Highland Valley Elder Services serves older adults and their families through collaboration, education, advocacy and a range of programs designed to support them where they live.
Who We Are
We are a private, not-for-profit corporation serving twenty-four communities in Hampshire and Hampden Counties of western Massachusetts.
The agency receives funds from two main sources: the Administration on Aging (AoA), (federal funds) through its designation as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), (state funds) through its designation as a Home Care Corporation/Aging Services Access Point (ASAP).
Our best services are those that empower elders to discover their own strengths, their own talents, their own solutions.
Our History
1974 Highland Valley Elder Services Center was formed as a result of Massachusetts creating a cabinet position focused on creating community and long term care services for elders. First location was Gothic Street, Northampton
1975 Senior Aide Program began
1977 Name is changed to Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc.
1978 The Federal New Older Americans Act is passed
1979 Highland Valley opens 10 meal sites and an office in Westfield
1981 Omnibus Reconciliation Act allows waivers to use Medicare funds for home and community based services in Massachusetts
1982 The Nursing Home Ombudsman Program is implemented. Highland Valley moves to the Clark School Campus in Northampton
1983 The Massachusetts Elder Abuse Reporting and Protective Services Act is passed defining abuse
1985 Personal Care and Homemaking added to service offerings
1987 SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) and Adult Family Care Programs established
1989 Respite Services option offered
1990 Coordination of Care Program began
1995 HEN (Hilltown Elder Network) Program launched
1996 Senior Pharmacy Program 5 Year Pilot began
1998 Money Management Program started
1999 Supportive Housing Program initiated and Take Charge Program Pilot began
2002 ECOP (Enhanced Community Options Program) and State Caregiver Program launched
2003 East Mountain View HUD site opens
2004 Choices Program began
2005 Caring Homes Pilot and CSSM (Comprehensive Screening & Service Model) Program started
2007 PVADRC (Pioneer Valley Aging & Disability Resource Consortium) created with Highland Valley as a member
2009 Chronic Disease Management Instructors trained
2012 Agency expanded an additional 2,000 square feet for new Home Care Case Management offices on the first floor at our main site.
Contracts with Fallon and Commonwealth Care Alliance SCO Programs
2013 Contracts with Commonwealth Care Alliance One Care Program and Tufts SCO Program
2014 First annual Meals on Wheels Walkathon raises over $10,000 to benefit our Nutrition Program. First successful transitions occur from nursing homes to living centers under the Money Follows the Person demonstration project. Facebook page is launched
2015 Contract with Mercy Life PACE Program
2016 Contracts with United Health Care and Senior Whole Health SCO Programs
2017 Agency YouTube channel created. Contract with BMC Healthnet SCO Program
2020 COVID-19 pandemic begins:
– agency continues its work
– remote work policy begins
– technology introduced to allow virtual meetings and collaboration
– website redesigned to be mobile friendly.
Resident Service Coordinator Grant Partnership with Westfield Housing Authority
2021 Home Delivered Meals drivers begin using iPads to record deliveries and wellness check observations. Transportation Concierge Program launched. Contract with Summit Elder Care PACE program. Housing Specialist Program launched
2022 Community Diners are given the option of two meal entrees daily. Contract with United Health Care One Care Program
2023 Our community dining centers are expanded, bringing the total to 22
2024 Contract with Tufts One Care Program