Remaining in one’s home as we age — “aging in place” — is something many seniors and their families hope for. Doing so safely and with dignity often requires knowing what local supports are available. Below are a number of important resources in Berkshire County to help with homecare, nutrition, social connection, veteran supports, and more.
General Resource / Navigation Tools
- 413Cares: Searchable platform which helps residents of Western Massachusetts connect with services for food, health, housing, employment, older adult resources, veterans, and more. https://www.413cares.org
- Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. (ESBCI): Non‑profit, the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for Berkshire County. Provides access to a wide array of services for seniors and caregivers. https://www.esbci.org
Homecare / Personal Care Options
- MOLARI Home HealthCare Services: Provides companion care, personal care assistance (PCA), home health aides (HHA), light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, laundry, respite, supervision, etc. https://www.molariinc.com/healthcare-services/
- Elder Services of Berkshire County – In-Home Supports: Offers in‑home supports via assessment: homemaker, personal care, etc. Also helps with resources so seniors can stay safely at home. https://www.esbci.org/services/information-referral
Adult Day Programs
- Home Instead Dementia Day Program: The Dementia Day Program Friends Club, Pittsfield offers a welcoming, activity-rich day center for people living with dementia where a trained team leads meaningful engagement, provides meals, personal assistance and caregiver respite in a supportive community setting. https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/ma/pittsfield/369/home-care-services/dementia-day-program-friends-club
Facility Based Respite Care
- Berkshire Place: Ideal for those who need care because of increased safety needs, personal assistance, or a short-term illness. Can provide stress relief for a primary caregiver or assistance when the primary caregiver goes away. https://berkshireplace.com/respite-care/
- Integritus Healthcare: Whether it’s for a couple of weeks, a month or longer, our short-stay guests receive everything they need and more. https://integritushealthcare.org/senior-housing-care/respite-care/
Nutrition & Meal Programs
- Meals on Wheels: Hot meals Mon‑Fri, frozen meals for weekends. For homebound or frail seniors. https://www.esbci.org/services/nutrition-programs
- Senior Meal / Congregate Sites: Hot lunches at senior centers across Berkshire County. https://www.esbci.org/services/nutrition-programs
- Brown Bag: Food for Elders: Free monthly bag of groceries for eligible seniors (55+). https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/brown-bag-food-for-elders
- Berkshire United Way Food Access: Local food pantries, emergency meal sites, etc. https://www.berkshireunitedway.org
Transportation & Volunteer Support
- RSVP – Berkshire County: Matches adults age 55+ to volunteer roles and offers van transportation and Wheels for Wellness medical rides. https://www.pittsfieldma.gov/384/Van-Transportation
- Elder Services Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer roles that directly support seniors: delivery of meals, grocery shopping, companionship, etc. https://www.esbci.org/services/volunteer-programs
Veterans’ Services
- Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center: Free assistance to Veterans & their families: VA paperwork, weekly food & clothing pantry, legal referrals, VA ID applications. https://berkshireveterans.org
Senior Centers & Social / Enrichment Spaces
- Ralph J. Froio Senior Center (Pittsfield): Offers lunches, social activities, etc. https://www.pittsfieldma.gov/693/Older-Adults
- Meal Sites across Berkshire County: Congregate meal program in Adams, Becket, Cheshire, Dalton, Great Barrington, Lanesboro, Lee, Lenox, North Adams, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Williamstown, etc. https://www.esbci.org/services/nutrition-programs
Additional Supports
- Family Caregiver Support Programs: Support for caregivers (information, support groups, education). https://williamstowncommunitychest.org/member-agencies/elder-services-of-berkshire-county
- SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone): Medicare/Medicaid counseling and guidance. https://www.pittsfieldma.gov/693/Older-Adults
- All That Matters (Downsizing/Moving/Resettling): All That Matters provides dependable, compassionate, and personalized services in downsizing, move management, and resettling across Berkshire County. https://www.allthatmattersorganizing.com/services
Tips for Using these Resources Effectively:
- Assess your needs first and list what supports you need.
- Combine services for best support.
- Plan ahead for volunteer transportation services.
- Look for financial support / donations.
- Ask about home safety modifications.
- Stay connected with local senior centers.
Not sure where to begin? Start with Elder Services of Berkshire County 413-499-0524 for a needs assessment, or call MOLARI HealthCare Services at 413-499-4562 for guidance on home care options. With the right local support, aging in place in the Berkshires can be both safe and fulfilling.