By Lisa Stern
The winter months can be particularly difficult for our senior neighbors and friends. Fewer daylight hours, frigid temperatures and slippery surfaces add up to more treacherous travel for those who can’t see or move very well. These restrictions on daily life exacerbate the difficulty in procuring meals, scheduling health care appointments, and visiting with friends and family.
The good news is there are a variety of ways to get assistance. Family & Children’s Association has a robust roster of services that help meet the nutritional, physical, social and emotional needs of older adults. FCA serves clients of all income levels and housing situations.
Proper nutrition is a foundation of health, and an ideal place to start. Meal delivery programs open the door to a multitude of services that can further assist older adults at every level of need.
A phone call to FCA will get the process started. FCA will assign a case manager to speak with the client or their family and assess their needs.
Case management services are available free to people aged 60 and over who reside in Nassau County in FCA’s assigned catchment area. Some other services may have a cost share, depending upon a financial assessment.
The case managers provide a written plan for approval, following up to make sure that food deliveries are being accepted and provide overall wellness checks.
Food programs
A variety of meals are available for home delivery, including for those with special dietary needs.
FCA’s Link-Age program, which has an RN on-staff, can make a home visit and screen for nutritional needs. They can also provide education on chronic diseases and discuss the connection between physical and mental health. Funded through the Nassau County Office for Aging, Link-Age currently supports the needs of 364 seniors, approximately 85% of whom utilize a meal program.
FCA can help clients connect with SNAP (food stamp) benefits and with AHRC, which provides grocery shopping services for people who can’t shop for themselves.
People of all ages benefit from dining with others, even if just a couple of times a week. Seniors can enjoy hot meals and the company of others at senior centers in Nassau County, many of which provide transportation. FCA can help with ride applications.
Other services
In addition to making sure clients are getting nutritious food, FCA provides seniors with wrap around services as part of the ongoing relationship between client and case manager.
The Nassau County Office of Aging offers a home services program (EISEP) designed for those waiting for Medicaid benefits or are above the Medicaid cutoff. FCA currently has 550 clients receiving services.
Free help with the Medicare application and with choosing the plan that is right for you is also available.
FCA’s Friendly Visiting program, part of the senior community assistance program (SCAP) funded through AmeriCorps, hires low income older adults and volunteers for socializing, light housekeeping, and shopping for people who are homebound.
Senior scams and instances of elder abuse typically have a common starting point—a violation of trust. FCA offers assistance to help avoid scams and abuse, and can step in when abuse occurs. Services include short term crisis counseling and support, liaison with the criminal justice system including court orders of protection, and access to community resources. This program is free & confidential. FCA can help with self-referrals or calls on behalf of another.
A sad reality is that many Long Island seniors live in welfare hotels, having lost the ability to pay for their home or apartment. While low-income housing is available, the current wait list is 5-10 years, so it is critical to sign up for affordable housing well in advance. FCA can assist with the application process.
Despite extensive outreach efforts, many seniors who could benefit from these programs are not getting services. It can be struggle to get people to accept help. They are proud of their independence, with many suggesting that the assistance should go to “those who really need it.”
FCA is here to help. If you or someone you know could benefit from these free or low cost services, a call to FCA will help you get started. Please call (516) 746-0350 or visit the FCA website.
Lisa Stern LCSW-R is assistant vice president, Adult & Senior Services at Family and Children’s Association in Garden City.
