Many older adults want to stay connected to the people and places they’ve known for most of their lives. Keeping those connections isn’t always easy. However, it can be done. See how people and organizations across New York State, committed to helping seniors, are transforming where older adults live into communities that care.
Experts
Donna Beal, Executive Director, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks
Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, was established in 2007. It is responding to the emergent need to address in a holistic manner the health education, spiritual, and friendship needs of elders living in their own homes. Mercy Care provides on a non-denominational basis the benefits of friendship, companionship, assistance, and spiritual care which is not or cannot be adequately provided by family or friends.
Christine Cary, Director, Town of Colonie Senior Resources Department
The Senior Resources Department is the community resource for senior services. Information about programs, services and events can be found on their website:
Town of Colonie SENIOR RESOURCES GUIDE
Anne Marie Cook, President/CEO, LifeSpan of Greater Rochester
Lifespan in Rochester, NY provides information, guidance and more than 30 services that help older adults and caregivers take on longer life, from care management for eldercare to finding a job in retirement.
Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, LiveOn New York, NYC
The Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is recognized as the lead NYC-based organization representing senior services and aging issues, advocating for needed community based services which allow older adults to age with independence and dignity. With over 100 member organizations providing community based services through more than 600 programs, CSCS’ members range from individual community-based centers to large multi-service, citywide organizations and serve over 300,000 older adults annually.
John Kaiteris, Executive Director/CEO, HANAC, Astoria
Founded as a nonprofit in 1972, HANAC – the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee – was initially concerned with addressing the needs of new Greek immigrants living in the community. Today, HANAC has become one of New York City’s largest and most successful social service organizations, touching the lives of over 30,000 individuals with a wide range of programs and services for diverse and multi-ethnic communities in four boroughs. Their programs and services include affordable housing with services for older adults and a multitude of senior programs and centers.
Ed Neary, Executive Director, Colonie Senior Service Centers Inc.
Colonie Senior Service Centers is an independent, community-based not-for-profit that supports, respects, and embraces the values and vitality of its senior citizens.
For over 30 years, CSSC has been committed to providing the services and resources that seniors need to stay active and independent. Today CSSC is the largest provider of services for seniors in Colonie, serving the largest population of seniors over 60 in the Capital Region.
Ellen O’Connor, Director, Community Services, Fairport Baptist Home
Fairport Baptist Homes Senior Options For Independence (SOFI) acts in an advisory and referral capacity, guiding seniors, and/or their caregivers, through the maze of support services available in the community, enabling them to remain in their own homes, independently, with less strain on family and friends, as long as possible.
Additional Resources
Publication: “Housing Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region”
Tool Thrift Shop, Fairport NY Watch their segment here:
