Aging Services | Cattaraugus County Website

Advocacy

The Department of the Aging exists to serve as an advocate for older adults, speaking on their behalf to ensure access to the services they may need but may not have available to them.

Caregiver Navigators assist individuals and their families in making informed decisions during challenging times. In addition to one-on-one care consultations, caregivers can access information about support groups, training opportunities, and respite options such as home care, adult day programs, assistive devices and safety services. The department works with multiple funding sources and will collaborate with caregivers to explore and establish appropriate options tailored to their needs.

Case Management

Case Management is a comprehensive, person-centered process that helps older adults access and coordinate appropriate services, benefits and entitlements. This is achieved through a standardized approach that includes assessment and reassessment, care planning, service coordination, ongoing monitoring, follow-up, and discharge when appropriate.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage

New York State leads the nation in helping its seniors pay for prescription drugs. Residents of Cattaraugus County who are at least 65 years of age or older may qualify to enroll in EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage). New income guidelines

Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)

The EISEP program provides coordinated, need-based, non-medical in-home care to income eligible senior citizens in Cattaraugus County. Under this program, a case manager assesses an individual's various needs and can arrange services provided in the home. These services can include homemaker / personal care, housekeeper / chore services, and personal Emergency Response System (PERS).

Health Insurance Counseling

HIICAP offers one-on-one counseling to help individuals understand and navigate insurance options. This includes guidance on Medicare Parts A, B, and D: EPIC (elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage); Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help; Medigap Policies; and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Home Energy Assistance Program and Emergency HEAP

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides Cattaraugus County's eligible older population with financial help towards heating costs. Persons 60 years of age or over may apply for this help through the Department. The application process may be done by mail, telephone, or in person as required by the specific situation. HEAP payments appear as credits on an approved applicant's heating bill and are not meant to substitute regular payments.

Housing: There's No Place Like Home

Department of the Aging staff will assist you in finding housing developments that meet your needs and preferences for location, features, services, price and more. Housing definitions will be explored and guidance given on critical questions you should ask when comparing housing alternatives. When community housing is no longer an option, we can assist you in the process of supportive living or nursing home decisions.

Information Assistance

Growing older often brings questions and concerns that don’t always have easy answers. Staff is available to help by proving information, guidance, and referrals to appropriate community resources. We maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date directory of services, programs and agencies available in Cattaraugus County and the surrounding region to ensure that older adults and their families can connect with the support they need.

Get location and contact information for the Department of Aging or one of our Outreach Offices.

Legal Services

The Department contracts with legal professionals to provide counseling and assistance to older adults in a variety of areas, including entitlements, Social Security, Railroad Retirement, Medicare and Medicaid, Veteran’s health care, health insurance claims, and matters involving financial abuse. Appointment with the attorney can be scheduled by contacting the Department of the Aging.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Through this program, trained volunteers act as advocates for senior citizens living in nursing homes and related facilities. These volunteers are not associated with the facility and represent the interests of residents to the facility administration. Contact the Department of Aging for more information.

Non-Medicaid In-Home Services

A variety of services are designed to help older adults remain safely and independently in their homes. These may include housekeeper chore services, personal care assistance, dementia care resources, and personal response systems. Contact the Department of Aging for more information.

Nutrition and Wellness Services

The Department offers a comprehensive nutrition program that includes nutrition education and counseling, home delivered meals, congregate dining, grab-n-go meals and health promotion activities. These services are designed to address the social determinates of health while supporting overall well-being by promoting healthy eating habits, increasing awareness of current health issues and encouraging participation in activities that help maintain both physical and mental health.

Nutrition Education and Counseling

Nutrition education and counseling is available through a consulting registered dietitian sub-contracted by the Department. The dietitian may be reached by contacting the main office of the Department.

This service is free to any person over the age of 60.

NY Connects - The Aging and Disability Resource Center

NY Connects is your trusted place for free, unbiased information about long-term care services and supports for people of all ages with any type of disability. Long-term services and supports include medical and non-medical services a person needs to improve or maintain health and independence.

Outreach Offices

Trained staff provide outreach services to those elderly who are homebound or unable to get to the satellite or main offices. These staff can provide information on Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, fuel assistance, property taxes, Veteran's benefits, and Department of the Aging services. Staff can assist with the necessary forms. Staff also can assist in identifying needs, encourage the acceptance of aid, and provide contact with needed services.

Public Information

The Department of the Aging offers speakers on a variety of aging services and related topics. Contact the Department to arrange a speaker for your group.

A variety of brochures and pamphlets dealing with services and programs for the senior population are available at the Department's main office in Olean. Many of these brochures are also available at Senior Wellness and Nutrition Program Sites or from outreach workers.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

The Department coordinates the efforts of approximately 400 volunteers throughout Cattaraugus County. Volunteers serve in a wide range of non-profit agencies and organizations with the greatest need being home delivered meals. Volunteers are eligible for mileage reimbursement.

Social Model Adult Day Care

The Department sponsors an Adult Day Care Center located in Allegany. This center provides services for adults who may not require 24 hour care, but who may benefit from supervision, nutrition, personal care, and social stimulation in a non-institutional day setting. The center offers activities planned and designed to meet the specific needs and abilities of each participant according to an individualized plan of care.

In addition to providing for basic needs, the center offers:

Transportation

Some transportation is available throughout the county for medical appointments, shopping, congregate dining and Adult Day Care services.

Please contact us for more information

Connect with our Facebook page Cattaraugus County Department of Aging and NY Connects.