Aging Life Services Program
Older adults can struggle to access aging-related services, transportation to medical appointments, and social opportunities. Our Aging Life Services Elder Care Managers work directly with the client to improve their satisfaction with daily life and feel safer and confident living at home.
What is the Aging Life Services Program?
The Aging Life Services Program strives to connect older adults with services and other folks in their community to enable them to live safely at home as long as they care to. The Program provides in-home social work consultation around all areas of life including health and disability, financial, housing, family, legal, and in-home needs to develop a long-term plan enabling older adults to remain living successfully in their community.
Navigating aging-related services can be complicated. Knowing what is available, who is eligible, and how to sign up can be different from one community to the next. Program staff will work with older adults to identify service needs as well as to improve access to services with the goal of enhancing the quality of life of those who participate.
Together, the client and the Elder Care Manager will design a plan of action specific to his or her needs and desires. Subsequent visits will work from this plan, modifying and strengthening as needed. There is no maximum number of visits required or duration of service. Services for every client are personalized and designed only for him or her.
In addition to professional staff, the program also utilizes volunteers to provide vital in-home services and supports. The Aging Life Coordinator recruits, screens, and trains community members to assist older adults at home or in the community. Program staff ensure a good fit between volunteer and older adult to maximize the value of the time spent with each other.
What Services Does the Program Provide?
Following an initial home visit and assessment, services available include:
- Home visit to carry out comprehensive needs assessment
- Assessment of the home's physical environment to assess safety
- Assistance with paperwork - organizing, archiving
- End of Life planning
- Referral for estate planning, legal services, social services, and support groups
- Advocacy with service providers
- Connection to volunteers in the community for help with grocery shopping, seasonal yard work, rides to appointments, friendly visits, and home maintenance
Who is Eligible to Receive Services?
Older adults, 60 years of age and more, living in Columbia or Otsego counties, are eligible to receive services.
How Do I Access the Program's Services?
To receive further information about the program or to request an appointment with an Elder Care Manager contact:
Columbia County:
Amy Carman, MSSW at 518-275-8700 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Otsego County:
Jennifer Doherty at 518-545-6631 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Are Volunteering Opportunities Available?
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about volunteer opportunities, contact the Aging Life Coordinator:
Columbia County:
Wendy Stickley-Ocker at 518-860-5806 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Otsego County:
Jennifer Bullard at 518-410-3742 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Aging Life Services Program is free to participants as the Program is funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for the purpose of supporting older adults in Columbia and Otsego counties.
For more information contact:
Otsego County Office
176 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820
518-410-3742
Columbia County Office
431 East Allen Street, Hudson, NY 12534
518-275-8700
