Age Friendly Berkshires means Dementia friendly too
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. While dementia knows no age limit, the majority of people diagnosed or living with dementia are older adults and so naturally, are part of the Age Friendly Berkshires movement. We are working to build a region that acknowledges and supports all residents fully across the lifespan.
Fortunately, the Berkshires has several local programs to assist caregivers and families to support loved ones who are affected.
Berkshire Alzheimer’s Partnership (BAP) (413) 224-8127 or email: Info@bapartners.org.
BAP is a regional coalition of volunteers dedicated to providing education, outreach, advocacy, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families and caregivers. Download the Support Group List & Resource Guide here:
Caregiver Support Groups in Berkshire County_2018-2019
BERKSHIRE COUNTY ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE GUIDE
Elder Services of Berkshire County – The Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center, (413) 499-0524
Elder Services has an extensive Alzheimer’s library located at 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Books and other resources may be checked out by anyone. The library covers all stages of the disease, treatment of the disease, how to help an Alzheimer’s patient stay active and able, and coping strategies for caregivers and loved ones. For more information call Elder Services (413) 499-0524
Home Instead Senior Care ( https://www.homeinstead.com/369/ ) is a private home care agency that offers an ongoing schedule of Dementia and Alzheimer’s education and support groups throughout the year.
2019 programs at Home Instead Senior Care – 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA Call (413-) 442-0907
- Saturday Morning Coffee Hour – Alzheimer’s Family Weekend Support Group – First Saturdays of every month, 10:00-11:30 am
- The Savvy Caregiver Program – A FREE 6-session training for family and friends who are active caregivers for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Monthly Dementia Education & Support Groups for those affected and their caregivers – 2 groups, 1 time slot – meets on the 3rd Thursday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
- Alzheimer’s Friendly Business – Free 30-minute training for Owners and employees. Help your customers affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia by giving your employees the tools they need to recognize, understand and be sensitive to the particular needs of this market sector. Certify your Business as “Alzheimer’s Friendly!”
State-level resources for Age and Dementia Friendly
Alzheimer’s Association – MA/NH Chapter https://www.alz.org/manh
Dementia Friendly Massachusetts https://mcoaonline.com/programs/dementia-friendly/
MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs
MA Healthy Aging Collaborative https://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/
AARP Livable Communities https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/