Health Care Services for Elders in New York City

Elder health care is becoming a more pressing issue with the % of the population over 60 increasing at a rapid rate. Between the “Baby Boomer Generation” turning 60 and the improved medical care of today leading to longer life spans, the need for quality elder health care will continue to increase. The first thing to do is check out the government sites. They have must- have information for anyone close to being considered a elder citizen, those who already are elders and care givers of elders. Here is where you can find out about all the government Health Care Services for Elders available, which ones you qualify for and how to apply. They also have up to date information on new legislation pertaining to Health Care Services for Elders on the city, state and national level.

One of the best developments in elder health care is the trend to keep the patient in their own homes for as long as possible. It takes the load off of the nursing homes( there can be a long waiting list for the best) and the patient is much more comfortable. This is important especially in the patient with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease who is already confused enough. There is also a trend toward day care centers where the patient spends time in a structured setting, with his/hers peers. The patients get to go on trips, get meals and health care and their family members/care givers get a break. Taking care of a senior citizen who needs 24 hour care is not an easy job I have been there when these programs were as available as they are today. It would have made a big difference to both of us.
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The private sites are listed as examples of the agencies operating the 5 Boroughs of New York. Most of them accept medicare and medicaid. And of course private insurance. Some of them offer services free to those who do not have any insurance, cannot get government help and meet certain income qualifications.

It is never too early to learn about these programs. The earlier you start doing research, and keep on top of the new developments, the more you will be prepared for when you need elder care.

Government Agencies for Health Care Services for Elders

The New York State Office for the Aging
http://www.aging.state.ny.us/
The New York State Office for the Aging has information on many programs available state wide. Be sure to check out all the links. This is a very important site with all the information on government programs.

Department of Health and Human Services

Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/eldfam.asp
Their site has important information on elder care such as Alzheimer’s, Disaster Assistance
Elder Rights & Resources, For Care givers, Housing, How to Find Help, Nutrition, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Government Services for Seniors

Private Health Care Companies for Health Care Services for Elders

Council of Senior Centers and Services of the City of New York
http://www.cscs-ny.org/
49 West 45th Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 212-398-6565
Fax: 212-398-8398
They are an association of Senior health centers and their web site has very important information. For instance, in their Access to Benefits Section, you can download forms to apply for such services as Elder Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage. They have member centers in all five Boroughs.

The New York State Coalition for the Aging

http://www.coalitionforaging.org/
The New York State Coalition for the Aging is an advocacy group for seniors. Their site has important information on government programs and legislation

Service Program for Older People
http://www.spop.org/
The focus here is on mental health.
They have 30 centers in Manhattan covering a wide range of senior care needs such as
Adult Day Center where Adults with memory loss get to socialize and the care givers get a respite as well. They go on trips to museums, boat rides and other outings, get breakfast, hot lunch and a snack. They also provide door to door transportation, Cognitive assessment and evaluation and a wellness program.
Clinic
Adults aged 55 and over, and no one is turned away because they cannot pay. They provide mental health counseling.
They also have other programs including in home programs.

Comprehensive Care Management Corporation

http://www.comprehensivecaremanagement.com/
They are a not for profit organization whose aim is to enable the elderly and disabled to remain in the homes for as long as possible. They serve Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester. Some of the services they offer are: Primary and Specialty Medical Care, Nursing Services, Medications, Occupational and Physical Therapy and much more. You must be 55 or older and met eligibility requirements

Home Helpers Home Care
165 W. 46th Street
Suite 809
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-768-9758 � Phone: 212-768-9759
Fax: 212-768-0317
homehelperagency@yahoo.com
http://www.homehelpershomecare.com/home/
They provide Home Care Service for elderly patients with Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, have geriatric problems or are paraplegic.

Senior Health Partners
Managed Long-Term Care
http://www.shpny.org/
4 East 107th Street
New York, NY 10029
212-427-2600; 1-800-633-9717
Fax 917-492-1159
They are a not for profit tax exempt organization. They offer many elder services including Home health care, Day center care, Prescription and nonprescription drugs. They also will coordinate the services they offer with services you get elsewhere.

Village Care Plus
http://www.vcny.org/index.html
154 Christopher St,
New York, NY
212.337.5600
Village Care is a not for profit organization. Their Senior Choices program for elders offers chronic and long term health care. They have some very important and incisive articles on senior health care issues

The Institute for Urban Family Health

http://www.institute2000.org/health/care.htm
They operate health centers in Manhattan
http://www.institute2000.org/health/manhattan/manhattan.htm
And the Bronx
http://www.institute2000.org/health/bronx/bronx.htm
They have a sliding fee scale and will help you get health insurance. They also operate free clinics for those with no health care

The Jewish Home and Hospital Lifecare System

http://www.jewishhome.org/script.asp?SubCatID=33
They have centers in Manhattan
http://www.jewishhome.org/script.asp?SubCatID=23
The Bronx
http://www.jewishhome.org/script.asp?SubCatID=12
And Westchester
http://www.jewishhome.org/script.asp?SubCatID=30
They have day centers for elders with Alzheimer’s and for visually impaired elders. Elder housing programs, long term health care and much more.

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