Resources 5e
Appendix A: Local Social Service Organizations
Here’s a list of major Long Island social service agencies that provide helpful information and assistance for seniors, caregivers and their families
Many federal and state programs for people age 60 and older are administered locally through Nassau and Suffolk county offices.
LONG ISLAND FAMILY CAREGIVER COALITION
www.lifcc.org.oursite.com
The Long Island Family Caregiver Coalition is a network of local businesses and organizations, including AARP, committed to enhancing the quality of life of caregivers and their families through advocacy and education.
2-1-1 LONG ISLAND
Help Line: Call 2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633
2-1-1 Long Island is a free, non-emergency information and referral service that connects Long Island residents to a wide array of health and human services they may need on a daily basis or during a disaster. A partnership between the United Way of Long Island and Middle Country Public Library, 2-1-1 offers a confidential call center where trained specialists help link people to services they need. (Available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday.)
People also can quickly locate services on the website for seniors and caregivers by clicking “Popular Searches,” then “Seniors,” where users can link to a list of specific topics: adult day care, Alzheimer’s disease, assisted living facilities, elder abuse, errand running and shopping assistance, geriatric medicine, home maintenance services, meals, medical transportation, Medicare counseling, nursing facilities, senior citizen centers, senior ride programs.
FAMILY & CHILDREN’S ASSOCIATION
(Nassau County)
www.familyandchildrens.org
516)-746-0350
Through an integrated network of services and counseling, this Mineola nonprofit agency supports vulnerable children and youths, seniors, veterans, families and communities. With offices in several locations, the association offers a range of programs that help residents age 60 and older, whether they are in their own homes, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Among the services:
Financial Counseling—Programs to help resolve debt and mortgage crises; HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program) for issues concerning Medicare and other health care options; bill payer assistance, including budgeting; managing consumer debt; CHEC, which provides reverse mortgages; and completion of tax forms.
Care Management—Comprehensive assessment and assistance for seniors having difficulty functioning independently at home, including development of a care plan, arranging in-home personal and medical care; assistance with government benefits; money management; counseling and consultations.
Ombudservice—Trained volunteers called “ombudsmen” work as resident advocates for seniors living in nursing, adult and assisted living homes, protecting residents’ rights and resolving concerns about care for residents and their families.
FAMILY SERVICE LEAGUE
(Suffolk County)
631-427-3700
This Huntington-based grass roots social service agency offers dozens of programs that support local individuals in need, from newborns to seniors. The agency’s five Family Centers feature up to 20 distinct services consolidated into one help center, enabling stressed families to take advantage of multiple services in a more efficient and integrated way. Family Service League programs are designed to support aging seniors, as well as aid younger family members with caregiving responsibilities. Among the programs:
Family Mental Health and Counseling—A spectrum of services, including adult care management, which provides case management and care coordination services for adults with chronic health conditions or severe mental illness.
Financial Literacy and Debt Counseling—Assists individuals and families who are struggling with financial indebtedness.
Money Follows the Person—A New York State-funded program that helps nursing home residents return to the community when possible. Resources such as affordable housing options, housing subsidies, and inter-generational housing programs are explored and secured.
Ombudsman Program—Trained volunteers (“ombudspersons”) visit nursing homes, adult homes, and assisted-living facilities to advocate for residents and their families, protecting their rights and improving the quality of life for long-term care residents.
HomeShare Long Island-Suffolk—Program that matches older homeowners and home-seekers in Suffolk County with the objective of sharing a single-family home. The collaborative arrangement allows seniors to preserve their homes and independent living status while providing younger employed adults with low-cost housing. Homeowners offer accommodations in exchange for an agreed-upon level of help with household tasks, companionship, and financial support, or some combination of all three.
Caregiver Support— Family caregivers living east of Route 112 can take advantage of the Caregiver Support Program, offered in several locations. Caregivers receive individual and/or group counseling and are encouraged to attend clinician-supervised group sessions that provide valuable peer support and address key aspects of the aging process that impact caregivers.
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion—A New York State Medicaid-waiver program that supports seniors living at home. In addition, seniors in long-term care facilities and those at risk of long-term care placement are afforded funding to help support an independent-living environment. Services available include assistive technology, help with moving costs, renovations, home care, and service coordination.
FEDERATION OF ORGANIZATIONS (FEGS)
631-669-5355
This community-based agency is a major provider of health and wellness, senior and children’s services, housing, and support services in Suffolk and Nassau counties, as well as Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan. Programs for seniors include:
The Foster Grandparent Program—The program offers volunteer opportunities to low-income seniors who wish to remain active in their communities by providing one-to-one assistance to children in elementary schools, Head Start Centers and day care centers throughout Suffolk County. 631-321-8229 Ext. 1224
Senior Companion Program—Program pairs healthy older individuals with seniors who are frail, homebound, or isolated. Senior companions offer friendship and support as they help recipients remain in their own homes and live independently. Companions provide friendly visits and socialization; help with preparing light meals, medication reminders, light household duties, accompaniment on occasional outings and errands, and connecting the recipient to additional resources. 631-321-8229 Ext. 1224
Suffolk County Respite Care Program—Allows caregivers to take a break from the emotional and physical stressors of daily care giving. Caregivers are able to take time to tend to their own personal needs and know that their loved one is safe and secure in their own home. 631-321-8229 Ext. 1229.
Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre
www.hispanicbrotherhood.org
516-766-6610
This not-for-profit organization serves the fast-growing population of immigrants from different Spanish language cultures in Rockville Centre, as well as the surrounding communities of Freeport, Oceanside, Lynbrook and Baldwin. In addition to an after-school child care and tutorial program, the agency provides a wide range of senior services, including recreational activities and specialized social services, such as information and referrals, translation of documents, housing referrals, immigration and legal representation in landlord/tenant disputes. With the support of the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, it runs a nutrition program every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 80 seniors.