Q. What is the difference between senior residential care living and assisted living? A. Senior residential care living is regulated by the Department of Public Health whereas assisted living is overseen by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.  In addition, senior residential care living provides services at an all-inclusive rate with no additional charges for personal care, licensed nursing care, medication monitoring and/or administration, recreational activities, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation in our own van, utilities, cable television, etc. providing for an excellent and worry free value. Q. What is the entrance fee and monthly cost? A. There are no entrance fees, leases, or security deposits.  Berkshire Place charges an all-inclusive daily rate billed monthly making for an excellent value.  Please contact our admissions office at (413) 445-4056 ext. 200 or email at admissions@berkshireplace.com for current information. Q. How do I know if senior residential care living is right for me? A. We encourage you to make an appointment to tour our lovely home, to enjoy a meal, and to see what we have to offer.  You will know if it feels right to you after your visit.  In addition, our medical staff can conduct a brief evaluation to assist with placement and to answer additional questions you or your family may have about Berkshire Place. Q. Can I bring my own furniture and favorite things when I move in? A. Yes. We encourage the personalization of each resident room with things that are important to them.  Suggestions include a favorite chair, a television, artwork and pictures, or other items of importance to the resident to make them most comfortable.  We can also furnish a room if that is desired and our nursing care rooms come completely furnished with electric beds, dressers, nightstands, etc. Q. Can I keep my own doctor? A. Yes. As long as your doctor is willing to follow you while you reside at Berkshire Place and has a current license in good-standing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Q. What happens if I need more assistance and care? A. A nice feature available is that residents can move to our nursing care floor if they should need more assistance in the future.  By having our nursing care floor on-site, it allows residents to make an easy transition with familiar surroundings, staff, and other residents and prevents multiple moves. Q. Do you serve meals? A. Yes. Berkshire Place serves three daily meals overseen by a registered dietitian. There is a wide variety of menu selections from which to choose. Q. Do you have special diets available? A. Yes. Berkshire Place can accommodate special diets including sugar free, low sodium, special diet consistencies, and religious observations. Q. What about laundry and housekeeping? A. Washers and dryers are available on each floor so residents can do their own laundry if they choose, or residents can have their laundry done by our laundry staff. Housekeeping is provided for all resident rooms and common areas. Q. What about medical appointments? A. Provision is usually made for your primary doctor to see you in your room and on a regular basis as required.  For other outside medical appointments, arrangements are coordinated with your doctor and transportation to and from your appointments can be arranged.