Older Adults

We serve the unique needs of older adults, and their families and/or caregivers. 

As people age, health, psychosocial changes and safety concerns often become evident. This can be overwhelming for those living alone or for those caring for aging parents. In addition, children and other family members may find themselves thinking about important decisions, not wanting to make them in a crisis.  JFS Older Adults staff are all compassionately trained professionals who assist individuals and families coping with these issues.

JFS offers the following services to older adults and their families and/or caregivers:

Our Older Adult programs include:

Caregiver Support Groups: Our groups provide a place to reduce caregiver isolation, receive support, discover resources and share coping strategies as caregivers care for an aging parent, partner, friend or relative. We have two groups in the Upper Valley and one in the Lower Pioneer Valley.

Educational Presentations: Developed to address the needs of caregivers and older adults experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Topics discussed in past workshops include Alzheimer’s, Medicare, caregiver support, funeral planning, foot care and others. This year, JFS is offering two 6-week self-care series, one in the fall and one in the spring. The intention of this program, Building Resilience from Within, is to provide techniques and build skills to increase resilience to life’s ongoing pressures and stresses.

Geriatric Assessments & Aging In-Place Consultation Services: With a thorough assessment, an experienced JFS social worker will determine and address the older adult’s immediate needs as well as help families plan for changes that may occur over time. The goal is to promote independence that allows older adults to remain in their homes as long as possible. This service is offered in the Pioneer Valley and in the Berkshires.

Guardianship & Conservatorship: JFS is the only agency in Western Massachusetts that provides Guardian and Conservator services through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. We also provide private pay services for families or caregivers whose loved ones can no longer make decisions or care for themselves due to the disease process of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Our Guardianship & Conservatorship staff work with the legal system to not only meet the needs of our clients, but to provide advocacy and a feeling of family to each and every elder in the program.

Office Based & In-Home Counseling for Older Adults: We help older adults reframe independence as they age. We work with individuals to create individualized tools to deal with feelings of recent and accumulated loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict, caregiving, terminal illness, and dementia.

Don’t know where to start? Contact us for an initial consultation.

One of our clinical social workers will speak with you and together the two of you will develop a Plan of Care for you or your loved one(s).