OUR SERVICESMost communities offer services for elders, to make the everyday tasks of daily living easier to accomplish.
Home Delivered Meals
There are both government and privately sponsored nutritional programs that offer home delivered meals to frail, homebound elders for free or at low cost. Most programs are intended for people 60 years old and over, who have a chronic physical or mental disability preventing them from shopping for food or preparing meals themselves.
Contact your local Department of Aging office for more information.
Resources
City Meals on Wheels
http://www.citymeals.org/getmeals/generalinfo
New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/home/home.shtml
Transportation Services
Depending on where your frail family member lives, transportation services may be available if he or she cannot travel safely alone. Community agencies and service providers include:
• Access-a-Ride
• Dial-a-Ride
• Red Cross Wheels
• Cancer Society
• Life Line
Contact your local Department of Aging office to find out what is available in your area.
Resources
Access a Ride
MTA New York City Transit
http://www.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/home/home.shtml
Books By Mail
Your local public library may offer a service for frail elderly unable to come in to the library to pick up their books.
These programs provide books and other library materials to homebound people of all ages who are unable to leave home because of a temporary or permanent disability. Some materials may be available in large print and audio format.
A signature of a physician, nurse or social worker who can verify that you are disabled and unable to leave home may be required. For more information about New York City’s Books By Mail Program, click here. http://www.nypl.org/branch/services/booksbymail.html
Home Repair Services
Some non-profit organizations for seniors offer free or low fee home repair services. Services include minor plumbing, gutter- cleaning, masonry, electrical, carpentry, caulking, weather- stripping, and the installation of crime prevention devices, as well as some emergency services.
This service can also inspect the home for any safety hazards. Contact your local Department of Aging office for more information.
Resources
New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/home/home.shtml