
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
Noon
¥
¥
¥
Noon
¥
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
¥
**Meals are also served on Sunday
If you receive Meals on Wheels
and are not going to be home.
April
PLEASE use your phone!
Call 1-800-981-5201.
Drivers cannot leave meals if you are not at home.
If you don’t come to the door, your driver will contact
the nutrition office to do a well-being check on you, which
may include contact with your local police department.
Menu subject to change without notice.
* Modifications for sugar-restricted diets
** High sodium foods
Suggested donation $2.
All contributions help defray the cost of Elder Services'
Nutrition/Meals on Wheels programs.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
If you do not contact Elder Services’ Nutrition Department to let them
know you will not be home to accept your meal, your driver will be concerned
about your well-being, and the staff will need to make several phone calls
to be sure you are all right.
Please keep us informed, and we will be better able to serve you.
WEDNESDAY
2
Chicken w/ Asparagus
Rice Pilaf
Mixed Vegetables
Multigrain Bread
Pineapple
THURSDAY
3
Italian Meatballs
Penne w/ Sauce
Broccoli Florets
Italian Bread
*Chocolate Pudding w/ Topping
FRIDAY
4
Roast Turkey w/ Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Sugar Snap Peas
100% Whole Wheat Bread
Banana
Baked Fish
au Gratin Potatoes
Spinach
Rye Bread
Mixed Fruit
(Tossed Green Salad, Cong.)
7
8
9
10
11
**Hot Dog
Salisbury Steak
Baked Chicken Breast
Clam Chowder
Macaroni & Cheese
Baked Beans
Buttered Noodles
Red Baked Potatoes
Tuna Salad
Stewed Tomatoes
Coleslaw
Sliced Carrots
Brussel Sprouts w/ Cheese Sauce
Mixed Root Vegetables
Green Beans
Hot Dog Roll
Oatmeal Bread
100% Whole Wheat Bread
Hamburger Roll
Multigrain Bread
Apple Crisp
Pineapple
Peaches
Orange
Pears
14
15
16
17
Easter Dinner
18
Veal Parmesan
Beef Stroganoff w/ Mushrooms
"Not Too Hot" Chili
**Baked Ham
Lasagna w/ Tomato Sauce
Ziti w/ Sauce
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Rice
Sweet Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Italian Vegetable
Mixed Greens
Buttered Corn
Broccoli Florets
Spinach
Sourdough Bread
Oatmeal Bread
Rye Bread
Dinner Roll
Italian Bread
Applesauce
Peaches
Pineapple
*Lisa's Pineapple Cake
Mixed Fruit
21
22
23
24
25
Cheeseburger
Chicken Cacciatore w/ Mushrooms
Minestrone Soup
Calico Beans w/ Sausage
Steak Fries
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Meatloaf w/ Gravy
Wild Rice Blend
Patriot's Day
Mixed Vegetables
French Cut Green Beans
Mashed Potatoes
Winter Blend Vegetables
Hamburg Roll
100% Whole Wheat Bread
Multigrain Bread
Oatmeal Bread
Peaches
Mixed Fruit
*Vanilla Pudding w/ Topping
Orange
(Tossed Green Salad, Cong.)
28
29
30
The March 2014 "Tufts Health and Nutrition" letter reported
Cream of Cabbage Soup
Chicken w/ Biscuit
Roast Pork w/ Gravy
on a study that followed more than 100,000 people for up to
Barbecue Beef
Broccoli Florets
Oven Roasted Potatoes
24 years, and found that people who eat three tablespoons,
Sweet Potatoes
Wax Beans
Sliced Beets
or one ounce of nuts daily are less likely to die from heart
Oatmeal Bread
Rye Bread
100% Whole Wheat Bread
disease, cancer, and lung disease.
Pears
Peaches
Applesauce