Aging and Disability Network Meeting Minutes 11/9/16

Aging and Disability Network Meeting Minutes 11/9/16

Present: Elise Miczek (Home Health Care Partners), Tena Bunnell (Home Helpers), Karin Drosdick (Mechanicville Community Center and Senior Center), Katiria Romero (VNSNY Choices), Veronica Lestage (VNSNY), Denise DiNoto (Consumer Directed Choices), Karen Laing (Health Literacy for All), Caitlin St. George (The Eddy VNA), Elizabeth Leggett (Saratoga Hospital), Jennifer Baldwin (Saratoga Hospital), Amy Ponessa (Saratoga Hospital), Jennifer Herrington (Saratoga Hospital), Rachael Pflieger (SAIL), Jess Flynn (Eddy DayBreak Adult Day Services), Kim Anderson Swire (Retired Social Worker), Ginger McGehee (Brookdale Colonie), Diana Martin (Wesley Evergreen Adult Day Services), Maria Geizer (Home Instead Senior Care).

Attendees introduced themselves and announcements were made. The next meeting of the Aging and Disability Network of Saratoga County will be held on December 13th from 2-330pm.
**NOTE: This meeting will be held at The Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga Springs, 5 Williams Street Saratoga Springs. The focus of this meeting will be networking, so please feel free to bring brochures and business cards for all!

Today's Topic and Presenter: Mary Rickard, Aging Services Coordinator of the Saratoga County Office for the Aging, presenting an overview of OFA services and staff.

The Saratoga County Office for the Aging provides services for seniors throughout the County of Saratoga. These services create opportunities for active older people and meet the needs of those at risk of losing their independence. Older people have access to information and referral services, transportation, job and volunteer opportunities, senior center and day care center programs, congregate and home delivered meals as well as case management and in-home services.

Some of the services OFA offers county residents include:

The Caregiver Support Program - offering respite for family caregivers.

Case Management - Caseworkers provided to assist with applying for benefits, budgeting and advocacy.

EISEP - Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program: offering housekeeping and/or personal care and case management to those who are eligible.

Emergency Response Systems
Energy Assistance
Health Insurance Counseling Program
Health Care Screening
Income Tax Prep
Information and Referral
Legal Services
Home Delivered Meals as well as a dining program at selected sites.
Transportation

OFA also offers a long term care directory as well as a services directory for county residents to access and look over.

NY Connects is an important resource that is statewide and offered through County OFAs, including Saratoga County OFA.  Through NY Connects a person can:
Learn how long term services and supports can help you or a family member stay at home, stay in the community, or stay independent;

Learn more about aging and disability resources available in your community;

Decide what services would be best for you or someone you know;

Get help in linking to the services that you need.

If you have any questions about the Saratoga County Office for the Aging, please call 518-884-4100 or go to their website  http://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/office-for-the-aging/