Presented at Public Hearing August 15, 2024

Bonnie Saunders, Deputy Director

I am honored to present to you the Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging’s

2023-2024 public hearing.

Every year, the Administration for Community Living recognizes and celebrates older Americans’ valuable contributions. The 2024 celebration theme is ‘Powered by Connection’, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

Additionally, a ‘Reframe Aging’ seminar sponsored by New York State Office for the Aging provided information about improving the perception of aging. The presenter reported that New York's 4.6 million older adults bring enormous intellectual, social and economic capital. Older New Yorkers and baby boomers make up 65% of all household income generated in New York State. They have high home ownership rates, are supporting schools and local business, and support almost 7 million jobs. This past year, the Cattaraugus County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) alone reported $968,384 as the monetary value associated with the work that our volunteers perform in our communities.

Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging is embedding ‘Powered by Connection’ and ‘Reframing Aging’ into the four-year plan. We have begun by starting innovative intergenerational programs. For example, St. Bonaventure Art and Swim Club students are creating window designs at our Allegany Senior Wellness and Nutrition Center. St. Bonaventure Health Professions students are visiting Senior Wellness and Nutrition Sites and providing wellness information while benefiting from the accumulated wisdom of the older adults with whom they are interacting. Dream It Do It, Intandem, Eden Heights, and other community-based organizations have volunteers supporting programs that serve our county’s older adults. Our four-year plan will also include linking programs and individuals with technology to further increase social connections.

I am grateful for the support of county leaders, volunteers, staff, caregivers, and the older adults of

Cattaraugus County. Let’s continue to find creative solutions to ensure we can all thrive as we age.

Respectfully,

Bonnie Saunders, Deputy Director

• M. Andrew Burr, Chairman, Cattaraugus County Legislature
• **Kelly J. Andreano
• R. Donald Benson
• Joseph Boberg
• Michael M. Brisky
• *Richard Helmich, Jr.
• Frank H. Higgins
• Laurie A. Hunt
• Norman L. Marsh
• *Timothy J. Nagle
• Robert A. Parker
• *Ginger D. Schroder
• *Richard C. Smith
• Jefferey R. Stoltenberg
• Steven H. Teachman

**Human Services Committee Chair

*Human Services Committee Member

Cathy Mackay Director

Bonnie Saunders Deputy Director

Susan Carney Office Manager

Kim Connell Nutrition Program Director

Ellen Herner RSVP Program Director

Michele Spring Senior Accountant

Mandi Hemphill Case Supervisor

Katie Wilkinson Unit Supervisor

• Frank Aloi
• Ann Ploetz
• Tammy Benjamin
• Mary Rich
• Judi Blair
• Sylvia Say
• Diane Boser
• Terry Shaw
• Rita Fischer
• Rick Smith
• Barb Hastings
• Dr. Kevin Watkins

Photo of the Advisory Council

Bonnie Babcock Connecting Communities in Action

Ann Battaglia Healthy Community Alliance

Kelly Bearfield Eden Heights of Olean

Adam Dexter LawNY

Julie Hall Interfaith Caregivers

Barbara Hastings WNY Public Health Alliance

Mari Howard Intandem, Inc.

Beth Lay Seneca Nation of Indians

Sue McAuley United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties

Steve McCord Cattaraugus County Veterans Service Agency

Caitlin Metler Directions in Independent Living

Mary O’Leary Cattaraugus County Community Services

Roxanne Padlo Total Senior Care

Tammy Schmidt The Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation

Richard Smith Cattaraugus County Legislature

Patricia Tedesco Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Dr. Kevin Watkins Cattaraugus County Health Department

Erin Whitcomb Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services

Ex-Officio Members:

• M. Andrew Burr, Legislative Chairman
• Kelly Andreano, Legislator
• Ginger Schroder, Legislator
• Jack Searles, County Administrator

The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging was created in July of 1975, and since its inception has coordinated with existing community services, planned, developed, and/or administered needed programs, while also promoting new and better services for all individuals age 60 or older.

In accordance with the Older Americans Act and the vision of local government, the primary goal of the Department of the Aging is to enable the estimated 15,500 older adults of Cattaraugus County to maintain or improve their quality of life in the least restrictive, most cost effective way.

With respect for the dignity, independence, and strengths of aging Cattaraugus Countians, with compassion for their needs, and with zeal in the promotion of their interests, the Department of the Aging shall:

• Anticipate, plan, coordinate, and support services and benefits to help older Cattaraugus Countians

  meet their diverse physical, social, and economic needs;

• Fairly and equitably allocate County, State, and Federal funds to communities throughout the County, identify quality programs to receive those funds, and ensure their effective and efficient use to meet the needs of older persons and their families;

• Expand resources for the aging through advocacy and through private and public partnerships in

  the creation of new programs and revenue enhancing innovations;

• Develop and encourage opportunities for older persons to serve their communities and to work as long as they wish;

• Assist older persons and their families to access existing resources and inform and educate the general public about aging issues; and

• Emphasize the development and accessibility of home and community-based services to prevent

  premature institutionalization.

  MISSION, VALUES, & VISION of NY Connects

  Cattaraugus County NY Connects is an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) that provides accessible, coordinated and person-centered answers to the long term care needs of county residents and those who care for them. It is a “no wrong door” model of information and assistance through a collaboration of the Cattaraugus County Departments of Aging, Social Services, Health, Veterans Administration, Community Services (Mental Health), OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities), and Directions in Independent Living. The system will:

  • Encompass consumer choice, offer system integration for programs that are effective and responsive, promote personal responsibility, serve all socioeconomic groups, provide quality care, and ensure accountability, efficiency and affordability.

  • Provide a consumer-centered entry point for information and assistance about long-term care and will direct consumers to linkages to services that assist individuals of all ages with long-term care needs, ensuring unbiased information and conflict-free case management.

  • Provide information and assistance to all individuals who need long-term care, their caregivers, and those planning for future long-term care needs, whether it is anticipated that public or private sources of payment will be used. Supports a collaborative effort that ensures accountability, efficiency, and affordability for the consumer.

    A PROFILE OF AGING IN CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

    The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging is one of the 59 Area Agencies on Aging in New York State.

    Our agency is dedicated to coordinating and collaborating with existing community service organizations to plan, develop and/or administer needed programs, while promoting productive, quality life for all individuals age 60 or older in the county.

    Cattaraugus County is geographically large with approximately 1,310 square miles of land area and with an average of 62 persons living per square mile. It is the 8th largest county in New York by total area. The current population is approximately 75,150. Of that population total 15,353 are 60 years of age and over. The implications for community impact are astounding. Today’s older adults are likely to be managing two or more chronic conditions, but they are living longer, more active lives.

    It is imperative that we be proactive in developing livable communities where older persons can age in place successfully. Community-based services are cheaper and less restrictive. We will fulfill our part toward that goal of making Cattaraugus County a place where people can grow older and live happy, healthy, and productive lives.

• Adult Day Care

• Nutrition Services

• Personal Emergency Response Units

• Family Caregiver Support and Respite

• Caregiver Resource Center/Caregiver Services

• Personal Care and Housekeeping

• Pharmaceutical Assistance/EPIC

• Health Insurance Counseling

• No Wrong Door/Options Counseling

• Case Management and Counseling

• Assessment and Screening

• Long Term Care Planning

• Evidenced-Based Programs (Tai-Chi, SHARE,

  Powerful Tools for Caregivers)

• Advocacy

• Legal Services

• Benefit Screening and Advisement

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

• SNAP (Food Stamps)

• Elder Abuse Prevention

• Weatherization/Home Access

• Public Information

• Information/Referral

• Case Assistance

• Outreach/Education

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Connection with Technology Opportunities

The next few slides provide a brief breakdown of some of the Department of the Aging services that have enhanced independence and the ability for older Cattaraugus County residents to remain at home.

*Staff/Volunteer locations: South Dayton, Cattaraugus, Ellicottville, Little Valley, Salamanca, Franklinville, Allegany, Gowanda

LOCATION	2018	2023/2024	Increase of:
Allegany	12,830	14,914	2,084
Cattaraugus	5,047	5,456	409
Delevan	13,870	15,578	1,708
Ellicottville	3,200	5,479	2,279
Franklinville	6,909	8,023	1,114
Gowanda	10,946	12,001	1,055
Little Valley	4,487	3,862	-625
Olean	31,718	36,049	4,331
Portville	11,002	10,224	-778
Randolph	3,770	5,897	2,127
South Dayton	2,132	3,572	1,440
West Valley	2,672	5,809	3,137
Totals	108,583	126,864	18,281

Locations

CDOA TOTAL FEDERAL REVENUE 2023 - 2024

Percentage	Name	Description
19.3%	Title III C-1	Congregate Meals
17.6%	NSIP	Meal Reimbursement
13.2%	Title III C-2	Home Delivered Meals
13.1%	Title III B	Case Management, Information & Referral, Outreach, Case Assistance, Legal Services
8.4%	RSVP	Volunteer Services
7.2%	Title III E	Family Caregive Support, Respite
6.0%	SNAP ED	Nutrition Services
5.8%	HIICAP	Health Insurance Counseling
5.6%	CACFP	Social Adult Day Care/Other Day Programs
2.8%	MIPPA	Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act
1.0%	Title III D	Health Promotion/Evidence Based Programs

CCDOA TOTAL STATE REVENUE 2023 - 2024

Percentage	Name	Description
15.10%	NY Connects E&E	NY Connects/ADRC, Information & Assistance, Information & Referral/LT Services & Supports
11.40%	EISEP	Personal Care, Housekeeping, Personal Emergency Response Units, Adult Day Care
0.10%	CSI	Senior Center Activities
14.80%	WIN	Congregate and Home Delivered Meals
0.30%	Transportation	Transportation
1.00%	CRC	Caregiver Education, Information & Support
9.00%	CSEP	Transportation, Adult Day Care, Case Management, I & R
0.40%	RSVP	Volunteer Services
6.20%	ADCSI	NYSDOH/Western New York Alzheimer's Caregiver Partnership
41.70%	Unmet Needs	Support additional service capacity through NYSOFA programs

CCDOA TOTAL REVENUES BY SOURCE 2023 - 2024

Revenue Percentage	Name of Revenue	Description	Revenue Amount
12.9%	Federal	Federal Award	$593,728.00
43.7%	State	State Award	$2,005,519.00
34.4%	Local	Local Share	$1,578,027.03
9.0%	Other	Includes MLTCs, Participant Contributions and Donations	$414,902.90
100%	Total	-	$4,592,176.93

CCDOA TOTAL EXPENSES BY CATEGORY 2023 - 2024

Category	Percentage	Description	Amount
Nutrition	37.1%	WIN, Title III C-1, Title III C-2, NSIP, SNAP ED, CACFP, CSI	$1,705,232.01
Caregiver Services	5.6%	ADCSI, Title III E, CRC	$255,236.76
Volunteer Programming	3.6%	Federal RSVP, NYS RSVP	$167,223.99
Health Insurance Counseling	1.4%	HIICAP, MIPPA	$64,441.56
NY Connects E&E	11.0%	NY Connects E&E	$507,046.56
Non-Medical Home Based & Adult Day Services	28.3%	EISEP, CSEP, Unmet Needs	$1,299,718.24
Evidence Based Services	0.4%	Title III D	$19,723.36
Transportation Services	0.2%	AAA Transportation	$8,798.41
General Services	12.3%	Title III B, Stimulus, HEAP, Other	$564,756.04
Total	100%	-	$4,592,176.93

• Awarded substantial increase in our NYSOFA Unmet Need funding to decrease number of clients waiting for services

• Continued to expand community program sessions for evidence-based health promotion programs, including Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, Support, Health, Activities, Resources, Education (SHARE), and Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes

• Built relationship with a Federally Qualified Health Center (Universal Primary Care) by hosting an in-person presentation on Department of the Aging and NY Connects services to resident physicians

• Participated in a tabled event at Olean Public Library to share information on Department of the Aging and NY

  Connects services

• Promoted trauma-informed care by having staff participate in and present at local Trauma Symposium

• Collaborated with Department of Social Services and Center for Elder Law and Justice to promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Cattaraugus County, as well as hosting several informational sessions throughout the county

• Continued to expand our Blooming Health platform outreach, thereby increasing our agency’s ability to quickly send out emergency information and allow those receiving the messages to request a contact

• Co-presented and tabled at events held on the Allegany and Cattaraugus Seneca Nation territories

• Assisted with planning the annual Dementia and Alzheimer’s Symposium as well as contributed swag bags

  with the our program information

• Maintained staff board membership with several community organizations to increase advocacy and education

• Attended the Association on Aging in NY Leadership Institute and advocated for funding that does not

  have a county match

• Hosted CarFit presentations at the senior wellness and nutrition sites sites

• Dispersed information on CellEd; a program that facilitates English and Spanish learning

• Held a Caregiver Program series via Webex

• Continued participation in Resources and Advocacy for the Aging and Disabled (RAAD) meetings

• Worked with the Emergency Operations Center during the winter storm event and contacted older adults and caregivers to educate them on warming/charging stations, overnight shelters, and inquired about emergency needs

• Showcased by Blooming Health and NYSOFA for utilizing Blooming Health as a way to quickly survey older adults during an emergency

• Partnered with the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse whose residents provide 50 treats per month to be distributed to older adults in Cattaraugus County

• Conducted care consultations and caregiver services through a partnership with the Alzheimer’s

  Association of WNY

• Participated in the Healthy Cattaraugus County NY Partnership Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Project

• Networked at Care Connection Day with local providers and care coordinators

• Secured 900 booklets of 2023 Farmers Market Coupons for distribution to Cattaraugus County older

  adults resulting in $22,500 worth of local produce distributed to area older adults

• Partnered with CASA-Trinity to provide Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) articles for their senior newsletter which is distributed to out to senior wellness and nutrition sites across the county

• Renewed SAGECare credential for LGBT Cultural Competency certification

• Secured 1,000 eclipse glasses and distributed the glasses to older adults throughout the county along with EOC-approved public education

• Awarded a Ralph C. Wilson Legacy Grant of $25,000 to create a caregiver hub at the Allegany Senior Wellness and Nutrition Center

• Relocated the Department of the Aging’s central kitchen from Machias to Allegany

• Collaborated with the Dream It Do It team to provide technology items to older adults and education on how to use and operate items

• Signed an agreement with Cattaraugus County Pride Coalition to participate in Pride in the Park 2024

• Facilitated referrals and trainings related to the YMCA’s virtual blood pressure self-monitoring program

• Received donations or grants from:
  • Subaru’s annual Share the Love Event ($3,623.94) Meals on Wheels America ($25,000)
  • Caregiver Technology Grant ($5,000)
  • Western Zone Retired Teachers Foundation ($400)
  • Free Methodist Church, Planning Committee on the Problems of the Aging ($200)
  • First Presbyterian Church ($15,000 toward a new walk-in freezer for the central kitchen) Brutsman (emergency meals $150)
  • Health Foundation $2,500
• Attended leadership training and caucus meetings to strategize how to more effectively advocate for services and funding
• Promoted cultural competence by encouraging staff to participate in training for creating a safe environment, person centered practice, and cultural humility training
• Promoted Center for Elder Law and Justice’s Financial Management Volunteer Assistance Program
• Provided awareness related to telemedicine suites and assistive devices available through Interfaith Caregivers
• Provided referrals to Falls Prevention programs offered by Ardent Solutions
• Educated older adults and their caregivers through our SNAP-ED program on eating healthy on a budget and healthy eating habits

Goal #1: Further the vision of the Older Americans Act to cultivate innovative approaches reflective of local needs and preferences.

Goal #2: Enable older New Yorkers to remain in their own homes with high quality of life for as long as possible through the provision of home and community-based services, including supports for family caregivers.

Goal #3: Create an age-friendly New York where home and community-based services are available and accessible to those who most need them, when they need them.

Goal #4: Ensure the rights of older New Yorkers and prevent their abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Goal #5: Empower older New Yorkers to stay active and healthy through Older Americans Act services and those offered under Medicare.

Goal #6: Integrate COVID-19 lessons and adaptations into standard practice while preparing the aging network, and those served by the network, to successfully respond and adapt to future emergencies and disasters.

Goal #7: Promote equitable access to older adults in greatest social and economic need throughout all

programs and services administered.

Goal #8: Support continuation of growth of state and local policy, programs, and investments that complement and expand upon the Older Americans Act programs.

Goal # 9: Family caregivers will be recognized, assisted, included, supported, and engaged through a variety

of programs so that they can care for their care receivers at home for as long as possible.

• Increasing our social media presence to enhance awareness of programs and services available to older adults and their caregivers.

• Collaborating with community-based organizations to promote the use of technology by older adults and their caregivers to access information, and also as an avenue to reduce social isolation.

• Working collaboratively to address the home care worker crisis.

• Identifying resources that can assist with home modifications and ancillary services that promote

  community living.

• Increasing older adults’ access to technology options and awareness of state and local technology programs.

• Sustaining a robust congregate and home delivered meal program which is responsive to the needs and preferences of older adults in Cattaraugus County.

• Promote and collaborate on abuse prevention and education for older adults, caregivers and community organizations.

• Partnering with nonprofit organizations, private entities, governmental agencies, and individuals to build local, integrated legal services delivery systems that effectively and efficiently use the resources of the legal and advocacy communities to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and protect their rights

• Increasing training opportunities for trauma-informed care.

• Increasing evidenced-based classes: Tai Chi for Arthritis, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and

  SHARE sessions.

• Collaborating with the local university’s health professions students to provide health-related outreach/educational opportunities in multiple areas of the community.

• Raising Medicare awareness and enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program benefit.

• Educating Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare preventive and Medicare wellness benefits and the importance of these services.

• Participating in ongoing training in basic disaster and emergency preparedness activities.

• Working collaboratively with the county Emergency Operations Center.

• Increasing client and caregiver opportunities to participate in Blooming Health and providing education on its ability to send out emergency information and allows those participating to send a request back for more information or a request for contact from a DOA worker.

• Expanding on the use of technology for telehealth and to reduce social isolation.

• Re-establish volunteer-led telephone reassurance programming.

• Fostering intergenerational wellness partnerships with St. Bonaventure University health professions students who will visit Senior Wellness and Nutrition sites throughout the county to provide health and wellness educational activities.

• Improving and embracing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

• Decreasing the number of individuals who are waiting for services.

• Partnering with community-based organizations to provide information and access to services

  and programs that meet the needs of the people we serve.

• Increasing awareness and outreach to support caregivers.

• Helping caregivers self-identify as a caregiver.

• Creating a caregiver hub where caregivers and care receivers can enjoy shared activities in a non-judgmental space.

Grace Yatzkanic was honored by NYSOFA on Older New Yorkers’ Day, celebrated May 14, 2024. The picture and narrative below are found in the “Powered By Connections” Older New Yorkers’ Day 2024 publication.

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Grace Yatzkanic's unwavering dedication to volunteering reflects her genuine compassion and caring nature. Volunteering as cashier at the The Bridge resale shop, Yatzkanic's impact on her community is immeasurable.

Born and raised in New York. her commitment to service stems from a lifelong belief in the importance of helping others. Her warmth and kindness make her a beloved member of her community.

Yatzkanic's legacy of volunteerism and compassion continues to inspire those around her, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many.

She says, "You should volunteer. You never have to be bored. It makes you feel better and helps those around you. It's good for you and other people."

Marlene “Molly” Chapman traveled to Albany and was honored on May 14, 2024, at the “Powered by Connections” Older New Yorkers’ Day 2024 celebration. Marlene’s picture and narrative are part of the “Powered By Connections” Older New Yorkers’ Day 2024 publication.
Sadly, Marlene passed away July 15, 2024.

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Marlene "Molly" Chapman's dedication to volunteerism is a testament to her genuine love for people and her community. From volunteering at the Cattaraugus County I-86 rest area to supporting the Red Cross and League of Women Voters, Chapman's impact is felt far and wide.

A lifelong resident of New York, Chapman's career in health care and her involvement in various community organizations reflect her commitment to service and compassion. Her selflessness and dedication inspire all those around her.

Chapman's love for people and her community is exemplified through her volunteer work, leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging / NY Connects

1 Leo Moss Drive, Suite 7610, Olean, New York 14760

716-373-8032

1-800-462-2901

716-701-3730 Fax

www.CattCo.org/aging