Advocacy

Many seniors and their family members struggle with similar questions around finances, medical benefits and social security among others. Berks Encore can assist you with these questions.

We offer community educational sessions as well as one-on-one counseling. During the pandemic we used zoom meetings since we could not gather with groups. We found that some people are still interested in getting information from the comfort of their own homes and we will continue to offer programs online. For those that are ready to meet in person, we are able to schedule appointments at any of our Berks Encore senior  community centers. We help develop individualized plans to meet the needs of each client. We do not sell any insurance or financial products; instead, we can give you information on all of your options and unbiased counsel on their benefits.

Free Advocate Services Offered by Our Volunteers

Budget Counseling — with Certified Financial Counselor

  • Discussion of current financial challenge
  • Preparation of initial budget
  • Basic budget training
  • Identifying action plans to get finances under control

Options Counseling

  • Discussion of your needs to promote independent living with a certified counselor
  • Assistance with discharge planning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility
  • Assistance with identifying available financial assistance programs
  • Referrals to other public and private resources in the community, as needed

Simple Wills and Power of Attorney Documents – with Attorney from Berks County Bar Association

Note: Must have annual income less than 125% of Federal Poverty Level 

  • Meeting to discuss your wishes and name persons to have the powers of attorney
  • Documents prepared and notarized

Budgeting for Long-Term Care Costs

  • Identifying the costs of long-term care
  • Identifying available resources
  • Preparing a budget

Advocate Services at a Pro-Rated Hourly Rate

Check Writing and Budgeting

  • Automated payment of recurring bills
  • Work with client to determine how to pay other expenses
  • Monthly reporting to client and/or family members

Fiduciary Bookkeeping

Let our advocate services guide you through the maze of modern-day aging. For more information, please contact us via our contact form or by calling 610-374-3195, x208.