Adult day care is a community based program of care, conducted in a supervised social setting, for disabled people; it enables them to continue to live independently and at home. Such individuals may be socially isolated, mentally, physically and/or emotionally frail and require the services of a specialized staff. Without participation in an adult day care program, some might require entry into a long term care nursing facility .
Adult day programs are usually described as either social or medical (health) model programs. Social model programs offer socialization, cultural, educational and recreational activities as well as a nutritious hot noon time meal and transportation services. Medical (health) model programs offer the same services as social models, yet encompass such additional services as medical supervision, nursing care, nutritional, personal and family counseling as well as rehabilitative services such as physical, speech and occupational therapies.
Day care programs are designed to enhance one's quality of life as well as delay or prevent continued deterioration or nursing home placement. These programs offer families day time respite and in some instances assist caregiving family members to continue to be gainfully employed outside the home.
Medical Model Day Care:
Cortland Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Cortland Regional Medical Center
134 Homer Avenue
Cortland NY 13045
(607) 756-3900
The center provides a one-stop service to families and individuals as they care for their elderly or handicapped loved ones within the community. The following services are included:
Resource Library offers books, videotapes, pamphlets and articles about caregiving and aging. These items are available for loan to all caregivers.
Workshops provide timely information on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of aging and caregiving, community resources, legal services, Medicaid and Medicare.
Personal Counseling helps caregivers negotiate the service system, plan ahead, and deal with the emotions that often accompany the caregiving experience.
The Caregivers Support Group offers information, understanding and peer support to help with the emotions and challenges common to the caregiving experience.
RSVP Respite Program provides 2-3 hour breaks for the caregiver and social stimulation for the care-receiver in cooperation with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
Family Caregivers Respite Program for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, funds short-term respite care through Home Care for Cortland County, and Cortland Memorial Hospital Respite Bed.
Publications:
Caregivers Support Net - a newsletter for caregivers.
Services offered by the Caregivers Resource Center are free, although donations are accepted
For more information on services offered through the Caregivers Resource Center, contact the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
Proprietary Homes (Adult Homes)
Elizabeth Brewster House Greenbriar Home for Adults
41 South Main Street 46 Cortland Street
Homer NY 13077 Homer NY 13077
(607) 749-7287 (607) 749-7287
Rosewood Home for Adults
South Main Street
Cincinnatus NY 13040
(607) 863-3833
Enriched Housing
Walden Place
A Senior Lifestyle Community
839 Bennie Road
Cortland NY 13045
(607) 756-8101
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Cortland Care Center Cortland Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Clinton Avenue Extension 134 Homer Avenue
Cortland NY 13045 Cortland NY 13045
(607) 756-9921 (607) 756-3500
Groton Residential Health Care Facility Northwoods
120 Sykes Street 28 Kellogg Road
Groton NY 13073 Cortland NY 13045
(607) 898-5876 (607) 753-9631
For more information regarding Long Term Care services, consult the Directory of Long Term Care Services published by the Cortland County Coalition for Long Term Care. Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 753-5060 to obtain a copy.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program , funded under Title V of the Older Americans Act, is a training program which promotes and provides part-time employment training opportunities for low-income persons age 55 and older in Cortland County. Participants work an average of twenty hours per week in public or not-for-profit host agencies. The SCSEP is a training program, with the goal of transitioning enrollees to unsubsidized employment after a training period. It is not to be considered employment. This program is provided through a subcontract with the Cortland County Office of Employment and Training.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, one must be 55 years of age or older, and meet income guidelines.
Supportive Services: Supportive services provided to enrollees of the Senior Community Service Employment Program include job counseling, information and referral, legal assistance, and all other services provided by the Area Agency on Aging, and the Office of Employment and Training. Coordination with other older worker employment programs and agencies such as Experience Works, Department of Labor, and the Cortland County Older Worker Task Force ensures that the best placement is made for each individual enrollee.
For more information about the above program, contact the Cortland County Office of Employment and Training Staff at the Cortland Works Career Center at (607) 756-7585.
Workers Exchange Program: A file maintained by the Area Agency on Aging to list people seeking employment in home maintenance, house cleaning, cooking meals, and errands/shopping, as well as yard work, transportation and odd jobs.
For more information about the above program, contact the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
Other Employment Services:
Cortland Works Career Center, 99 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7585
Job Counseling and help in placement is available.
Experience Works, 99 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7585
A temporary employment agency specializing in senior staffing services
Older Worker Employment Link (OWEL), OCM BOCES, 242 Port Watson Street,
Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 758-1111
Individual/group career development seminars, job seeking skills, resume writing, resource library.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - The Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and may assist with energy bills. Income limits apply. Individuals living in government-subsidized housing and who have no heat or utility bills are not eligible. Renters in unsubsidized dwellings may be eligible for a renters benefit if heat is included in the rent, or a regular benefit if they pay for fuel directly.
Emergency HEAP benefits are available for people who have less than seven days fuel supply, or have a utility disconnection notice for disconnection within seven days, or need repairs to inoperable or unsafe heating equipment owned by the applicant, or need temporary shelter or relocation because of a home heating crisis situation detrimental to health or safety.
Care & Share is an emergency assistance program established by National Grid Power Corp. and administered by the Red Cross, which helps people in need in National Grid's service area with energy bills, provides repair to heating equipment and installs home Weatherization materials.
Project Share is similar to Care & Share, but for NYSEG customers or people living in the NYSEG service area.
Low Income Weatherization Program , through CAPCO, can provide up to $2,500 per eligible household. Referrals are made for regular and additional HEAP benefit approvals. Weatherization includes: full insulation (attic, sidewalls, basement), minor jobs, and furnace repair and replacement.
Handyman Service is a program available to Cortland County homeowners age 60 and over. The service is able to assist with minor home repairs and install safety devices and equipment. This program gives priority to repairs that will enhance the well-being and safety of the homeowner, such as replacement/repair of broken or rotted steps, installation of handrails, etc.
Make-A-Ramp Program purchases and installs modular aluminum ramp systems for use by older persons. The Area Agency retains ownership of the ramps. When a ramp is no longer needed by a household, it will be removed, reconfigured and installed for use by another mobility-impaired household.
Workers Exchange - The Area Agency on Aging maintains a file of individuals who will do minor home repairs, yard work and odd jobs for wages.
For more information about any of the above programs, contact the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
OTHER ENERGY/WEATHERIZATION SERVICES:
Lifeline Discount is a service that saves money on telephone bills. To be eligible for a discount, an individual must be receiving assistance from at least one of the following: HEAP, Food Stamps, Medicaid, SSI, Home Relief, or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Lifeline will significantly lower the monthly phone bill, and a discount on installation charges may also be available. To apply for the Lifeline discount, contact your phone company (the number appears on your bill), or Verizon Telephone customers can call 890-7100
Rural Economic and Community Development (RECD, formerly FHA) - grants and low-interest loans are available to people 62 and over who meet income guidelines, and who need repairs to remove a health or safety hazard in their home. These funds are for repair or installation of sanitary water or waste disposal systems, insulation, combination screen/storm windows and doors, repair or replacement of heating systems, foundation supports, roof and seriously deteriorating siding. Contact Rural Economic and Community Development at 753-9314.
HOME Program - a county-wide owner-occupied, single family residential rehabilitation program. To qualify, a participant must meet income guidelines, prove ownership, and have eligible home repairs that need to be completed (i.e. Roofing, siding or painting, masonry, plumbing and heating, electrical, energy conservation measures, carpentry, or installing handicapped accessible measures). Priority will be given to those most in need of repairs, and those at the lowest income levels. Contact Cortland Housing Assistance Council at 753-8271.
HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - a rehabilitation program for substandard housing, where occupants meet income guidelines, and who live in a town or "target area" which has received funding. In general, target areas include rehabilitation of single family homes and also income properties, where 51% of the units are occupied by low-moderate income households. Town-wide programs only include single family homes or trailers where dwelling and land are occupant-owned. Contact Thoma Development at 753-1433
The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP) Program provides in-home, non-medical services to individuals who need help to remain at home.
Services provided include:
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply, call the Area Agency on Aging EISEP Office at 753-5060. A social worker from the Area Agency will complete a financial and needs assessment. Family and informal support persons are encouraged to participate. Monitoring and reassessment will be provided.
Social Security Administration - James M. Hanley Federal Building, 4th Floor, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 (1-800-772-1213)
Cortland Contact Station - Cortland County Office Building, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY
Representatives are available Thursdays in room 202 from 9:15 to 1:15 on a walk-in basis.
Supplemental Security Income - Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income maintenance program for the aged (age 65 and over), blind or disabled. Through monthly payments, the program provides a income for eligible persons who have little or no resources or income.
The New York Pension Hotline (1-800-414-7714) 10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday
Funded by a grant from the United States Administration on Aging, the HOTLINE is ready to provide information, advice and referrals to New York State residents who contact the HOTLINE with questions or problems relating to their pension or any other employer or union-provided fringe benefits, including health and long-term disability benefits. Help from the HOTLINE is entirely free of charge.
Veterans Service Agency - County Office Building, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-5014
This agency is available to counsel and serve veterans, their widows and children, and to help obtain all benefits to which they are entitled under Federal, State and local laws.
Property Tax Credit - Circuit Breaker
The Claim for Real Property Tax Credit or circuit breaker is available each year from January until December 31. Homeowners and renters with a gross annual income of $18,000 or less may be due a rebate on taxes. The amount of the rebate is dependent on the proportion of taxes paid in relation to income. This program is separate from the property tax exemption, and a person may apply for both. For forms or assistance, contact the Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
Property Tax Exemption for the Elderly
Property owners age 65 and over may be eligible for an exemption of 20-50% of their property and/or school taxes if they meet income guidelines. Persons who qualify for the property tax exemption are automatically eligible for the STAR program with no separate application. For more information, assistance or applications, contact the Real Property Tax Office, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045 (607-753-5040), or the Area Agency on Aging, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045 (607-753-5060).
New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program
STAR is the New York State program that provides an exemption from school taxes only. The Enhanced program is available to homeowners age 65 and older with income of under $60,000, and when fully effective in the year 2002, will reduce school tax bills by an average of 45%. Individuals need to apply for this exemption every year. The Basic program is available to all homeowners, regardless of age or income. Individuals will see approximately a 9% school tax cut per year. A homeowner does not need to reapply for this exemption each year. For further information, contact the Area Agency on Aging (753-5060), the Cortland County Real Property Tax Service (753-5040) or your local Assessor.
Senior Discount Program
The Senior Citizen Discount Program is sponsored by the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging. The Dollar Stretching Catalog, which lists participating merchants, is available, free of charge, at the Area Agency on Aging. For further information, contact the Area Agency on Aging, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045 (607-753-5060).
Lifeline Telephone Discount
This service saves money on telephone bills. To be eligible for a discount, one must be receiving assistance from at least one of the following: HEAP, Food Stamps, Medicaid, SSI, Home Relief or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Lifeline will save significantly on your monthly phone bill, and you may also receive a discount on installation charges. To apply for the Lifeline discount, contact your phone company (the number appears on your bill). Verizon customers can call 890-7100.
HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRIES (Sponsored by the Cortland County Nutrition Program):
Truxton Food Pantry, Truxton United Methodist Church, Truxton, NY 13158 (607) 842-6253
Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Willet Food Pantry, Town Hall, Willet, NY 13863 (607) 863-4887
Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Cortland Senior Center, County Office Building, 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-5061
By referral only 7 am - 3 pm daily; or walk-in Friday from 10-11 am only
OTHER FOOD PANTRIES:
Cincinnatus Rural Services Pantry, Town Hall, Cincinnatus, NY 13040 (607) 863-3594
Open Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4 pm (Sponsored by Catholic Charities)
Marathon Food Pantry, Town Hall, Marathon, NY 13803 (607) 849-3884
Open Tuesday from 4-6 pm and Friday from 3-5 pm (Sponsored by Community Churches)
Cortland-Chenango Rural Services Food Pantry, 2704 Lower Cincinnatus Rd., Cincinnatus NY 13040 (607) 863-3828
Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am - Noon
Harford Food Pantry, "Harmony Helping Hands", Harmony Church, Harford NY
Open the fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Emergency needs will be met if contacted at (607) 844-9987
Virgil Food Pantry, "The Lord's Cupboard", Methodist Church, Virgil NY 13045 (607) 835-6326
Open the third Saturday of the month from 10:00 am - Noon
SOUP KITCHEN:
Cortland Loaves & Fishes, Inc., 13 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 753-3073
Provides balanced nutritional meals five days a week. Meals consist of meat, potatoes, vegetables and salads. Times are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1 pm; and Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 for the first sitting and from 5:15 to 6:00 for the second sitting.
CORTLAND COUNTY EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAMS
The following programs are designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals or families in the event of emergency food shortages:
The Salvation Army, 138 Main Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 753-9363
Provides food for emergency situations for a two to three day period for anyone who needs it. Open Monday through Friday, 9 am-4 pm
Catholic Charities, 33 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-5992
Emergency food service, limited to 3-4 days of basic meal components. A limit to the number of times an individual may return. Open Monday through Friday, 2-4 pm, or by appointment
FOOD STAMPS:
Cortland County Department of Social Services, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 753-9681
The Food Stamp program is designed to help persons with low income buy the food they need for good nutrition. There are income and resource qualifications for the food stamp program. Resource limits are set at $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 for households of two or more persons if one is age 60 or over or disabled. Income is considered as the net income - a figure arrived at after certain deductions are made. Deductions include shelter costs and medical expenses. The amount of food stamps a household receives is determined by the number of persons in the family and the amount of income. An applicant may authorize another person to act on his/her behalf. This designated person may also obtain and spend food stamps for the applicant. If the application is approved, the person will be notified within 30 days. An ATP (Authorization to Purchase) card will be issued by DSS to be used for purchasing food. Receiving food stamps will not reduce the amount of any other payments received by the individual, such as Social Security.
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) is available to help eligible New Yorkers cope with the high cost of prescription drugs. EPIC is intended for seniors who don't already have adequate insurance coverage for prescription drug expenses. EPIC is a cost-sharing plan. Sixty percent of prescription drug expenses will be covered. Coverage is not automatic. Persons must apply in order to be covered by EPIC. To be eligible, individuals must:
Income is based on individual gross income (or for married couples, joint gross income), and does not include the income of other household members.
Persons are not eligible for EPIC if they have:
Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides counseling and assistance to older individuals and their families regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Gap, HMOs, EPIC, and long term care insurance.
Services offered include:
Appointments are necessary, and may be made by contacting the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION:
Medicare - Social Security Administration - Health Care Financing Administration
Detailed information regarding Medicare is contained in the Medicare Handbook, available from the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) Information on specific claims can be obtained by contacting Medicare Part B (1-800-252-6550) or Part A (1-800-442-8430)
Medicaid - Cortland County Department of Social Services (607) 753-9681
Medicaid is a health insurance program for persons with low income and limited financial resources. The Medicaid program is quite complex. Each individual's situation is different, and there are a variety of different provisions governing these situations. It is important to seek information from an informed advisor who knows Medicaid regulations.
Medi-Gap Policies/Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Medicare supplemental plans, or Medi-Gap policies, are designed to pay most, if not all, of Medicare's co-insurance amounts and may provide coverage for Medicare's deductibles. Medi-Gap plans are regulated through the New York State Insurance Department. There are ten standard benefit plans available in the U.S. These standard plans were introduced in 1992 in an attempt to make policy comparison easier.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
An HMO is a provider of health care, as well as an insurer of health care. A Medicare contracting HMO is an organized, Community-based network of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers that is approved by Medicare. In an HMO, you must obtain services from the health care professionals and facilities that are a part of the HMO network, to receive your benefits under the HMO. If you choose to enroll in an HMO, you still continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium. Also, there is usually a monthly fee paid to the HMO, and co-payments when you see a network provider.
For more information about any of these programs, contact the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5060.
Meals on Wheels - Area Agency on Aging (753-5084)
The Homebound Services Program is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging. Meals are delivered to homebound persons age 60 and over on a weekday basis. Cold meals are available for supper, and frozen meals are available for weekends. Applicants are screened on the basis of their health and situation (ie: no one is available to prepare meals for them). Other services provided include information and referral, case management, and nutrition counseling.
Assessment - An assessment is completed for every participant in the homebound services program to ensure initial and continued eligibility. Referrals are made to other community services as appropriate. Each participant is asked to sign a waiver to release information.
Nutrition Counseling - A dietitian will make home visits to review dietary status and provide information regarding special diets.
Information & Assistance - Staff will make home visits to explain programs and to provide assistance to obtain services and benefits to which clients may be entitled.
For more information on services offered through Homebound Services, contact the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging at (607) 753-5084.
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