The Older Americans Act of 1965 created structures at the federal, state and local levels to administer programs that help the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.
The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is part of this National Network on Aging, which includes the Administration on Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 57 State Agencies on Aging, 670 Area Agencies on Aging and approximately 27,000 local service provider organizations under contract to the area agencies.
In 1974, the Westchester County Office for the Aging was designated by the New York State Office for the Aging as the Area Agency on Aging to serve all persons 60 years of age and older in the Westchester geographic area.
In March 2001, the Westchester County Office for the Aging became the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services. Currently, we are servicing more than 170,000 persons 60 years of age and older in Westchester County.
Our mission is to:
Identify and prioritize the needs of the elderly in Westchester
Create comprehensive and coordinated plans for meeting those needs
Advocate for responsive policies, programs, actions, legislation and resources on behalf of the elderly.
The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services also conducts activities and develops programs and services, which meet the intent of the Older Americans Acts and the New York State Community Services for the Elderly Act. The goals and missions of both the federal and state acts are to enhance the quality of life for the elderly in the following critical areas:
Sufficient income to meet basic needs
The best physical and mental health available
Appropriate housing according to individual needs and wishes
Services to restore health to the best possible state
Employment opportunities
Dignified, honorable and healthful retirement
Freedom to pursue meaningful activities
Adequate community services
Benefits from social and medical research as soon as possible
Use of initiative, freedom and independence in managing and planning their own lives
A primary role of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is to maintain a complete inventory of services available to older persons and to serve as an information and referral point for local services.
“Generations”, the senior citizens’ newspaper published monthly by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, is sent to 125,000 persons 60 years of age and older and list various important phone numbers and resources for seniors. Call (914) 813-6300 to subscribe or to change your address.
The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services is also the local link for Eldercare Locator Services of the National Network on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service to help families and friends find information about community services for older people.