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Department of Senior Services

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Guide to Services for Older People

Revised 02/23/09

The Erie County Department of Senior Services brings together the programs, services and supportive facilities which help our 190,000 elderly maintain independence whenever possible. Established in 1971, the Department coordinates existing community services as well as plans, develops and administers needed programs and promotes new and better services for all persons age sixty and over.

As there are many agencies in Erie County willing and able to help older people, this guide is to assist you in finding the particular service you need. The Guide is made possible by funding from the New York State Office for the Aging and the County of Erie.

? ? ? QUESTIONS ? ? ?

CALL 858-8526 or E-MAIL seniorinfo@erie.gov
WEBSITE: www.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices

TTY / TDD: Use NYS Relay Service @ 711 or 1-800-662-1220 to reach any number in this guide.

Safety

For concerns regarding property or person, call one of the following:

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Rental Assistance

For information regarding eligibility for rental assistance, call:

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Long-Term Living Arrangements

There are several options for long-term living arrangements with different levels of care and supervision. Call:

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Homelessness

For information on shelters or issues pertaining to the homeless, call:

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Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

An emergency response system can be installed in-home. With the push of a button emergency help will be summoned. For further information, call:

You may also request information from your local hospital or home care agency.
Check the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Medical Alarms."

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Grocery Delivery

Call for information regarding grocery delivery. (There is a fee for this service.):

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Dining Sites

Hot meals are served daily at noontime, Monday through Friday, at group dining sites for persons age 60 and over. (Spouses may attend.) For information call:

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Meals Delivered to Your Home

For meals to be delivered to homebound seniors and disabled persons, call the service nearest you:

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Food Stamps

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Consumer Questions

For concerns regarding fraud, false advertising, food inspection, etc., call:

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Friendly Visitors & Telephone Calls

For homebound seniors who would like someone to visit on a regular basis, call:

For regular phone calls to check on a person's welfare or offer a friendly chat, call:

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Information & Referral

For information on services, benefits, entitlements and other areas of concern to older persons:

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Legal Counseling

Help is given without cost to seniors for problems with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, grandparents' rights; in Buffalo, also for home ownership, landlord and tenant problems.

For low income people and for problems with SSI, Food Stamps, disability claims, handicapped rights, family law, housing for homeless, and eviction matters, call:

For many other legal matters, call:

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Utility & Energy Information

For a disconnect notice or other concern regarding utility bills, call the utility company first.
If the problem is not resolved, then call:

For additional information or assistance, call:

For problems with water bills, call the local Water Authority.

For information or assistance in paying heating bills, call:

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Finances

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Insurance Information

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Medicare Claim Information

Instruction on the completion of forms and information about medical claims, call:

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Voting

Please call for information regarding registration, absentee ballots, voting districts, etc.

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Health Care Information

Look in the Table of Contents under "Self-Help" and "Support Groups."

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Community Health

Community Health Centers: Community centers provide medical care, social services, and are a resource for all types of individual needs within a neighborhood setting:

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Hospice Services

For services for the terminally ill and their families, call:

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Self-Help Groups

For help in dealing with chronic or life-threatening conditions or grief, call:

(For information on other Support/Self-Help Groups call the Department of Senior Services: 858-8526.)

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Developmental Disabilities

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Adaptive Clothing & Equipment

Seniors with physical limitations or seniors who have difficulty doing every day tasks may be helped by adaptive devices or specially designed clothing. For more information, including local suppliers and numbers to call for catalogs, contact the Erie County Caregiver Resource Center. 858-8526

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Education for Caregivers

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Errands / Chore Service

Neighborhood agencies may be able to offer help with household tasks (donations requested by some agencies). Call:

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Mental Health Services

Mental health evaluation, assistance and / or information are available through:

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Adult Day Programs

These programs may offer health, rehabilitation, mental health or social activities. For further information contact:

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Victim Services

For assistance in finding supportive services after being the victim of a crime, call:

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Driver Safety Programs

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Socialization & Recreation

Many services and activities are provided for seniors, including recreation and socialization. For senior centers within Erie County, call:

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Recreation Permits & Discounts

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Transportation

Door-to-door transportation service to health, nutrition, income maintenance, social services and other services that are identified as high priority may be obtained by calling:

Wheelchair Lift Transportation:

Private pay wheelchair vans are listed under "Wheelchair Transportation Services" or "Ambulette Service" in the Yellow Pages of the phone book; you may also call your local town hall or senior center.

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Health Care in Your Home

Many private, profit-making home care agencies exist in our community and may be found in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Home Health Services" or "Nurses."
For more information on home care, personal care or skilled nursing help in the home, call:

(See also "Nurses" or "Home Health Services" in the Yellow Pages of the phone directory. Other services may be available through local churches and town halls.)

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Handicapped Parking Permits

For handicapped parking permit information and application, call:

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Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities are available at many colleges and high school districts' adult and/or continuing education programs at reduced or free tuition. For more information about classes, call:

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Volunteer Opportunities

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Case Work / Case Management

For information call:

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Community Services

Community-based organizations provide a variety of services. Contact the agency closest to home or the one that addresses specific needs:

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Out-of-Town Aging Network

For information on agencies serving elderly out of Erie County, call:

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Discounts & ID Cards

Identification cards can be obtained for discounts on goods, services, food, entertainment and/or Metro bus/rail transportation. Call:

Many merchants offer discounts to seniors; please check with individual providers.

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Taxes

Property tax information and reductions, call your local Town or Village Assessor's office.

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Employment

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