Senior Centers in Berks County

Senior centers provide many benefits to our older adult community.

National Senior Center Month is hosted by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). NCOA has delivered resources that support individuals in healthy aging for 75 years. This year’s theme is “Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script” to challenge outdated perceptions of senior centers.

In collaboration with their National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), NCOA has designated September as a time to acknowledge the benefits of senior centers. Data from last fall shows that over 11,000 senior centers are serving one million older adults every day. To honor National Senior Center Month, we’re sharing information about senior centers throughout Wyomissing and the Berks County region.

Senior Center Benefits

The Older Americans Act (OAA), passed by Congress in 1965, acknowledges that senior centers are a community focal point. Through the OAA, the Home and Community-Based Supportive Services (HCBS) program provides grants that fund services, including senior centers.

Senior centers offer many benefits to the older adult community, including:

• Education around topics like chronic disease management
• Opportunities to participate in social activities
• Mental and physical health support through programs for art and culture, fitness, meals and nutrition, and more
• Services to support financial security, professional development, and transportation
• Support to age independently

Berks Encore

Berks Encore is a nonprofit organization that provides senior services throughout the county. Our Director, Gary, previously served on their advisory board! They have six Wellness & Activity centers for seniors in Douglassville, Fleetwood, Mifflin, Reading, Strausstown, and Wernersville. Each center offers their own schedule of in-person and virtual activities.

Their Meals on Wheels program helps older adults get enough to eat, and it also acts as a social visit and safety and wellness check. Berks Encore and Redner’s Warehouse Markets also offer a Grocery Shopping program for those who struggle to acquire groceries. Health and wellness education offerings include classes for topics like disease and chronic condition management, including diabetes, arthritis, COPD, heart disease, and more.

We are looking forward to the Senior Expo at the Ballpark with Berks Encore! Join us on Tuesday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium, Home of the Reading Fightin’ Phils. Get ready to celebrate 60 years in 60’s style with a huge variety of vendors. We hope to see you there!

At Griswold, Care is Personal

Our team of compassionate Caregivers is dedicated to providing personalized care to every client, including Companionship, Personal Care, Homemaking, 24-hour Care, and more. We would be happy to work with you to create care plan for yourself or a loved one. Give us a call today!