Senior Citizens

The Department of Senior Programs and Services offers a variety of seminars and activities for seniors throughout the year. Check out our special events calendar.

Seniors can select their Medicare Part D coverage to subsidize their prescription drug costs in 2010 during the open enrollment period through Dec. 31. The Medicare Information Line, (914) 813-6100, is open year-round, and Medicare Basics programs are set for December.

Elected officials will accept questions at DSPS’ annual Legislative Speak-Out on Jan. 29 at the County Center.

Our award-winning program “Livable Communities Initiative: A Vision for All Ages – Bringing People and Places Together” aims to help seniors remain in their homes as they grow older with independence, dignity and civic engagement. The initiative is now unfolding in Westchester through the Livable Community Village Approach - a “neighbors-helping-neighbors" program. Create a village where you live with our Village Tool-Kit.

In a trail-blazing initiative, 25 Westchester County volunteers received certificates for completing the new Livable Communities Caregiver Coaching Program to help family caregivers make informed decisions to better care for their older or disabled loved ones.

DSPS received four of the six Achievement Awards won by Westchester County in a competition sponsored by the National Association of Counties. It also won a Mature Media Award from the Mature Market Resource Center. In addition, the department was recognized with three awards from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Many people are struggling to pay their bills. But give a look at the Benefits Checkup brochure and complete the on-line questionnaire to learn about benefits you’re entitled to receive but may not know about.

Professionals who want to receive Aging Network News bulletins from our department should send us their e-mail address. Sign up today.

Seniors should check our listings of senior clubs and centers and senior nutrition sites.

Learn about Senior Crime Busters, a one-hour elder fraud protection program that provides tips on how seniors can stay safe and avoid scams. Also learn about elder abuse - what it is and what to do if it occurs.

If you, or someone you know, might require additional assistance to leave home during an emergency, sign up with the Special Needs Registry.

Westchester County is a major sponsor of Project Lifesaver (flyer and contact), a program that helps find missing seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and are prone to wandering.

The department provides information on senior housing, help for caregivers, adult day care services for medical, psychiatric, and social needs and long-term care and long-term care insurance. Check out NY Connects to learn about long-term care options.