In These Times
Services for Older Adults in Southern Berkshire County
In Berkshire County, growing older doesn't have to mean navigating challenges alone — but many people don't realize just how much help is quietly available..
Organizations like Elder Services of Berkshire County serve not just older adults themselves, but also the people caring for them — adult children, spouses, and partners who are often overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Local Councils on Aging, including the Otis Council on Aging, are often the first and most trusted point of contact within a community.
Together, these resources form a network of support. Whether you're trying to understand Medicare, arrange help at home, find transportation, or make sure someone is eating well, there are programs designed to step in before a situation becomes a crisis.
Elder Services of Berkshire County
The county's central hub for senior services
Elder Services of Berkshire County has served seniors since 1974. As the region's designated Aging Services Access Point, it connects residents to local and statewide resources and can coordinate multiple services at once. Services include care management, respite care, home health assistance, housing options, Meals on Wheels, and caregiver support.
New location:
73 South Church Street Pittsfield
(413) 499-0524
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
SHINE Program
Free Medicare counseling — no sales pitch
The SHINE Program provides free, unbiased counseling for Medicare-eligible residents and their caregivers. Certified counselors help compare plans and identify ways to reduce insurance and prescription costs, and importantly, they do not sell insurance.
Appointments are available year-round through local Councils on Aging or by calling Elder Services at
(413) 499-0524.
Meals on Wheels & Congregate Dining
Nutrition and daily connection
Elder Services coordinates both home-delivered meals and community dining programs across Berkshire County. Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals Monday through Friday, with frozen options for weekends. Beyond nutrition, these programs provide an important daily check-in; for some recipients, the delivery driver may be their only regular contact.
To enroll: (413) 499-0524
Brown Bag: Food for Elders
Free monthly groceries for eligible seniors
This program provides a monthly bag of nutritious groceries at local senior centers. Participation does not affect SNAP benefits and can help stretch fixed incomes.
Contact the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
Phone: (413) 247-9738
Wheels for Wellness
Free rides to medical appointments
Wheels for Wellness provides free, non-emergency transportation to medical appointments for Berkshire County residents. Rides are arranged in advance — early scheduling is important, especially for specialist visits.
Phone: (413) 499-9345
Local Councils on Aging
Local support, connection, and guidance every Berkshire community has a Council on Aging — often the easiest and most comfortable place to start. These centers offer social activities, meals, and direct help connecting to services like SHINE counseling, fuel assistance, and transportation.
Otis Council on Aging
Otis Town Hall Annex,
1 North Main Road
Phone: (413) 269-0100
The Otis COA is a trusted first stop for residents — whether for programs, meals, transportation, or simply guidance on where to turn next.
Ralph J. Froio Senior Center (Pittsfield)
70 Allen Street
Dalton Senior Center
462 Main Street (413) 684-2000
