The New York Southern Area Aging Network (NY-SAAN) is presenting a regional conference on ways to ease the critical shortage of workers in the heath-care field to care for the older population. The event will take place on Sept. 18 in Manhattan. The title of the conference is “Cutting Edge Approaches: Recruitment, Retention, Retooling, Policy/Advocacy – Sizing up the Workforce for the Elderboom,” and the Department of Senor Programs and Services is spearheading the event.

It can be a challenge to acquire all the information about what options are available for people in need of  long-term care.  That’s why the county encourages residents looking for such a service to check out New York Connects help line. Here, one toll-free telephone call provides a wealth of information about long-term care choices for seniors and for disabled adults and children.

In another project, Livable Community Connection program is up and running.  Its aim is to help seniors “age in place” in their own homes.  DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter, who is spearheading the initiative, recently won a national award, which acknowledges her leadership in this area. DSPS co-sponsors the Livable Communities initiative with the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

Our Medicare Information Line is open year-round so contact us. Seniors may also want to call the County to see if they qualify for help with their home heating-oil bill. 

DSPS provides information on the "basics" such as senior housing or help for caregivers.  Likewise for adult day care services for medical, psychiatric, and social needs in the area and long-term care and long-term care insurance.  You may also want to check out our listings of Senior Clubs and Centers and Senior Nutrition Sites or learn more about our Campaign to Stop Elder Abuse.

DSPS offers many free publications with important advice.  Our newest is "A Guide for Caregivers: What You Need to Know."