How Niagara County Supports Its Older Residents and Their Families

There is so much for older residents to experience and enjoy in Niagara County, but sometimes this population needs extra support to stay active and independent.

The Niagara County Office for the Aging is a local hub for services, programs, and facilities that support adults ages 60 and older. Some programs they administer themselves and others are provided in conjunction with area nonprofits and other community partners. They cover everything from dementia education to Medicare education to mental health services and legal assistance.

Here's a closer look at what they offer:

1) NY Connects Program of Niagara County:  Established in 2007, it offers information and assistance, along with education and screening to individuals, their families, caregivers, and professionals. Their goal is to help people live as independently as possible while meeting medical, functional, and social needs that arise from aging and disability. Call NY Connects at 716-438-3030.

2) Caregivers program: This program provides information and assistance, education, respite care in home, or out of home such as Adult Day Care, as well as linkage to community-based services for caregivers. These programs provide a much-needed break to individuals and family members who care for a Niagara County resident age 60 years or older, including those with a memory disorder and disabled individuals.

3) Wellness Workshops and Classes: Want to stay healthy and active? The county offers several health and wellness workshops including Diabetes Self Management, Diabetes Prevention, Chronic Disease Self Management, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Contact them at 716-438-3030 for more information.

4) Eat Well Stay Well: The county serves more than 20,000 hot meals a month at designated locations, with delivered hot meals available through FeedMore WNY.

5) Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP): This program offers case management, personal care, and housekeeping assistance to low-income adults 60 and older who do not qualify for Medicaid or other services.

6) Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): This program provides one-time assistance for energy costs to those over 60 or receiving SSI or SSD.

7) Insurance (HIICAP): Trained staff and counselors answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D. They also can help you apply for low-income programs and the EPIC Program and figure out how to pay for medication or medical equipment.

8) Legal assistance: For a suggested donation, the county offers confidential legal assistance for those 60 and older in:

• Health Care ProxyJudge
• Wills
• Power of Attorney
• Living Wills and Trusts
• Consumer Fraud
• Contractual Disputes
• Social Security Questions
• Medicare and Medicaid Related Problems
• SSI Application and Eligibility Questions

9) Medical transportation: The Senior Medical Van can offer curb-to-curb rides to medical appointments in Niagara, Erie, and Orleans counties. They must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

10) Mental health services: The Partnership for Health Aging helps those 60 and older stay connected with medical, behavioral health, and non-medical community support.

Don't be overwhelmed by the number of services available! The Niagara County Office for the Aging is happy to help residents and their families understand and locate available services for which they might qualify. They are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at (716) 438-4020 or 111 Main St., Suite 101, Lockport, NY 14094. Click here to visit their website.